Academies
British Showjumping Academies aim to provide progressive coaching rather than one off training sessions, using experienced British Showjumping Coaches, to significantly improve the riding skills and horse knowledge of the membership in a fun and enjoyable environment. For a number of years the Junior Academies have been running with great success and British Showjumping intend to extend this to opportunity to seniors throughout the country.
To find your nearest Academy click here which will take you to the page where they are listed by geographic region.
Each Academy is overseen by an Academy Coordinator and/or Lead coach who are hardworking and passionate in ensuring each academy develops a sense of community which builds friendships and sportsmanship as well as providing consistent affordable, quality training for all levels of riders.
Throughout the year British Showjumping aim to offer training geared towards both juniors and seniors, including mounted and unmounted sessions, as well as talks from equine specialists such as vets, farriers, saddlers and nutritionists. There is also the opportunity join in at some of the Academy camps as well as having the chance to compete against other teams in an inter-academy competitions. You will find details relating to this through your lead coach, or alternatively keep an eye on the dates and venues section of the website.
Academies are run throughout the UK and you can attend any of them be it in your area or not and what’s even better is you can join the training as a non-member* for your first 3 sessions!
You can find all academy sessions in the dates and venues tab of the training page, on each regional website page as well as following the regional face book pages.
As an Academy member you have the opportunity of working through the Pony or Horse NAF 5* Award programme where you can achieve certificates, NAF Products and Free Membership (Horse)! In addition, as a Junior Academy Member you also get the chance to become a NAF Shining Star, Nominations are made via your Lead Coach, which gives you the chance to receive NAF Products and Merchandise and appear on British Showjumping website and within the bi-monthly magazine.
Academies – Your questions answered
Q: Who do I contact?
A: The Sport Team on 02476 698828 or email: sportteam@britishshowjumping.co.uk or contact the Development Officer in your region.
Q: Can I join?
A: The Academies are open to all! All standards, ages, and experience welcome. Anyone wishing to attend must have a membership number for use when booking sessions and to be covered by insurance. This can be either signing up for a free online account or becoming a BS member of which we have many offers for PC, RC and ROR riders.
Q: What is the idea of the Academy?
A: To develop a ‘culture of improvement’, offer progressive, structured coaching. Develop greater understanding across all areas of horsemanship and recognise there is more to it than just riding!
Encourage a camaraderie between the members of the Academy, increase awareness and positively impact membership, retain members, develop a competitive edge, spot the stars of the future but most importantly to have fun and enjoyment!
Q: Is the Academy just about riding?
A: No, it’s about more than just riding.
Members will be given the chance to develop a greater understanding across all areas of horsemanship. Plans include visits to vets and equine hospitals, practical sessions with personal trainers, talks from sports psychologists as well as demonstrations from equine physiotherapists, equine masseurs, farriers and leading riders.
Q: Will all this help me at shows?
A: Don’t worry - the Academy will help you get good results in the ring.
Members of the Academies have achieved great things qualifying for second rounds, the British Showjumping National Championships, Scope Festival of Showjumping and the Horse of the Year Show. Some represented GB in the Home Pony International teams and posted wins at the Pony of the Year Show.
*Online account sign up: https://members.britishshowjumping.co.uk/Security/Register
