Are you an aspiring or established Dressage coach looking to advance your certification? The Philip Parkes Memorial Coaching Scholarship is now open for application.
Equestrian Canada was pleased to announce Nicole Babich-Morin of Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC, as the recipient of the first ever Philip Parkes Memorial Coaching Scholarship. Photo courtesy of Nicole Babich-Morin.
Philip Parkes was a professional dressage rider and licensed coach based out of Rockwood, Ontario until his unexpected death in 2023. He was also a co-host of the popular Dressage Radio Show podcast. Not only did Philip have a superb connection with horses that helped him to become an accomplished rider but, with a focus on continuing education and skill development, he became a valued and respected coach to many aspiring and established riders.
In 2022, Philip achieved his certification from Equestrian Canada as a Competition Coach Specialist in Dressage. Philip took great satisfaction from his role as a coach and he firmly believed that by providing good coaching, he could affect and inspire more dressage riders than by simply being a good rider himself. Philip recognized that licensing helps maintain a high standard of coaching, which is essential for the development of both horses and riders in a discipline as precise and demanding as dressage. The licensed coaching program also promoted values that were important to Philip in his coaching career, including safety and well-being, consistency in instruction, credibility and trust, and promoting growth of the overall equestrian sport.
Developing dressage instructors and coaches requires a significant time and financial commitment. In Canada, at the national and provincial levels there are currently several avenues to instructor and coach designations and certifications. The goal of the Philip Parkes Memorial Coaching Scholarship is to help bridge the financial gap faced by aspiring and/or established dressage coaches who are interested in advancing their coaching certifications.
To donate: click the following link and then from the Fund drop down menu, select Philip Parkes Memorial Coaching Scholarship
https://equestrian.ca/community/get-connected/donate
To apply to be a scholarship recipient, use the following link:
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/95ba7c022d504491b104073b1e3e06ce
Application Deadline is December 31, 2025.