Coach of the Month - June

Gillian Botten is a Level 1 General Coach and SSTA and has been selected as the EA Coach of the Month for June. Gillian is also currently Chair of National dressage and a member of the WA State Coaching Committee and is currently an A Level Dressage Judge and Judge Educator. 

Gillian was born and educated  in the UK and came to Australia in 1979 where she purchased her first horse. She competed several horses to Advanced level and is currently riding two horses at home. She coaches at home at Maitland Park as well as at Off the Track, Adult riding clubs and Young Rider groups.

Why did you choose to become an Equestrian Australia (EA) accredited coach?

I had been competing in eventing and dressage for quite a few years. My “day” job as a schoolteacher meant a lot of the learning and skills I already possessed would be easily transferable to coaching. Thus I think I am very fortunate in being able to combine my passion for teaching with the passion I have for horses and riding. I chose to become an accredited as a coach with EA as I am a believer in a standardized system of teaching to prevent confusion amongst riders. The syllabus and qualification system was logical and the bonuses of insurance and peer support etc with EA were unparalleled. I had been so used to working in a structured system with recognised qualifications it was easy to transition.

How old were you when you first started riding?

That was a long time ago…! I was 11 years old and came from a totally non-horsy family but they finally succumbed and my father drove  me to lessons at the local riding school on the back of his motor bike!

Is there an EA Coach who has inspired your own coaching? E.g. mentors, and why?

I started learning with Heather Larwood when I first came to Australia. I also trained with Pollyanne Huntington and Edgar Lichtwark. I went through the TAFE equestrian certificate for several years with Zoe Harrison and to this day I still seek her opinion on coaching  She taught me patience and has a similar sense of humour-so essential for coaching I think. These days my go to people for riding are Elaine Greene, Dwight Pedlow and my daughter Sara. They are all enthusiastic and inspirational. I believe it really helps ones own coaching methods and techniques to be coached by people in whom one believes.

What do you think you can contribute to Equestrian Australia in the next 5-10 years?

I will continue judging and being involved in dressage after I step down as Chair as I think Australia is heading in the right direction in the sport and would like to continue to contribute to that. I sponsor a YR squad, JEDS which is run by EWA. I would like to see it evolve as a stepping stone to the HP squads which is the plan EWA and myself are currently working on. I really believe we need to support our youth talent for the future.

List your top 3 major highlights or achievements in the sport

It is always a highlight when riders message you over the weekend with their results and then appear for their lesson with all the details later in the week .

It is great just to enjoy their successes and commiserate in the down times. I used to compete in open dressage but these days I enter online competitions against combinations all over the world. To be still riding is an achievement but to win the championships online was very satisfying! The other highlight was setting up the BEATS squad to champion talented Young Riders in 1994. This was the forerunner of the above mentioned Jeds squad for 2023.

Who are your primary group of clients? E.g. Children, Pony Clubbers, Adult Riders etc?

All of the above! My riders range from 9 to 70. They include ponies of 12hh and horses of 17hh. Some of them are eventers and some dressage riders. Some PC and some Official competitors. I love the challenge of the variety.

In your eyes, what makes a good coach?

Listening skills, a solid foundation of what you are teaching and empathy. Communication is so important in coaching. You have to have a repertoire of several methods of teaching the same content as every rider is different in the way they absorb information and interact.

What are your hobbies/interests outside of the equestrian world?

I’m a bit of a History/English nerd and when I have time study various courses through Oxford University online. I like to travel but short trips rather than extended ones. Our two Labradors receive a lot of attention when I am at home.

What helps to calm you when you are feeling demoralised or under pressure?

Reading! Both hardback books and at the end of the day - Audible. If I am feeling demoralised the family usually sort that out with a glass of bubbles!

What would you consider the most challenging aspect of this sport?

The increasingly litigious society in which we are living. We have to be so careful that we follow the rules when it comes to horse welfare and the way we treat people. This is probably a good thing but has increased the documentation around coaching. It is a high-risk sport which is always a challenge too. The fact that you are dealing with an animal with a mind of its own is the biggest challenge.

What is the best piece of advice you would like to tell every equestrian/student?

KEEP GOING! Horses are such levellers - a 70% dressage test result one week and being eliminated the next but if you don’t give up then the good days become more frequent. Surround yourself with positive people who you like.