Equestrian Australia presents Sam Lyle, Coach of the Year

Sam Lyle is the winner of the 2017 EA Coach of the Year Award, Presented by Horse & Country TV.

Sam is a Level 3 Eventing coach and Skill-Specific Trainer/Assessor. He feels there is no room for ego in coaching and always endeavours to work alongside other coaches as well as the riders to gain the optimum results. He tries to remain approachable and available at all times to riders and their connections and enjoys their input. Sam loves to learn and will take every opportunity to take home knowledge from other coaches and riders and apply it to his own students. He feels it is important to continually try to learn more about the sport, horses and coaching. Sam coached the Australian Eventing Team at the 2017 Oceania Championships and is one of 6 coaches selected into the "GenNext" Eventing Coach program.

Sam coaches up to 30 clinics per year. He also likes to be there for the riders outside the actual competition arena such as talking to them about horse management issues, professional life goals and plans and work alongside other coaches to gain the optimum results.

Sam spends equal amounts of time coaching pony club as he does elite riders. His time and attention are given fully to anyone he is coaching. Sam has always had a natural eye for coaching jumping. His coaching method is simple and consistent. He quickly picks up on small details that can improve combinations and always try to deliver the information in a clear and achievable way. At a major event, Sam feels it is important not to try to change too much but rather focus on the strengths of each combination and try to make small adjustments or simply be the ‘eyes on the ground’ to gain a few extra marks or a better jump round.