Career Pathways
Career Pathways
BHS Professional Coach
Career Pathways in Equestrian Excellence
Welcome to Kathryn Howard’s Equestrian Coaching – Career Pathways, a dedicated programme supporting riders, coaches, and equestrian professionals to develop clear, structured pathways towards long-term success in equestrian sport and the wider equestrian industry.
Based in the West Country, United Kingdom, Kathryn works locally and nationally with individuals, schools, teams, and equestrian organisations, providing mentoring, preparation, and professional development aligned with recognised equestrian standards and qualifications.
EQUESTRIAN CAREER PATHWAYS FOR RIDERS & YOUNG PEOPLE
Kathryn supports riders and young people working towards formal equestrian achievements and competitive goals, including:
• Duke of Edinburgh Awards
• NSEA Schools competitions
• Youth equestrian development programmes
• Team preparation and performance planning
Through bespoke mentoring and structured preparation, Kathryn helps riders develop:
• Confidence and leadership skills
• Technical and psychological readiness
• Goal clarity and progression planning
• Healthy performance habits
Each pathway is tailored to the individual or team, ensuring support is appropriate, ethical, and achievable.
INDIVIDUAL MENTORING & TEAM PREPARATION
Kathryn specialises in personalised mentoring for equestrian qualifications, competitions, and team development.
Her approach includes:
• One-to-one mentoring sessions
• Team coaching and preparation
• Strategic planning and performance development
• Supporting both ridden and non-ridden roles
Kathryn’s experience across disciplines allows her to support individuals and teams with clarity, confidence, and consistency.
EQUESTRIAN ENTERPRISE & BUSINESS SUPPORT
Kathryn offers professional consultancy and mentoring for equestrian enterprises, supporting both new and established businesses within the equestrian sector.
Enterprise support includes:
• Business planning and strategic development
• Centre accreditation preparation
• Operational mentoring and assessment
• Staff development and support
Drawing on senior leadership experience alongside equestrian expertise, Kathryn provides practical, grounded guidance to help equestrian businesses grow sustainably and professionally.
COACHING THE COACH
Professional Development for Equestrian Coaches
Kathryn’s Coaching the Coach programme is designed to support equestrian instructors, mentors, and coaches in developing their skills, confidence, and professional impact.
This service supports coaches to:
• Refine coaching techniques and communication
• Develop effective training programmes
• Strengthen understanding of equestrian theory and practice
• Enhance confidence in supporting diverse riders
Support is delivered through:
• One-to-one mentoring
• Group workshops
• Ongoing professional mentorship
Kathryn’s coaching empowers instructors to work ethically, confidently, and effectively within modern equestrian sport.
WHAT COACHES SAY
“Kathryn’s Coaching the Coach programme has transformed my approach to teaching equestrian skills. Her personalised mentoring and insightful workshops have equipped me with new strategies to engage and motivate my students effectively. I’ve seen noticeable improvements in both my coaching abilities and the performance of my riders. Kathryn’s dedication and expertise are truly inspiring.”
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS & SAFEGUARDING
Kathryn Howard is a highly qualified and accredited equestrian professional, committed to best practice, safeguarding, and continued professional development.
Qualifications and credentials include:
• MSc. BEF, BHS and BC Level 4 Accredited Professional Coach
• APEC Advanced Coach
• Professional qualifications in performance coaching
• Professional qualifications in equestrian coaching and training
• First Aid trained
• Fully insured
• Safeguarding and Protecting Children trained
• Mental Health First Aid certified
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults trained
• Criminal Record checked
• Committed to continued professional development
This ensures all mentoring, coaching, and consultancy services are delivered safely, ethically, and professionally.
BUILD YOUR EQUESTRIAN CAREER PATHWAY
Whether you are:
• A young rider developing leadership and competition skills
• A coach seeking professional development
• An equestrian enterprise building sustainable operations
• A team preparing for qualifications or competition
Kathryn Howard offers structured, supportive career pathways tailored to your goals.
Get in touch today to discuss how career pathway mentoring and professional development can support your journey in equestrian sport and the wider equestrian industry.
Thank you for your expertise, patience, and enthusiasm throughout the entire session It is evident your deep knowledge and passion for carriage driving and riding is exceptional. Your ability to explain the intricacies of this art form and make it accessible to all is truly outstanding. Your guidance and instruction were clear, concise, and tailored to our specific needs, which helped us all grasp the fundamentals reallyquickly. You have infectious enthusiasm and a genuine love for what you do. Your passion was contagious, and it fueled our excitement and motivation to learn more. Your dedication to ensuring all our safety and comfort during the lesson was truly appreciated, and it made the entire experience even more enjoyable. Can’t wait for the next one!Rachel Ball
I met Kathryn today for the first time as I audited a clinic I had hoped to drive at. I was excited before going but afterwards am impatient for our next. Kathryn had my four favourite attributes of a coach . 1.She put the welfare of the horses high and made practical solutions to reduce their effort . 2. Her knowledge is vast yet extremely clearly communicated. 3. She has been enthusiastic in the run up, during the clinic and even at the end of a long day! She made everyone taking part feel enthused, engaged and enabled 4 She was kind. This is so under rated in equestrianism. Tense equestrians make tense horses and I am a pretty tense person but I felt able to ask her my ‘silly questions’ and not made to feel ‘silly’ about them . She has that rare attribute of imparting confidence. Thank you so much Kathryn ! I am so very excited for next time, and excited about how I’ll become better for my ponies thanks to you!Lubin Lukes
Claire DomeDuring a challenging time dealing with menopause anxiety, Kathryn provided not only exceptional equestrian coaching but also a supportive environment that allowed me to relax and regain my balance. Her understanding and adaptability were invaluable in helping me find solace and joy in riding again.
