Paula De Iacovo - EA Coach of the Month December 2024

Equestrian Australia congratulates Victorian coach Paula De lacovo for being nominated by her peers and becoming the EA Coach of the Month for December 2024.  

Paula began her coaching journey back in 2012 and is now a Level 1 General Coach and SSTA.  She is currently working through the modules to be a Level 2 Dressage Specialist whilst concurrently studying to become a Dressage Judge. She is looking forward to progressing up the levels and enhancing her knowledge of the sport from a judges’ perspective. 

Paula grew up in Melbourne's northern suburbs and was the only family member involved with horses. Her mum tells the story how a 2 YO Paula saw horses in a paddock and said, “I like horses” and from there she annoyed her parents into allowing her to take riding lessons. Paula explained, “As an 8 YO, the lessons were a little on and off, but they showed me the value of good instruction and expert advice.”

“When I was 16, I found the Melbourne Indoor Equestrian Centre in King Lake, a riding school owned and operated by Ross Little and Leisa Zaninelli. I started regular lessons and took every opportunity to work as a volunteer and this gave me an interest in teaching. It was Ross and Leisa who inspired me to become an equestrian coach.”

“As a horse owner, I was something of a late starter and only got my first pony when I was 20. I know all too well what it is like to love horses and not be able to have them in your life except for that one hour a week or fortnight at a riding school. This is why I have spent the past 14 years coaching in various riding schools and giving my best to these riders. I see that my encouragement often leads to them becoming horse owners and competitors of the future. Some of them go on to become coaches having been inspired, just as I was in the early days.”

“My current pony Gus has taught me a lot about bringing on a young sensitive horse from the early days when he could not go in a straight line or canter outside a round yard. Now he is training at elementary and in our day to day work I focus on dressage and also cross-train over show jumps as well as cross country schooling. I have an interest in horsemanship and as part of studying for my Level 2 Dressage specialist qualification, I am enjoying getting into the more advanced movements and learning about the biomechanics then watching and feeling the progress. This not only makes me a better rider it enhances my knowledge as a coach and takes me a step closer to fulfilling my goal of becoming a Coach Educator. Gus and I are aiming to compete at Elementary level in the next 12 months.”

Paula reflects, “Sue Chandler has been a huge part of my EA journey. She took a chance on a young 22-year-old with no qualifications but a willingness to learn and this is a major reason why I have been able to make horses my career. I recently had the privilege of taking lessons with Sue on her advanced school master warmblood mare Harmony and this very positive experience has had a huge impact on my riding.”  

“I loved teaching from my time at Melbourne Indoor Equestrian Centre and Sue invigorated the passion by showing me the pathway into EA. I am forever grateful for the opportunities and guidance Sue gave me, and once I started, I just absorbed it all like a sponge!” 

“At 22 I quit my office job to pursue a career in horses and I have worked hard to learn as much as possible about the equestrian industry, riding and teaching.  I have continued my professional development through ongoing study and the EA Coaching system is the basis of my coaching career as the curriculum covers all aspects of riding, training, competing, teaching and horse husbandry.”  

“Being able to help riders at all levels in all aspects of their equestrian journey is important as not everyone needs a high-performance coach they need sound advice and help with their day-to-day equine activities. Grass roots and riding schools are where a lot of people start and helping future generations to gain a solid foundation is very important and rewarding work.” 

“I am fortunate to have worked at a variety of riding schools and equestrian centres all over Victoria and am currently teaching at Oakwood Riding School and about to start at Ayr Hill Equestrian. I mostly work with students through these riding schools. On occasion i will teach at various Pony clubs but I don't do much freelance coaching anymore.”

We asked Paula what advice she would give an enthusiast such as her younger self, she said. “I would like to think that if you find the right place and people, this will become a wonderfully supportive community. I enjoy being a part of an active equestrian community and I love learning and progressing by helping others to achieve their goals - whatever they are.”

“I recommend that riders find a good mentor with appropriate knowledge and experience, then be open to learning as this is the key to success whether it be as a rider or as a qualified EA coach. For those aspiring to become a coach, I highly recommend the benefits afforded by making what you love a career. It is not always easy, but the rewards outweigh the hard work and frustrations.”

“I would like to thank Equestrian Australia for this award and the opportunity to share my story with other horse lovers. I hope that I have been able to shed some light on why I am proud to be an EA coach.”