Meet our local Coach - Richard Seals!

With a career grounded in both passion and continuous development, Richard Seals is a name synonymous with progressive, athlete-centered coaching in British Showjumping. His journey into coaching was sparked by two key influences—his mother Hilary, a dedicated dressage coach, and renowned Olympic dressage rider Richard Davison. Their encouragement and example laid the foundation for what has become a rewarding and multi-faceted role in British equestrian sport.

Richard began coaching alongside his riding career, quickly establishing himself as a thoughtful and committed mentor. His formal coaching qualifications began in 2012 with his UKCC Level 2, progressing to Level 3 in 2015, and now achieving his Level 4 qualification in February 2025. His rise through the coaching ranks has been marked by a strong commitment to education and a willingness to learn from a wide range of professionals.

Throughout his career, Richard has had the privilege of working with some of the most respected names in equestrian sport, including Di Lampard, Ludger Beerbaum, Corrine Bracken, and John Ledingham. These experiences have broadened his perspective and deepened his understanding of performance, horsemanship and rider development. But his learning hasn’t stopped at the arena gate.

Keen to bring fresh thinking into his coaching philosophy, Richard has also worked with leading figures outside the equestrian world. From Professor Tony Ghaye, a performance psychologist, to Rob Howley, Clive Woodward, and Eric Steele—experts in elite-level rugby and football—Richard has consistently sought out opportunities to enhance his knowledge of leadership, high performance and athlete welfare.

Today, Richard serves as a UKCC Level 4 coach, Lead Academy Coach for Derbyshire, West Midlands & Staffordshire, and Dyfed, as well as a National Sport Committee Member. His focus is not only on technical skill but also on building confident, resilient riders who are capable of developing long-term partnerships with their horses.

Why I Chose Coaching: Richard Seals on the Value of Certified Coaching in British Showjumping

For Richard Seals, becoming a British Showjumping coach wasn’t just a career decision—it was a calling shaped by a lifelong passion for the sport and a desire to support the development of both horses and riders.

“What drew me in,” Richard explains, “was the opportunity to help people grow—not just in their riding, but in their confidence, decision-making, and problem-solving.” Over the years, Richard has progressed through the British Showjumping coaching structure. Along the way, he’s had the privilege of working with and learning from top professionals in and out of equestrian sport.

One of the key benefits of becoming a certified coach, Richard believes, is how much you learn as a coach. “Every rider is different—different goals, different strengths, different challenges. You’re constantly developing your coaching style to suit the individual and the scenario.” That adaptability, he says, is honed not just through experience, but through watching and working alongside other coaches. “You pick up so much from observing different teaching styles—how they communicate, how they build a rider’s confidence, how they break down a problem.”

A turning point in Richard’s development came in 2022 when he completed the National Development Programme for Coaching Excellence (NDPCE). The cross-discipline nature of the programme opened up new ways of thinking. “It was fascinating to explore decision-making strategies used in other sports and how they could apply to showjumping. It gave me tools I hadn’t used before and widened my coaching perspective considerably.”

Beyond the technical knowledge, Richard is a strong advocate for the sense of community that comes with coaching. “It creates a network of like-minded people who you can talk to, bounce ideas off, and learn from. That support is invaluable—especially in a role that can sometimes feel quite isolated.”

Richard’s experience highlights the importance of working with a certified British Showjumping coach. These coaches aren’t just skilled riders—they’re trained professionals who have invested in their education and are committed to helping others reach their potential in a safe, structured and supportive environment.

Academy Coaching with Purpose: Richard Seals on Developing Young Talent Through British Showjumping Academies

For Richard Seals, working with British Showjumping Academies is not just about developing future competitors—it’s about building a strong foundation in horsemanship, welfare, and personal growth for young riders across the UK. As a Lead Academy Coach for Derbyshire, West Midlands & Staffordshire, and Dyfed, Richard plays a key role in shaping training programmes that offer much more than time in the saddle.

“Academies offer a fantastic grounding for children,” Richard explains. “They’re an opportunity to introduce young riders not only to the sport of showjumping, but to the wider responsibilities of good horse care, welfare and sportsmanship. It’s important they understand that being a rider is about more than just what happens in the ring.”