Jane JonesKathryn's guidance as our school equestrian team coach has been invaluable. Her dedication and expertise have not only enhanced our technical skills but have also fostered a strong sense of teamwork and camaraderie among us. Kathryn's encouragement and strategic approach have enabled us to achieve remarkable progress and success in competitions. She is not just a coach but a mentor who inspires us to strive for excellence both in and out of the arena. We are grateful to have Kathryn leading our team!
Sue BallKathryn has been an incredible coach for me as a para rider. Her understanding of adaptive riding techniques and her patience have helped me progress immensely. She creates a supportive and inclusive environment where I feel comfortable pushing my boundaries and improving my skills. Kathryn's dedication and encouragement have not only made me a better rider but have also boosted my confidence in and out of the saddle. I am grateful for her expertise and unwavering support on this journey
Lucy WilliamsonAfter many years of riding, I sought Kathryn's expertise to refine my technique. Her attention to detail and deep understanding of horse behaviour have taken my riding to new heights. Her lessons are always insightful and tailored to challenge and improve my skills. She's truly a coach who knows how to bring out the best in her riders.
Mrs JacksonMy child has thrived under Kathryn's coaching. Her ability to connect with young riders is exceptional, instilling in them not just riding skills but also a love for horses and a sense of responsibility. I couldn't recommend her more highly for anyone looking for a coach who truly cares about their students
Ian RichardsAs a novice in the equestrian world, I couldn't have asked for a more patient and knowledgeable coach than Kathryn. Her gentle guidance and clear instructions helped me build confidence with every lesson. Thanks to her expertise, I've grown from a nervous rider to someone who truly enjoys the connection with horses.
Tilly StevensI've had the privilege of being mentored by Kathryn in my journey as an equestrian coach. Her mentorship has been transformative, offering insights into effective coaching techniques and the importance of empathy in teaching. She's not only a skilled instructor but also a role model for aspiring coaches like myself.
Para Equestrian Foundation - Di Green (Team GB, Para Dressage)Kathryn crosses the exciting ride and drive divide with some great experience in both the ridden and driven spheres. Kathryn specialises in youth and para coaching, unlocking potential and giving a huge confidence boost to those she supports.
An experienced equine trainer herself, she has produced some stunning horses and ponies, from KWPN athletes to Welsh Section D pony superstars. She is known for her patient, empathetic approach.
Kathryn is a BHS Accredited Professional Coach, British Carriage Driving Accredited Coach and APEC - Advanced Coach with the renowned Centre 10. She also has a great deal of experience in performance coaching. We are delighted to be working with her...
Kristy GreenHad the most amazing day today with my driving pony, we learnt so much in our session today with Kathryn and can't wait until our next one. I can't recommend Kathryn enough, she is lovely and kind and made me feel very relaxed which is what I need.
Lucy HeardA real star. I observe the way Kathryn connects with horse and rider. It is wonderful to see. Kathryn has a natural empathy that enables her to coach a wide variety of people with ease. She gives her whole and undivided attention to the pupil in question with remarkable results. Kathryn is especially good with teenagers and treats them as an equal whilst giving them the skills to improve their techniques to get better results from their horses. Her coaching skills are second to none - highly recommended.
Paul and Frances Atkinson - International Equestrian JudgesKathryn Howard is an exceptional talent in the world of carriage driving. She has not only succeeded at a high level as a competitor in horse driving trials, she has excelled in the most prestigious Private Driving sector in the UK show rings. Kathryn is a proven trainer of driving horses and is known for her patient, empathetic approach with the horses in her care. She has a carefully planned (flexible) training regimen that the horses seem to appreciate and she has proven her complete adaptability over the past years. Even highly strung, or previously misunderstood horses relax in her care. She is meticulous in her animal husbandry and in her preparation of a future competition horse. We can highly recommend her coaching to anyone who aspires to driving carriage horses.
Anne Tinbergen, BHS I, Advanced AssessorOver the years that I have known and been following the progress of Kathryn and her team, I have been continually and increasingly impressed by the sensitive, knowledgeable and calm education the horses in her care receive. They are developed at their own pace and all without exception, become confident well balanced individuals that clearly enjoy their job. The horses are loved for who they are and are always exceptionally well turned out and well presented. I have known Kathryn for many years and have always admired and respected her values, empathy and knowledge. Can’t recommend highly enough.
Alannah HuntKathryn is a formidable talent, who excels in everything she puts her mind to. She has the skills and attributes to bring the best out of horses - regardless of their age or temperament. She also has the patience and determination to succeed, regardless of the challenge. I would have no hesitation in recommending her.
Antonia MortimerI was at the point of giving up; my kind but excitable chestnut mare had un nerved me during the previous few years. Luckily I went to Kathryn for help. Her her warmth and positive approach quickly put me at ease. Through her patience and deep understanding of horses Kathryn gave me the confidence to overcome my fears. During the coaching session I was given advice on my position which allowed me to immediately feel more stable in the saddle. Kathryn’s style is very reassuring and confidence boosting. She has given me a greater understanding of what is going through my horse’s brain, encouraging a sense of teamwork and partnership between us. A truly positive experience.
Jacqui CottenhamKathryn has been an enormous support to my horse Chilli and to me. Her coaching style is relaxed and friendly and she is willing to work through individual issues at a pace which I can deal with and understand! She gives excellent advice and is able to see where a small change can sometimes make a big difference. Always positive and encouraging. Highly recommended.
Colette Fowler-MarsonKathryn has helped us with excellent, supportive and ongoing sessions with our horses. She has enormous positivity and a “can do “ attitude, which builds your confidence. I am so enjoying the development and growth. Kathryn has helped me achieve things I never thought I could. I would recommend her as a coach to anyone!