WA Coach Anne Battley takes a step back from her active equestrian life

Equestrian WA recently advised Equestrian Australia that a much loved and respected member of the state equestrian community was taking a step back from her coaching role. 

EA spoke to Anne and asked if she would share some highlights of her involvement in the sport and roles as a coach, rider, judge and passionate supporter of all things equine. She said, “Looking back at a CV I wrote in 2009, I have adjusted the years and I realise I have been coaching for 42 years, it certainly doesn’t seem that long and I have valued the opportunity to put into the sport I love.”

“I feel both honoured and appreciated that Equestrian Australia has recognised my time in the sport and asked me to share some information about my equestrian journey and coaching experiences. Looking back, I feel that my greatest gift has been the wonderful life that has been afforded at my home of 50 years, “Gelfro” in Williams, WA. I have had unfailing support from my husband Rob, without his enthusiasm and encouragement I would not be able to look back on a life so well lived and the personal satisfaction I have enjoyed following my passion for horses and equestrian sport.”

“There is no doubt that my horses guided the pathways I followed and I value the lessons that these special friends taught me. I trained and competed two ex racehorses, Seramic (nicknamed Mickey) a handsome bay who progressed to FEI Level and we were proud to be part of the WA Dressage Team, Mickey was also a successful novice level eventer and show horse and Sterling Silver (Scotty to his friends), a photogenic grey was another special horse, he also reached FEI level and competed successfully in dressage, hacking and Australian Stock Horse classes. Rob and I enjoyed the shared experiences of breeding two Warmbloods as we did the basic training ourselves and both horses went on to successful competition careers and with one sold overseas.”

“Rob and I travelled across the Nullabor three times to take part in the Australian National Dressage Championships. It took us four days to get there and four days to get back, we took our time to allow for breaks and I am proud to say we arrived safely and always placed.”

“Most competitive riders know that you cannot do it without expert advice and coaching. I took in as much as I could on the subject of training horses and riders, and the coach in me began to emerge. I had lessons with Gert Donvig here in the West when he came to conduct 4-5 day clinics in Moore River and Wanneroo and I also made a point of staying on for lessons at his property in Victoria when we travelled east. As a former Danish Junior Dressage Champion. Gert understood the European system of training and the importance of sound basics, he inspired me to pursue Dressage dreams and I am forever grateful that he shared his knowledge and expertise with me. In 1994 I wrote a book called “Simply Dressage” which was dedicated to Gert.  Tragically Gert was killed in a car accident in 1988, his death was a terrible loss for Australian Dressage, but promoted me to take a more active role helping WA riders who did not have a lot of instruction or support.”

“My coaching career evolved from a love of horses and passionate desire to help people train with the guidance of a proven system and principles that I had learned from Gert and went on to formalise through my Equestrian Australia coach training.  Time has not changed my enthusiasm and I believe that the sport has a great deal to offer.  I encourage today’s riders to find a supportive equestrian community that is part of the established and proven EA system then ride, volunteer, help at competitions and learn as much as possible. Online learning is a bonus, but it is important to work on recommendations and discuss the content with trusted experts, as wrong information is counter-productive and potentially dangerous.”

EA asked Anne about the future and she said, “Coaching with the support of my peers and EA officials has been a very big part of my life for a long time but I am finding the time and cost of travelling difficult, however, I am still available to teach here at the farm and in local areas.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who have made my equestrian life satisfying and rewarding. I trust that this story will confirm the wonderful opportunities that exist for Australian enthusiasts and urge those with aspirations to become a coach to touch base with Equestrian Australia and learn where their local experts are based. Good luck to all and happy riding.