'Blue ribbon' for Scottish Equestrian Association
Wednesday 24 May 2006
The Scottish Equestrian Association (SEA) has received £94,000 in sportscotland funding. The investment, of which £44,000 is Lottery funding, will go towards coaching and volunteering, player improvement and organisational and club development.
Established six years ago, the SEA co-ordinates all equestrian interests in Scotland and, through its 24 member bodies, with a total of 29,000 members, provides pathways from pony clubs to Olympic disciplines such as eventing and show jumping.
Developing the potential of young riders has been a big focus for the SEA and, as part of the coach development strategy, the governing body has a clear plan to guide its riders, horses and coaches along the UK pathway. As part of this objective, the SEA will work to ensure that there are sufficient coaches with world-class experience working within its development programmes.
There is also significant focus on coach education and the SEA's work towards achieving its United Kingdom Coaching Certificate (UKCC) standard. Support has gone to 14 coaches to be trained to level 1 of International Federation for Equestrian (FEI) competition standard (equivalent to level 3 of UKCC). Additionally, £10,000 of the SEA investment has come from sportscotland's Governing Body Club Development funding for coaching development and grassroots participation, while £20,000 in player improvement funding will go to create junior development squads, run squad sessions and purchase equipment.
During 2005, the organisation employed a part-time sports development officer to drive forward its initiatives and programmes. One of the responsibilities was to implement the individual membership scheme to convert participants into members; to date, 486 new riders have joined. Organisation development will also see the continued employment of a part-time sports co-ordinator and a full-time administration position to ensure efficient and effective running of the SEA. The governing body has also been involved in negotiations and the development of Scotland's National Equestrian Performance Centre at Oatridge College, which is in receipt of a sportscotland Building for Sport award of £450,000. Work is about to commence on this facility.
Additionally, the SEA is now one of three Scottish governing bodies to become the first in Scottish sport to be awarded the Foundation level of the Equity Standard: A Framework for Sport.
Muriel Colquhoun, Hon. Executive Director, Scottish Equestrian Association, said: "The Scottish Equestrian Association has grown to represent the majority of equestrianism in Scotland, putting the organisation in a unique position within the Home Nations and the UK. Equestrian sports activities and the equestrian industry is enjoying substantial growth, with more people taking up the sport week by week. The funding from sportscotland has been invaluable in assisting this development at all levels."
Julia Bracewell, Chair, sportscotland, said: "I am delighted to announce that the Scottish Equestrian Association has received £94,000 in sportscotland funding. The governing body has performed well in its strategic and performance plans and is working hard to increase riding participation and attract volunteers, along with improving coaching and riding performance.
"Additionally, I would like to congratulate the SEA on being one of the first Scottish governing bodies of sport to achieve the Foundation level of its Equity Standard. The SEA has shown they are committed to equality in all forms and that this is communicated to its staff and volunteers."