By Evan Midford, Website & Social Media Coordinator
Tristan Caswell: Inspiring Excellence in Equestrian Coaching
With over 20 years of experience, Tristan Caswell has made a lasting mark in the equestrian world. As an Equestrian Canada NCCP Certified Competition Coach Specialist and Coach Developer, she is dedicated to both horse and rider, helping them excel at every level of the sport. Her leadership at Stonehurst Stable and Urban Stable highlights her commitment to equestrian excellence and the personal growth of her students.
Leading by Example in Equestrian Coaching
Tristan’s passion for coaching goes beyond competition. At Stonehurst Stable, which was awarded Stable of the Year in 2023, she puts the safety and well-being of horses and riders first. Her philosophy is clear: horses are not just tools but partners, and their emotional needs are just as important as their physical care. This ‘horse first’ mentality sets her apart, creating an environment where both riders and horses can thrive.
Tristan’s Stonehurst Stable is home to Urban Stable, a program for at-risk youth, using horses as a way to teach life skills, empathy, and personal development. Her calm and positive approach to coaching ensures that every ride, whether successful or challenging, becomes a learning opportunity for her students.
Excellence in Training and Competition
Tristan’s experience and expertise have earned her recognition throughout the equestrian community. Twice voted Equestrian Coach of the Year, she is known for her attention to detail and for running well-organized events, such as the Winterfest competitions, which serve as models for other shows.
Tristan has also been a driving force behind creating grassroots competition opportunities, giving new riders the chance to develop their skills in a supportive environment.
As a Coach Developer and Evaluator for Equestrian Canada, Tristan is dedicated to helping other coaches grow in their profession. She encourages them to adopt the Long-Term Equestrian Development model and to use the Learn to Ride program, ensuring they provide safe and positive learning experiences for both horses and riders.
A Positive Approach to Learning
Tristan’s coaching philosophy is simple: there’s no such thing as a bad ride, only valuable learning experiences. She balances honesty and encouragement, helping her students improve without being overly critical.
This approach has helped riders like one of her students, who says, “Tristan has helped me become a better, more confident rider. She always finds the positive in every ride, and thanks to her, I’ve grown so much.”
Her ability to stay calm under pressure and maintain a positive outlook, no matter the result, has made her a role model for coaches and riders alike. Her work continues to inspire confidence, compassion, and skill development in Manitoba’s equestrian community.
Konica Minolta Dr. Jack Hunt Memorial Award – Learn to Train
Coaches who are responsible for athletes developing competitive skills and preparing for competition (i.e., regional or provincial).
National Coaches Week – September 16 – 22, 2024
National Coaches Week encourages Canadians to say thanks and celebrate the tremendous positive impact coaches have on athletes and communities. This week is an opportunity to recognize coaches for the integral role they play by simply saying #ThanksCoach.
