Coach of the Month - July 2023

Catherine Shelley is a Level 2 General Coach and Coach Educator and has been selected as the EA Coach of the Month for July.

How did you get involved in Equestrian?
I think from the time I was born I had a love of horses and growing up I drove my parents crazy (who by the way were non horsey and owing a pony was not about to happen as we lived in Malvern) the whole horse thing was completely out of the question, that was until I met my dear friend in grade 2 who was having horse riding lesions at Mrs Bruce’s Riding school on a Saturday and Mrs Bruce supplied the horses and we got to spend 5 hours at her centre learning all about horses.  So, in I 1967 I was enrolled into the MBRS on a Saturday, only because my parent thought it was the best babysitting service on a Saturday but the arrangement made us al all happy.

What inspired you to become a coach?
By the time I was fifteen I was allowed to become a mentor to the younger students at MBRS and I absolutely loved the enthusiasm of the younger students, and their thirst for knowledge kept me on my toes to keep one step ahead in my learning skills. 

Where do you coach? Club/Venue?
I established the Melton Equestrian Academy in 1988 and in that time, I have had the honour and privilege to have many a horse crazed equestrian pass through our gates who have gone onto bigger and better equestrian pursuits. We continue on at MEA, only now I do not supply the horses as covid changed all that.

What is your coaching philosophy?
Encouragement, believe in yourself and never give up, work on your weaknesses and enjoy your strengths.

What is the most important lesson you can teach a student?
Learn from your mistakes and grow from your failures, and when it all come together enjoy the moment.

What keeps you coming back for more?
Horses are an addiction and being able to be working around them still at my age is a privilege, as a coach to be a part of the growth of a student’s confidence and ability is the icings on the cake

What coaching challenges have you overcome?
Being adaptive, when our Paralympian Jan Pike ask if I would be her coach I could not believe how lucky I was, she is a true alethic and I had to learn pretty quick smart to keep up with all that was required in the Paralympian area and with her guidance we became a wonderful team.

What advice would you give to those thinking of becoming a coach?
Be adaptive, listen and observe your student’s needs, give lots of encouragement and never over face them.. become a partnership and enjoy the ride together.