The Pony Club Australia Proficiency Certificate structure encourages Riding Members to prepare for and take tests which enables them to learn progressively about horse and pony care and riding (horsemanship).
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Coaching Tips
How to Effectively Reflect on a Coaching Session
Table of Contents
- Practise Alone Won’t Make Us Perfect
- The Value of Reflection
- Recording Self-Reflection
- Tips For Successfully Reflecting On Sessions
- Summary
Practice Alone Won’t Make Us Perfect
“Practice alone won’t make us perfect. Progress happens when we make time for thinking as well as doing.”
Bernadette Jiwa
Progress occurs when we combine practice with reflection. But how do we find time to properly reflect in this time-compressed world?
I can’t emphasize enough the value in setting aside time to think about how a coaching session went. What worked? What didn’t? What did you learn?
The Value of Reflection
Coaching lists self-reflection as one of The Top Ten Qualities You Need To Be A Coach.
Self-reflection helps you to:
- Grow and develop as a coach
- Learn from the past
- Not repeat mistakes
- Find ways to tweak and tune your delivery and your sessions
- Better understand yourself
- Consistently improve
Recording Self-Reflection
- Any type of reflection is better than none, but to be effective, self-reflection has to be more than just a few random thoughts on the way home.
- Ideally you want to go deeper than this and have some type of record of your musings that you can later return to.
- The real power comes from formally recording your thoughts and using them to drive action for your next coaching effort.
- Without recording your thoughts, examining them, and formulating a response, it is unlikely that any real change for the better will occur.
- Such records are also a marvelous resource to keep and fascinating to look back over.
- In saying this, and despite being completely sold on the idea, I have struggled with being consistent with this process.
- For me, it certainly doesn’t happen perfectly every time. It is sometimes rushed, it is sometimes done days later, it sometimes doesn’t happen at all.
- A couple of years ago, I started photographing my lesson plans using the Day One journal app, then adding a text-based review following the session. This actually worked OK, but it still meant that I was scribbling a lesson plan on a piece of paper and then had to remember to photograph it. It was also difficult to keep all of the entries together.
- It is only very recently that I have started to piece together a procedure that is showing real promise.
Links: Day One Journal App
Tips For Successfully Reflecting On Sessions
Ultimately, you need to find a method that works best for you.
Here are three key tips that worked for me.
Tip 1: Use an Online Notebook
For me, planning my sessions in an online notebook has huge advantages when it comes to accessing and retrieving notes.
I use Evernote. I love its accessibility (the premium plan – which I have – allows you to create and modify notes on an unlimited number of devices; the fee plan currently allows two devices per account). I find my records are easy to enter, store, manage, search and retrieve. I love how all of my session plans and reviews can be kept together in an online folder – no searching desperately for, or through, paper notebooks.
I haven’t tried it yet, but there is also the option to record audio notes, audio to text and images as part of the review. I am also interested in using the “Reminder” function in Evernote as prompts to ensure I plan and review my sessions in a timely manner – anything that helps!
Links: Evernote
Tip 2: Create a Template
I’ve created and customised a template in Evernote. The template is a table into which I write and review my session plans. The template gives my plans and reviews a consistent structure, helping to prompt the type of information that I need to record.
It simplifies the whole process, making it more likely I will follow through with it. It is easy to enter, alter, update and add to the information that the template contains.
Pictured (below) is the template that I am currently using to plan and review my coaching sessions. It isn’t perfect and is still a work in progress, but it may help you create your own.
Links: Evernote
Tip 3: Record Your Learnings & What To Focus On Next
The final item in the above template are “Session Reflection / Learnings”. This is important to complete for future sessions. If you reflect deeply enough, you will discover something you have learned (or had reinforced) from every session. Without being prompted to formally record something you have learned, you may miss it or forget about it.
Having to determine a focus for your next session will force you to prioritise your learnings and ensure that action from them is planned into the next session. In other words, you will find yourself starting to plan your next session while you are reflecting on the one just completed.
Summary
You want the self-reflection process to be as easy as possible, while being as effective as possible. To give yourself the best chance of consistently and effectively reflecting on your sessions:
- Choose an easily accessible medium where your records simple to capture, store, manage, search and retrieve.
- Use a template for your session plans and reviews.
- Ensure you record what you have learned and what actions will result from your learnings.
Over To You!
If you are not formally reflecting on your coaching sessions, I highly recommend that you start doing so. If you are looking for ideas about how to do it, try creating a template in an online notebook.
