The Equine Canada/NCCP National Coaching Awards are presented by ProChaps, and recognize coaches and instructors from all disciplines and contexts who exemplify the coaching and teaching practices of the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Nominees are recognized for their contribution to the sport as an instructor and coach, whether their students are active in competitive sport, or are recreational sport participants.

Provincial/territorial equestrian associations are invited to nominate coaches and instructors in each category, who they feel deserve recognition and meet the criteria outlined below.

Coach Award Criteria

The candidates must:
1. Be a current Equine Canada/NCCP certified coach or instructor (any certificate or discipline)
2. Promote the Learn to Ride or Learn to Drive program
3. Mentor others and promote involvement in NCCP programs
4. Be knowledgeable and stay professionally updated with ongoing learning
5. Promote and demonstrate good sportsmanship
6. Teach in a safe, fun, and positive way
7. Maintain a safe and positive environment

Award Categories

• Para/Therapeutic Coach or Instructor

• Instructor / Instructor of Beginners
– Western
– English
– Saddle Seat
– Driving

• Coach 1 / Competition Coach English
– Western
– English

• Coach 2 / Coach Specialist
– Western disciplines
– English disciplines

• Coach 3 / High Performance or above
– 1 National Award for each discipline in this context

Final award recipients will be announced at the Equine Canada Convention, publicly honoured on the Equine Canada and ProChaps websites and in other media, and will receive a special recognition plaque sent to them.

To nominate a coach or instructor, just fill out the nomination form, and return it to your provincial/territorial association by December 23, 2013.