The 2025 Para Dressage Coaching Development Clinic, held April 24–25 in Ottawa, ON, brought together coaches from across the Canadian sport system to engage in a dynamic, athlete-centered learning experience. This new format emphasized a “people first” approach, prioritizing mentorship, communication, and reflection—core elements that directly contribute to the development of both coaches and athletes.
Led by Clive Milkins, Equestrian Canada’s Para Dressage Technical Advisor, the clinic offered a blend of theoretical learning and hands-on application. Through personalized feedback, in-depth discussion, and data-driven analysis, participants explored strategies to support athlete autonomy and performance. A key focus was on empowering athletes to take ownership of their progress—an essential component of sustainable success in the sport.
It was truly inspiring to witness coaches engaging collaboratively with new tools and strategies—resources they can continue to build on in their daily work. As we move forward, the insights and feedback from this clinic will play a critical role in shaping future offerings and driving continued advancement.
“The biggest takeaway from this training was the importance of keeping an open channel of communication with the athlete to empower them to develop greater autonomy in their riding. Since the rider is alone in the dressage arena, it’s crucial to empower them to evaluate their own performance and make corrections independently. I feel like we left with some amazing tools, and I’m excited to start implementing a regular reflection channel with my athletes and students to track their progress and development.”
— Nathalie Desrosiers, Licensed NCCP Coach
A heartfelt thank you to all who participated, with special acknowledgment to the athletes who generously shared their experiences. Your contributions were instrumental in the success of this initiative and the future.
“We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, who valued the clinic’s balanced approach. Coaches particularly appreciated the opportunity to immediately apply new concepts, leading to rich dialogue and meaningful reflection. As we continue to enhance and refine our programming, we are grateful for the feedback and commitment of our attendees. Their input will guide the evolution of future clinics and help further elevate coaching standards across the country. We look forward to the continued journey together and to the positive, lasting impact of this new clinic format.”
— Christine Peters, Senior Manager, Dressage and Para Dressage Olympic/Paralympic Program
“For the first time, Canadian coaches were encouraged to think about coaching the human element of dressage, with coach from both therapeutic and sports settings thinking about self reflection and the self determination of their athletes. Looking at roles and responsibilities of learning and education of both horse and rider. A fantastic learning experience where everyone learned from one another and shared honestly their experiences and coping strategies.”
— Clive Milkins, Para Dressage Technical Advisor