Content by:
Michael Carlson State Chief Instructor Pony Club Queensland T 07 3216 1255 | M +61 4 177 464 36 E sci@ponyclubqld.com.au | www.ponyclubqld.com.au A PO Box 293, Northgate Q 4013 | Unit 3/14 Ashtan Pl, Banyo Q 4014.
Coaching Videos: Series 13 - Riding - Turn on Forehand (Click here for access to Videos)
Series 13 – Riding – Turn on Forehand (Right & Left)
PART-1: Riding – Turn on Forehand > Right
PART-2: Riding – Turn on Forehand > Left
Coaching Videos: Series 12 - Ground Handling - Moves Horse's Quarters (Click here for access to Videos)
Series 12 – Ground Handling – Moves Horse’s Quarters (Right & Left)
PART-1: Ground Handling – Moves Horse’s Quarters > Right
PART-2: Ground Handling – Moves Horse’s Quarters > Left
Coaching Videos: Series 11 - Riding - Moves Horses Shoulders (Click here for access to Videos)
Series 11 – Riding – Moves Horses Shoulders (Right & Left)
PART-1: Riding – Moves Horses Shoulders > Right
PART-2: Riding – Moves Horses Shoulders > Left
Coaching Videos: Series 10 - Ground Handling - Moves Horses Shoulders (Click here for access to Videos)
Series 10 – Ground Handling
PART-1: Moves Horses Shoulders > Right
PART-2: Moves Horses Shoulders > Left
Coaching Videos: Series 9 - Riding Forward to Walk/Slow/Stop/Turn (Click here for access to Videos)
PART-1: Riding Forward to Walk
PART-2: Riding Forward to Trot
PART-3: How to use Reins to Slow or Stop
PART-4: Riding Forward to Stop
PART-5: Riding & Turning
Coaching Videos: Series 8 - Rein Hold (Click here for access to Videos & Activity Sheet)
Coaching Videos: Series 7 - Ground Handling - Stop/Go/Step Back/Slow Down (Click here for access to Videos & Activity Sheet)
Coaching Videos - Bridling & Unbridling (Click here for access to Videos & Activity Sheet)
Coaching Videos - Using Farrier Tools (Click here for access to Videos & Activity Sheet)
Part 1 Tools
Part 2 Shoe Removal
Part 3 Hoof Preparation
Part 4 Attaching Shoe
Coaching Videos - Saddle Fitting - Structure/Position/Clearance/Seated (Click here for access to Videos & Activity Sheet)
- Horse Structure
- Saddle Position
- Gullet Clearance
- Seated Rider
- Tip
- Fit Verification
PCQ – Saddle Fitting – Activity Sheet – 202004
Coaching Videos - Grooming & Saddle Structure
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- Video & Activity Sheet – April 2020
- Grooming -Part 1
-
Body Brush – Part 2
Curry Comb – Part 3
Mane & Tail – Part 4
Hoofs – Part 5
Activity Sheet – PCQ – Grooming – Activity Sheet Saddle Structure – Part 1
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Saddle Structure – Part 2
Saddle Structure – Part 3
Virtual Training/Activities Guidelines
Proficiency Certificates Explained
D Certificate
Pre-requisites: No Pre-requisites
Guidelines:
Candidates must have reasonable control of their ponies. Some help may be given, such as allowing ponies to work in company. Many games are suitable for teaching if taken at an appropriate pace.
Objectives:
- To gain confidence in riding, handling and caring for a pony.
- To be keen to learn and improve.
D* Certificate
Pre-requisites: D Certificate
Candidates must have a control of their ponies and show a more secure and correct position for flatwork and jumping.
This certificate is an extra activity for any clubs wishing to include it in their curriculum, and fill in the years between 9 and 12. The D* Certificate is not a prerequisite for any subsequent Certificates.
Objectives:
- To work towards a balanced seat independent of the reins.
- To improve the rider’s control of the pony.
- To have an elementary knowledge of the handling and care of the pony.
C Standard
Pre-requisites: D Certificate
Guidelines:
Candidates should be encouraged to ride in snaffle bits where ever possible. If another bit is used, the candidate should know the name and understand its action. The rider should be able to maintain consistent contact through the reins.
In checking diagonals or leading leg, the candidate may drop the eyes to look at the shoulders but may not drop the head or lean forward. Ideally the concept of feel; through the seat should be introduced here.
The forward jumping position/s with the steady lower leg should be established by the time of the test. Candidates may have to hold onto the mane or a correctly fitting neck strap over the jump.
Objectives:
- To attain a balanced seat, independent of the reins on the flat and over small fences.
- To show control of the pony at all paces.
- Demonstrate knowledge of horse handling and horse care as outlined in the syllabus.
