The Equestrian Athlete Coach Team
A team of coaches and practitioners who share a belief that both horse and rider are athletes.
We share an interest in helping horses and riders enjoy their partnership, develop their abilities and explore what they can achieve together.
Each member of the team has their own experience, expertise and programmes, and we enjoy collaborating to create opportunities for riders and coaches.
How the Equestrian Athlete Coach Team Began
During a visit to the University of Bath with my fellow Centre10 coaches, Charlie asked us a question that stayed with me: “What would it take for riders to identify as athletes?”
I spent a great deal of time exploring that question, reflecting on my experiences as a competition rider, talking with riders I coached and discussing ideas with fellow coaches at professional development events. Those conversations inspired me to write The Equestrian Athletes Journal and The Equestrian Athlete.
My collaboration with Sarah at Danesmoor Eventing showed me how much we could offer riders by working together. I went on to create the Equestrian Athlete Coach Team as an online hub for independent coaches and practitioners who share a belief in both horse and rider as equestrian athletes.
Today, our shared interest is supporting the partnership between horse and rider. Each member has their own business, expertise and programmes, and we enjoy working together when opportunities arise.
Horse & Rider Partnerships
Every horse and rider partnership has its own story, with different experiences, ambitions and opportunities to learn.
Our team includes specialists in equestrian coaching, performance psychology, rider posture, fitness and coach development. We share an interest in understanding how these different areas contribute to the experience of riding, training and competing.
We believe that supporting both horse and rider creates opportunities for learning, developing confidence and enjoying the experiences they share.
Meet the Team
Meet the coaches and practitioners who make up the Equestrian Athlete Coach Team. Each has their own professional experience, areas of expertise and opportunities for riders and coaches to explore.
Visit their individual profiles to find out more about their work.
Danny Anholt
Equestrian Coach & Coach Educator
Danny is a Fellow of the British Horse Society, British Eventing Accredited Trainer and experienced coach educator. His coaching reflects a thoughtful, empathetic approach to developing horses, riders and fellow coaches.
Sarah Gairdner
Event Rider & Accredited Coach
Sarah is a Level 4 Coach and experienced event rider who produces and competes horses at Danesmoor Eventing. Her coaching combines technical expertise, competition experience and a strong commitment to developing horses for the future.
Alison Kenward
Senior Coach & Coach Developer
Alison is a BHS Senior Coach, British Dressage Judge and UKCC Level 3 Coach with more than 30 years' experience. She is the founder of Equestrian Heroes, with expertise in rider coaching, coach development, programme design and equestrian business mentoring.
Charlie Unwin
Performance Psychologist
Charlie is a performance psychologist and co-founder of Centre10, with extensive experience working in elite sport. His expertise in performance and coach development has contributed to the development of psychological skills training within equestrian coaching.
Phil Pask
Chartered Physiotherapist
Phil is a world-class Chartered Physiotherapist with extensive experience working with elite athletes. His expertise in physiotherapy and elite sports performance brings a valuable perspective to the Equestrian Athlete Coach Team.
Charlotte & Hannah Pask
Charlotte and Hannah are professional dancers and fitness coaches with a specialist interest in rider fitness. Their programmes use their understanding of movement, strength, balance and flexibility to help riders develop their physical fitness for riding.
