By Jed Lanyon
Seville Pony Club’s Rachael Edwards has taken out the highest honour for a coach after being named as Coach of the Year by Pony Club Victoria and by Pony Club Australia.
Ms Edwards, who has been involved in the sport for over 30 years, said her mind was blown after learning she would be recognised for her efforts at a state level before going on to take out the award on a national scale.
Seville Pony Club made the nomination for Ms Edwards’ dedication to the club and to surrounding clubs in the northern metropolitan zone.
“I don’t think it has sunk in yet, to be honest. I’m just a normal person who lives in Seville and goes about my daily jobs. I still don’t think it has actually hit me yet,” Ms Edwards said.
“I think the highlight of it was, because people couldn’t see you in person to congratulate you, I’ve actually received so many phone calls, messages and social media messages … People who I hadn’t heard from in ages. I think connecting again to some people who I had lost contact with was overwhelming.”
“These awards really highlighted what an impact as a coach you have on people’s lives and that’s something I’ve probably taken for granted until I got all these messages … I thought wow, I just go about my business and go out and teach and keep people safe.”
Ms Edwards has taken an Australian team to coach in China and has just been appointed the sub-junior dressage coach of Pony Club Victoria to compete at nationals next year. She shared the secret for what makes someone a coach of the year.
“I think it’s to just keep doing what you love. I have an absolute passion and a desire to see riders succeed with their horses and when that’s so deep inside you to want to see those riders and horses develop together it just makes you hungry for more success.
“It’s very emotional to watch these partnerships grow in such an amazing manner. Pony Club is such a fantastic association. What it teaches riders and the relationship between the horse and riders is amazing.
Ms Edwards said it’s not only about helping the riders and their horses but the parents too.
“Quite often we have families that have never had anything to do with horses at all and they’re coming to our pony club to get some guidance, so we’re educating the parents as well as the riders.
Ms Edwards was responsible for running online tutorials and competitions for her club and others in the area while members were locked out of their clubs facilities during the Covid-19 lockdowns.
“It was a different way of educating them. Quite often we always have that consistent contact. But because of Covid there were months that we actually didn’t see them.
“We were very keen in making sure the lines of communication were still open … We had to step up really quickly in our technology skills in order to support the riders in the pony club.”
But even now club activities have resumed in Seville, Ms Edwards said there are still some things for riders to be wary of when jumping back on the horse.
“Horses react to grass. So when spring comes it’s a bit like letting a child loose in a lolly shop. The sugars in the grass can actually make a horse a little bit more energetic.
“If you haven’t had a rider on a horse for a while and then you’re putting them on an energetic horse, it’s a recipe for disaster.”
District commissioner of Seville Pony Club Sami Bell had glowing praise for the Coach of the Year.
“I think what makes her Coach of the Year is that she has such a bubbly outgoing personality, but also that booming voice as she interacts with the kids. She coaches them but she seems to be able to connect with them as well as they always have a really good and enjoyable lesson,“ Ms Bell said.
“It’s the way she teaches them is why I find her amazing and my daughter just loves her. She puts herself out there to help everybody and doesn’t expect anything in return.
“Anything she takes on, she takes it personally and she genuinely wants to help and always goes above and beyond, it’s a massive thing to have at the club.
“That’s why the pony club wanted to have her recognised, we wanted her to know we recognise how special she is as well.”
Ms Edwards asks anyone who would like to be involved in Seville Pony Club to take part in one of their ‘come and try’ days. For more information, visit: http://www.sevilleponyclub.ponyclubvic.org.au