C* Certificate
This is an alternative to the K certificate which bridges the gab between the C and B Certificates. Its purpose is to provide an incentive for members who, having achieved their C Certificate, would value an interim test to check progress and maintain interest.
Pre-requisites: C Certificate
Guidelines:
Candidate should be:
- Encouraged to ride in a snaffle bit where ever possible. If another bit is used, the candidate must know the name of the bit and understand its action.
- Able to demonstrate active riding at a fast pace.
- Developing a correct and more effective seat, independent of the hands and reins when views from the front back and sides.
- Riding the pony to into a light, steady and even contact working towards accepting the bridle.
- Developing feels through the seat and should not have to look when checking diagonals or leading leg.
- Well established in the forward jumping position with a steady leg position and correct rein contact.
Objectives:
- To become an active rider with the knowledge of the aids and how to apply them correctly and effectively.
- To ride simple cross country and showjumping fences.
- To gain practical experience and knowledge of the care and conditioning of the horse in preparation for a strenuous event.
- To have a thorough knowledge of the road rules for horses. to ride safely and sensibly on the roads and in the country.
K Certificate
Pre-requisites: C Certificate
Guidelines:
This is an alternative to the C* Certificate, between C and B. It is designed for the active rider, and covers many equestrian aspects not included in other certificates. The K comprises of a compulsory section and a wide variety of optional subjects.
Objectives:
- To widen the candidates experience in various aspects of horsemastership.
- To become an active and efficient rider who is thoughtful for the horse.
- To improve skills in horsemastership and other horse related activities.
B Standard
Pre-requisites: D, C, C* or K Certificate
Guidelines:
The assessor should not expect perfection at this standard, however a candidate should understand what is being attempted. The candidate should have sufficient ‘feel’ to realise what is and is not being achieved, and have an idea of how to set about improving the work.
The candidate must appreciate that the improvement of the horse’s balance and performance is entirely dependent on the improvement of the rider’s seat and the coordination of the aids. Automatically, with the strengthening of the rider’s seat, will come an increase in the riders ability to ride the horse up to steady contact to the bit. Through this the rider will come to influence the quality of the horses movements. The ability to do this, even to a degree, is a basic requirement for this standard.
The candidate should be able to work and care for a fully stabled horse, and maintain its standard of training and health ie. for approximately one month period.
If the candidate was asked to look after a horse belonging to someone else, they would be expected to maintain the horse’s standard of stable management, lunge the horse and ride the horse on the flat to maintain its level of fitness.
Objectives:
- To gain practical experience and knowledge of the care and conditioning of horses and be able to look after a stabled horse.
- To become a competent, all-round rider, who knows the reasons for what he/she is doing and is able to assess results.
- To rider over different types of fences at specified paces.
- To be capable of riding and jumping their own horse, and assessing its performance.
- To be capable of joining in any suitable Pony Club activities of interest to the rider, for example, eventing, hunting, trekking, gymkhanas. etc. and looking after the horse before, during and after the event.
- To ride intelligently and with due regard for others on the roads.
A Standard
Pre-requisites: D, C, C* or K and B Certificates
Guidelines:
The preparation for the “A” certificate should be progressive and continuous. It is an exam for the serious and dedicated rider who is prepared to devote thought, time and effort to improving his/her riding and knowledge of training a young horse. The years between B and A Certificates must be spent in conscious preparation. Intense or “crash” courses seldom result in success.
The candidate should:
- Apply the knowledge, both in the stables and on the horse.
Knowledge alone is not enough. The assessor must be satisfied that the candidate has had practical experience in the given tasks. - Have a genuine quest for knowledge and a desire to understand the reasons behind what they do.
- Have a well established, balanced riding position.
- Apply correct aids in a precise way.
- Develop the ability to put actions into words, thereby possessing the ability for self assessment.
Objectives:
- To become an educated horse person, able to ride with confidence and style on the flat and over fences.
- To understand the principles of training, including young horses, and to be able to put these principles into practice.
- To be capable of riding and jumping horses of all temperaments and stages of training and assessing the horse’s potential and how it could be schooled to improve ride and performance.
- To gain wide knowledge of the care and conditioning of horses.
- To have a sound knowledge of the organisation and running of Pony Club Australia and the Candidates own State Association.
- To have knowledge of other societies and organisations connected with horses.
