261117: DEVON - BHS CPD Coaching Day - Women s Health & Wellbeing in Equestrianism

Join us for a welcoming, interactive and thought-provoking day exploring women’s health and wellbeing in equestrianism, with a particular focus on perimenopause and menopause.

We are delighted to be joined by three experienced coaching professionals, Louise Towl, Kathryn Howard and Nicky Gibbard, who will bring together physical health, current academic research, emotional resilience and practical coaching approaches.

The day will explore the physical changes associated with perimenopause and menopause, alongside the emotional and psychological impact these changes can have on women participating in equestrian sport.

Kathryn Howard’s MSc research examined the experiences of peri- and menopausal equestrians, identifying the physical, emotional and psychological symptoms they were experiencing and establishing the significant impact these symptoms were having on confidence, participation, performance and their wider equestrian experience. The research also explored what women want and need from their equestrian coaches, and what may be required across the broader equestrian landscape to help women remain active, engaged and involved in equestrian sport.

This research provides an important foundation for the day, helping delegates consider not only what women may be experiencing, but how coaches, equestrian professionals and the wider industry can respond more effectively.

But this is also very much a day about coaching.

Through discussion, practical activities and interactive sessions, delegates will be encouraged to reflect on questions such as:

• What type of coach am I?
• How does my coaching approach influence the people I work with?
• What might a rider or participant be experiencing that I cannot immediately see?
• What do I already do well?
• What could I do differently?
• How can I add greater value to my coaching?

The aim is not simply to provide information, but to increase understanding, encourage conversation and give delegates practical ideas they can take back into their own coaching and equestrian environments.

Louise Towl is a Chartered Physiotherapist and ACPAT Veterinary Physiotherapist with a particular interest in menopause education, fitness and relaxation. She works with riders to improve performance in the saddle and also teaches Rider Pilates, bringing together her clinical knowledge with a practical understanding of equestrian movement and performance.

Louise will help delegates understand the physical changes that can occur during perimenopause and menopause, how these may influence movement, strength, comfort, energy and confidence, and what practical steps can be taken to support women physically through this stage of life.

Drawing on her physiotherapy expertise, Rider Pilates work and her own experience of training and competing, Louise will explore ways in which appropriate movement, exercise, physical support and greater body awareness can help women continue to feel capable, comfortable and confident in their equestrian activity.

Drawing on her physiotherapy expertise, Louise will also explore ways in which appropriate movement, exercise, physical support and greater body awareness can help women continue to feel capable, comfortable and confident in their equestrian activity.

Kathryn Howard is a BHS Level 4 Accredited Professional Coach, a UKCC and British Equestrian Federation Level 4 certified coach, and a British Carriage Driving Level 4 coach. She is also a Para Equestrian Coach and Senior Coach for the Para Equestrian Foundation, a Centre 10 Coach of the Year, and an Applied Psychology Equestrian Coach, Youth Mentor and Assessor.

Alongside her equestrian career, Kathryn has an extensive professional background in business, having worked within senior leadership teams across commercial and educational organisations, with particular responsibility for operations and finance. Her work has also included management coaching and business assessment, giving her a broad perspective on leadership, communication, development and supporting people to perform effectively.

Kathryn is also involved in the development of equestrian coaching qualifications and has most recently contributed to qualification development for the Riding for the Disabled Association and British Carriage Driving through British Equestrian.

Nicky Gibbard is a professionally accredited NLP Practitioner, qualified Hypnotherapist and Reiki Therapist, with a particular interest in emotional resilience, confidence and communication within equestrian sport. A passionate carriage driver and experienced life coach, Nicky brings a practical understanding of the emotional and psychological challenges that can influence equestrians in both training and competition.

Her work also draws on an extensive background in teaching and supporting individuals experiencing significant mental health challenges. During the day, Nicky will encourage delegates to reflect on their own coaching mindset, communication style and the way they support the individual in front of them, considering how small changes in approach can add real value to the coaching relationship.

There will be a structured programme throughout the day, but plenty of opportunity for conversation, questions, interaction and shared experiences, along with coffee, biscuits, lunch and time to chat.