Potential Prospective Coaches

Qualifications for becoming a varsity level coach are similar at most institutions. In almost all cases, a college degree is required to become a coach at the university level and most will prefer candidates with graduate level course work. Additionally, having management or administrative experience will be a definite asset to you. Prior experience as an athlete or coach in collegiate equestrian is always beneficial. As well, it is advantageous for potential coaches to be familiar with NCAA rules and regulations. Accepting an assistant coaching position will provide you will a wealth of knowledge to make the eventual transition to head coach.

A university level coaching position will include far more job responsibilities than the actual time spent coaching your students. A major part of your job will be to tailor the equestrian team to fit into an athletic format. Team members will become student-athletes, which can be a considerable challenge if they have little or no experience with varsity athletics at the high school level; a common situation for many riders who sacrifice other activities to pursue their riding goals. Riders will interact with many aspects of athletics- the weight room, training room, study table, academic services, mandatory drug testing, compliance regarding eligibility and amateurism.

Compliance with NCAA rules is another daunting part of varsity coaching. Understanding the rules of NCAA as well as rules and regulations of the horse shows you compete in are essential. You need to be prepared to give up coaching any high school age clients that do not live within a 50 mile radius of the university to maintain compliant with NCAA. You will have to become a licensed NCAA recruiter as part of your job. Experience as a judge or licensed official will be a considerable asset in the transition process. As a coach, you will cover all facets of the above as the sport enters an athletic department.

If your coaching position is designated as full time, you may be expected to devote a tremendous amount of time not only to coaching but also to developing the program. There may be significant challenges when introducing a relatively new sport to the current athletic department. There will be few, if any, athletic staff members with experience in equestrian sports. Therefore, it will take effort on your behalf to familiarize, promote and educate staff members as well as potential donors and sponsors. Many members of marketing, media relations and compliance are unfamiliar with equestrian terminology. Coaches will have to learn to speak “athletics” and illustrate the similarities of equestrian to other familiar athletic sports.

As you can see, there are many differences between coaching as a professional instructor with your own clientele and coaching at the collegiate level under NCAA rules. You will find that the potential benefit and incentive package for varsity coaches is advantageous in making a career change. It is recommended you contact various varsity equestrian coaches to get information regarding differences that may exist between equestrian programs and how they operate. Coaches from other sports such as golf, tennis, track and field at the institution you are considering can provide you with valuable input. Again, the more familiar you are with NCAA and Varsity Equestrian, the more likely you will be to get the job!