State Chief Instructor’s Panel
| POSITION | NAME | PHONE |
|---|---|---|
| State Chief Instructor: | Michael Carlson | 0417 746 436 |
| Deputy Chief Instructors: | Stephanie Commens | 0428 633 235 |
| Deputy Chief | Rachel Lornie | 0418 645 708 |
| Members: | Lyn Coombe | |
| Jan Morland | ||
| Raymond Stacey | ||
| Grace Brodie | ||
| Di Elder | ||
| Carol Paterson | ||
| Sarah Standen | ||
| Sue Bondfield | ||
| Margaret Campbell | ||
| Raymond Kelly | ||
| Beryl Burkhardt | ||
| Jenny Murphy | ||
| Megan Wray | ||
| Tracey Camilleri | ||
| Bridgitte Bennett | ||
| Danae O'Keeffe | ||
| Heather Atherton |
Regional Director’s of Coaching
| REGION & PANEL | CONTACT | REGION & PANEL | CONTACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTH EAST REGION Zones: 1,2,3,26 |
Colour: Gold | SOUTHERN REGION Zones: 4,21,28 |
Colour: Purple |
| Rachel Lornie (RD) | 0418 645 708 | Danae O’Keefe (RD) | 0419 792 051 |
| Tonya Stocker | 5426 8499 | Carol Paterson | 4653 1359 |
| Bridget Bennett | 5573 2432 | Sue Bondfield | 0447 612 241 |
| Jane Bell | 5541 1455 | Stephanie Commens (McKay) | 0429 700 593 |
| Erika Woodland | 3374 2630 | Alice James | 0411 248 289 |
| Jan Morland | 5573 1334 | Raymond Stacey | 0429 872 855 |
| Natalie Anstey | 3886 7312 | ||
| Michael Carlson | 0417 746 436 | ||
| FAR WEST REGION Zones: 12,13 |
Colour: | WESTERN REGION Zones:5,20 |
Colour: Emerald |
| Di Elder (RD) | 4675 4524 | Grace Brodie (RD) | 0427 273 432 |
| Fax | 4675 4632 | Pat Lunney | 0428 052 254 |
| Helen McKeller | 4654 9142 | Patsy Cameron | 0427 265 452 |
| Cara Condie | 4655 0190 | Jessica Cosh | 0448 511 149 |
| Yvonne Webster | 0437 934 456 | ||
| Vicki Groves-Pearce | 0429 013 905 | ||
| Edwina Keating | 0427 273 394 | ||
| BURNETT REGION Zones 6,7,8,16; |
Colour: Bright Red | NORTH WEST REGION Zones: 14,23,25 |
Colour: Black |
| Megan Wray (RD) | 0402 470 616 | Heather Atherton (RD) | 4658 9370 |
| Beryl Burkhardt (Deputy) | 5483 3788 | Penny Anderson | 4658 2751 |
| Barry Brunke | 4122 2756 | Ellen Fels | 4746 7246 |
| Courtney Iker | 0448 807 889 | Rowena Murphy | 0407 030 006 |
| Judy Carsley | 0419 768 597 | Shauna Royes | 4746 7666 |
| Christine Mumford | 0437 730 711 | Alison Read | 0429 701 336 |
| Joy Hamilton | 4162 4536 | Judy Glen | 4658 2566 |
| Emma Muirhead | 0427 854980 | ||
| Rachel Bowen | 0417 220 369 | ||
| Deziree Roos | 0437 340 384 | ||
| Leah Frohloff | 0417 714 386 | ||
| CENTRAL REGION: Zones 15,10 |
Colour: Pale Blue | CAPRICORNIA REGION: Zones: 27,9 |
Colour: |
| Jenny Murphy (RD) | 4958 1533 | Heather Davidson (RD) | 0428 341 311 |
| Claudette Rolfe | 4984 1278 | Lyn Coombe | 4997 1134 |
| Tracy Camilleri | 4954 0737 | Niki Ryan | 4934 1276 |
| Kay Orr | 4982 5124 | Kevin Rosenberg | 4927 2137 |
| Helen Bayliss | 0427 628 755 | Ian Price | 4934 1717 |
| Jenni Smith | 4935 9128 | Carolyn Jutila | 4987 7243 |
| Fay Hawke | 4958 1533 | ||
| FAR NORTH REGION Zones 18 |
Colour: | NORTHERN REGION Zones 11,22 |
Colour: Royal Blue |
| Sarah Standen (RD) | 4067 6003 | Adrienne Kelley (RD) | 0437 110 296 |
| Amelia Steblina | 0481 184 016 | Kay Keys | 5751 3093 |
| Les Adams | 4093 2660 | Kevin Kelley | 4776 3444 |
| Julie Sheppard | 0417 379 900 | Raymond Kelley | 0429 790 082 |
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