Passed my British Dressage Coaching Certificate

I am thrilled to announce I have just gained British Dressage Coaching Certificate Level 2 (BDCC) certification

I have been training and studying for this all year, and along with my amazing cohort, have learnt a huge amount and developed as a coach.

We were lucky to have awesome trainers in Islay Auty and Jenny Ward, and the incredible support of Nick Lawson.

A new chapter in my dressage coaching career.

Congratulations to the whole cohort, you were just fabulous to work with.

Also, thanks to Kings Equestrian and everyone who came to be guinea pigs for us.

#dressage #horses #horseriding

British Dressage Coaching Certificate Level 2

Achievement of the qualification is through attendance on a course of training and assessment. The assessment specification requires learners to:

Complete a series of assessed tasks contained within their learner portfolio, provided by 1st4Sport.
Plan, deliver and evaluate a minimum of six coaching sessions in dressage. Four of the six sessions must be linked and progressive, and working with the same individual or group of participants in order to monitor and review any progress made. The additional sessions will ideally be planned for a different participant type to the linked and progressive sessions e.g. adults/youths/children/para. One of the additional sessions could be at a mock competition.
Demonstrate their ability to coach session(s) in two practical coaching assessments, split into one group session of 45 minutes and one individual session of 30 mins which could be at a mock competition (either in their workplace or in a simulated environment). Observed sessions may be taken from the six planned sessions.

The learner portfolio and the practical demonstrations are inclusive of all assessment criteria. Successful completion will result in the achievement of the qualification.

Level 2 Coaching Certificate Requirements

Full (competing) or Full (non competing) British Dressage Membership
At least 17 years old (please note we cannot certificate this qualification until the candidate is 18)
Have a current recognised first aid certificate that was conducted in-person
Have a current recognised safeguarding certificate
Candidates must have 2 riders at Novice/Elementary Level who they coach on a regular basis, this is essential as the course will require completed case studies and portfolio tasks based on riders at this level.

Qualification and Competency Requirements

UKCC/PCCC Level 1 or UKCC Level 2 (generic or other MB)
BHS Stage 3 Coach (Previously a BHS Assistant Instructor/BHSAI) or BHS Stage 4 Senior Coach (Previously a BHS Intermediate Instructor/BHSII or BHS ITT)
The Association of British Riding Schools Stable Management Test 7 & ABRS Equitation Test No.6
The Pony Club B Test
Riding for the Disabled Coach Exam

Certificate in Equestrian Coaching (Dressage)

About the Author – Kat Williams-Jones

Kat Williams-Jones is an experienced horse riding instructor and freelance equestrian coach based in Pershore, Worcestershire. She is a British Dressage Level 2 and Youth Coach with more than 20 years of experience teaching riders of all ages and abilities, from beginners to competitive riders.

Kat specialises in dressage training, show jumping, cross-country riding, rider confidence development, and the retraining of ex-racehorses for new careers. Through supportive, practical coaching, she helps horse-and-rider partnerships improve balance, communication, and performance.

She provides mobile horse riding lessons, private coaching, and equestrian clinics across Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, and the wider West Midlands.

Learn more about Kat’s coaching services, horse riding lessons, and training advice and read her Bio page.