When a rider joins an Academy, they benefit from a structured approach to their development. Each Academy is led by a designated coach, who sets out a tailored training programme for the year. Riders can then work closely with that lead coach or supporting coaches throughout the season, giving them clear goals and consistent support. Sessions include a combination of mounted exercises and unmounted training, with a strong focus on groundwork, horse management, and understanding the physical and mental needs of the horse.

Richard’s experience extends far beyond the UK. His coaching journey has taken him across Europe and the United States, attending major shows such as the Global Champions Tour, Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), and Ocala, where he has observed world-class coaching and performance environments first-hand. “Watching how top-level coaches work with elite athletes has been invaluable. You learn so much about preparation, consistency and the relationship between coach and rider.”

Richard is also part of a US-based research group exploring the connection between training and equine injury recovery. This scientific insight directly informs his work with British Showjumping Academies. “The more we understand about how training can support rehabilitation or prevent injury, the more effectively we can prepare our horses. I bring those findings back into the coaching I do—especially in Academy sessions where young riders are still developing their awareness and technique.”

This blend of international experience, research-driven insight, and practical day-to-day coaching ensures Richard brings a well-rounded, thoughtful approach to Academy training. His commitment to giving back through coaching helps shape not only capable riders, but well-informed and responsible horse owners.

British Showjumping Academies are open to riders of all levels and provide a structured, goal-focused environment to learn and grow. With expert guidance from coaches like Richard Seals, young athletes gain the tools, knowledge and support they need to thrive—both now and in their future riding careers.

Coaching with Purpose: Richard Seals on Confidence, Clarity and Rider-Centered Development

For Richard Seals, coaching is about far more than technical performance or results in the ring—it's about building confident, capable riders and horses through thoughtful, individualised development. His coaching philosophy is grounded in a rider-centred approach, where safety, wellbeing, and long-term progression come before podium finishes.

“Every horse and rider combination is different,” Richard explains. “They each come with their own strengths, challenges and ambitions. My job is to help them work towards their goals safely, sensibly, and with a clear understanding of what they’re doing and why.”

Safety sits at the heart of Richard’s coaching values. Sessions are carefully structured to ensure both horse and rider are mentally and physically prepared, and there’s a strong emphasis on positive experiences—enjoying the process, not just chasing results. “I want riders to have a good time and feel supported, but also to understand that building confidence and skills doesn’t mean skipping the fundamentals.”

A strong advocate of “brilliant basics”, Richard believes that a deep understanding of training foundations is what ultimately leads to success. Riders are encouraged to ask questions, reflect, and engage actively with what they’re doing. “It’s not about running before you can walk. When riders understand why they’re doing an exercise, they build lasting confidence—and that confidence transfers into their competitive riding.”

Richard uses SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound) to provide structure and direction in his sessions. These goals help riders stay focused on personal progression rather than just results. “Winning isn’t always the measure of success. Sometimes the goal is simply to complete a round confidently or to improve communication with the horse. Those small wins are the building blocks of long-term achievement.”

His work with Professor Tony Ghaye as part of the National Development Programme for Coaching Excellence (NDPCE) helped shape his approach to reflection and language. Many riders naturally focus on what went wrong—what they didn’t do well. Richard’s goal is to help them reframe that thinking. “We focus on positive reflection—what went well, what progress was made, and what can be improved. Mistakes aren’t failures, they’re learning opportunities, and that shift in mindset is incredibly powerful.”

Language plays a crucial role in this process. Richard places importance on using constructive, encouraging language to help riders process feedback in a healthy way. “If you focus on what’s going wrong, confidence will dip. If you focus on what you’ve improved and what you can change, the rider is more motivated and engaged.”

Ultimately, Richard’s coaching philosophy is about developing the rider as a whole—technically, mentally and emotionally—at a pace that suits both them and their horse. His blend of practical expertise, academic insight and compassionate communication continues to make a lasting impact on those he works with.

In British Showjumping’s network of accredited coaches, professionals like Richard Seals offer not just instruction, but inspiration—proving that success in the sport begins with the right mindset, sound foundations, and a clear sense of purpose. You can find a coach in your local area here.