During the month of March, equestrians in Langley, Kamloops, Duncan and Saanichton, British Columbia were given the opportunity to attend multi-day para-dressage coaching clinics.

Attendees learned from Equestrian Canada’s (EC) Para-Dressage High Performance Program Technical Leader Clive Milkins who has been involved in the sport for over 30 years, successfully training horses and coaching athletes at the highest levels.

The events were held in partnership with EC, Horse Council BC (HCBC), the BC Therapeutic Riding Association (BCTRA) and were funded through a grant from the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC).

Parallel Lines: Clive Milkins Clinics showcase EC’s new Para-Dressage coaching program in BC

Milkins, who has a strong passion for para-dressage and developing coaching systems globally, worked with many coaches and closely with athletes of all abilities. “The deep and intense discussions and practical demonstrations on coaching ethics and techniques, on competition structure and self improvement have set the standard for future courses,” said Milkins.

The clinics were designed to educate coaches on topics associated with coaching riders with a disability and to encourage EC certified coaches to include riders with disabilities in their training and competitive programs. “Our hosts, like the Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities (PRDA) in Langley, were the perfect venues to showcase EC’s new para dressage coaching program,” said Milkins.

Milkins felt the clinics were beneficial. “The variety of riders and coaches made for an engaging conferences, covering all aspects of para riding from grass roots therapy, looking at exploring sport as a therapeutic tool, right up to athletes exploring the possibility of taking their first step into international competition.” 

The clinics provided an opportunity to connect emerging coaches and athletes while covering the principles of Para-Dressage coaching including guiding the improvement processes and technical skill acquisition towards an effective development of coaching activities. Each clinic included rider demonstrations with simulated lessons, where coaches were encouraged to engage and expand their knowledge in dressage.

The organizers would like to thank all of the host venues including PRDA, Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association, Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association, and Bonnie Brae Farm; as well as Paralympian Winona Hartvikson of Langley, BC, for her insights into the excitement and challenges of international competition, and everyone else who made the clinics very memorable.

The hope is that those who attended will be able to use the knowledge they gained to introduce more people with disabilities to equestrian sport and identify potential Para-Dressage athletes to strive for the podium.