Join Clive Milkins, Technical Advisor for the Equestrian Canada (EC) Para-Dressage program for one of four Para-Equestrian clinics being held this September and October in Halifax, NS; Ottawa, ON; Sainte-Justine-de-Newton; QC and Markdale, ON. These clinics are designed to educate attendees on topics associated with coaching riders with an impairment and to encourage EC certified coaches to include riders with impairments in their training and competitive programs.
Each of the clinics are offered as one- or two-day sessions with a two-day discount with a maximum of 25 participants. All four clinics are open to coaches, officials, athletes, volunteers, and parents. Registration fees have been highly subsidized through generous sponsorship from the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) obtained by event partner Ontario Equestrian (OE) .
Milkins is a graduate of the United Kingdom (UK) Sport Elite Coaching Program, a Fellow of Riding for the Disabled, and a Level 3 UK Certified Coach, EC Licensed Coach, and NCCP Certified High Performance Dressage Coach. Milkins has a long list of qualifications in equine business management, horse management and teaching. He also coached internationally renowned Para-Dressage athlete Sophie Christiansen of Great Britain who earned eight Paralympic, four FEI World Championships and 11 European Championship titles.
Having been involved in Para-Dressage for over 30 years, Milkins, has a strong passion for developing coaching systems and programs to grow the sport. He has extensive experience providing guidance and mentorship to help coaches develop their students to international levels.
“Para” comes from the term “parallel” and is designed for the independent athlete with permanent, physical and/or visual impairments seeking a competitive career. The clinics will provide an opportunity to connect emerging coaches and athletes while covering the principles of Para-Dressage coaching. It will prepare athletes from grassroots education to international competitions.
Each clinic will include rider demonstrations with simulated lessons, where participants will be encouraged to engage and expand their knowledge. It is anticipated that attendees will be able to use knowledge acquired to introduce more people with physical impairments to equestrian sport and to identify and encourage potential athletes to strive for the podium.
This series of clinics are being provided in collaboration with EC, CPC, OE, Equestrian Nova Scotia and Cheval Quebec. Click here for information on locations, dates and registration.