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2 minute read
Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme Expands Coaching Team with Five New Appointments
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme (TAP) is delighted to announce the appointment of five highly experienced coaches to its national team, expanding access to subsidised regional training for riders of thoroughbreds across the UK.
Joining the programme are:
- Fiona (Fi) – Delivering sessions in North Yorkshire. A certified British Eventing Level 4 and BHS Level 5 Performance Coach, Fi also holds a Master’s degree in Professional Coaching Practice. Alongside her TAP role, she serves as BHS Standards Manager and Senior Coach at Askham Bryan College, inspiring the next generation of equestrians while upholding industry standards.
- Judith (Jude) Barker – Covering the Eastern Region. A certified British Eventing and British Showjumping Level 3 coach, Jude has also completed Applied Psychology for Equestrian Coaches and is part of the British Dressage National Development for Coaching Excellence. Having competed at Advanced level British Eventing with her own thoroughbred, she brings first-hand experience of their talent, versatility, and adaptability to her coaching.
- Julia Nelson – Also delivering in North Yorkshire. A British Showjumping Level 3 coach, Julia has evented up to FEI CCI3* and competed in showjumping to 1.40m. With extensive hands-on experience working with thoroughbreds, she combines deep understanding with tailored coaching to ensure positive, progressive learning experiences.
- Sarah Cumberland – Covering North Lincolnshire. A British Showjumping Level 3 coach with a National Diploma in Equine Science, Sarah also runs her own riding school. A Grade 3 para showjumper, she draws on both competition and coaching expertise to support a wide range of riders and retraining journeys.
- Shelagh Steven – Covering Scotland. A Certified Level 3 coach and BHSII, Shelagh has dedicated her career to working with thoroughbreds in Scotland, England, and Australia. She has also successfully competed in British Dressage at medium level with her own thoroughbred mare.
Programme Director Justine Parker welcomed the new appointments, saying:
“TAP has gone from strength to strength since its launch at the end of last year. With over a thousand sessions already booked, the demand for training has been overwhelming. These appointments come in direct response to riders requesting more opportunities for accessible, localised training. We are thrilled to welcome these new coaches to our already highly skilled team.”
The TAP team now comprises over 20 certified coaches (all Level 3 or above), delivering subsidised training across the country. Sessions cater to all levels of rider ability and stages of retraining, alongside a growing calendar of popular two-day camps.
Dates for all training sessions and camps can be found here https://thehowdenway.com/tap/find-training