About Rebecca
Rebecca is a British Horse Society Stage 4 Coach based in Newport, Co. Specialising in dressage and eventing coaching and racehorse retraining, she helps clients to recognise and reach their full potential, whatever that means to the individual rider. From Championship competition to learning to be confident and comfortable in the saddle, she provides coaching for all levels and age
s of rider on their own horses. Rebecca provides dressage, eventing, showjumping and cross-country coaching, as well as lunging and horse care sessions. My Approach to Coaching
As an equestrian coach, I believe in working with the whole horse and rider system, not just focusing on riding alone. My approach goes beyond the saddle to address key elements like tack suitability and fitting, the physical needs of the horse, and the mental performance of the rider. I offer more than just a lesson once a week—my goal is to provide continuous support, insights, and advice to help both horse and rider reach their goals. As a client, you'll have access to my extensive knowledge and experience whenever you need it, ensuring you receive ongoing guidance in every aspect of your equestrian journey. My Experience
As a young rider in the Scarteen Pony Club, I spent several years training with some of Ireland’s best coaches, culminating in several National Championship titles and the successful representation of the Irish Pony Club twice at European Championships, achieving placings in both Dressage and Eventing. I have since competed successfully to 3* level in Eventing Ireland and have campaigned many young horses in dressage and eventing. I earned my BHS Stage 3 Complete Coach certificate at Grennan College and have continuously pursued excellence in both riding and coaching, later completing my BHS Stage 4 Coaching exam. I have had the privilege of training with top industry figures, including David and Serena Pincus of Sheepcote Equestrian and at the Talland School of Equitation. I hold a BSc (Hons) degree in Equine Science, graduating first in my class. The knowledge I gained in exercise physiology, biomechanics, and behavioural science, and the research I conducted there, has significantly enhanced my coaching, making me more effective in understanding and developing both horse and rider. Racehorse Retraining
I began my equestrian career as a work rider for renowned jockey and trainer Charlie Swan, developing a strong appreciation for the intelligence and athleticism of the thoroughbred breed, which later led me to focus on rehabilitating and retraining ex-racehorses. In recent years, ex-racehorse ownership has soared. Many people want to have a part in these versatile, intelligent, brave athletes’ lives after racing. Thoroughbreds have shown that they can turn their hooves to anything, and with the increase in events such as Racehorse to Riding Horse showing classes, and the investment of organisations such as Treo Eile, owning an ex-racer can be very rewarding. Racehorses who have finished their career on the track also present us with challenges unique to their breed and previous training when we begin to explore their new careers. Teaching these horses how to respond to classical aids, how to change their balance and use their bodies in a new way can be difficult. And then we have the additional care needs of the ex-racehorse. From stomach ulcers to poor hoof condition to that elusive weight gain, your ex-racehorse will require knowledge, expertise and a lot of patience. I have been retraining racehorses for many years, and in that time I have developed a wealth of experience and knowledge in the care and development of the retrained racehorse. My ex-national hunt star Hash Brown, Diva-in-Residence here at Rebecca Hayes Equestrian, has brought me a huge amount of joy and success in both showing and dressage, including a placing in the Dublin Horse Show Racehorse to Riding Horse Class and multiple wins at Prelim, Novice and Elementary regional dressage competitions. Most recently we were the proud winners of the 2024 Treo Eile Dressage Ireland Award for highest percentage achieved by a thoroughbred nationally in both the Preliminary and Novice categories. So I know all about the rewards of retraining a racehorse. But I also know the struggles that must be overcome on the way to such victories. So whether you are just starting out on your journey with your newly acquired racehorse, or you need some guidance on how to overcome the challenges that will crop up along the road to retraining success, I can help both you and your horse work towards and begin to enjoy their second career! Get in touch today to discuss how I can help you reach your goals with your thoroughbred. Facilities
Rebecca Hayes Equestrian is based on 10 acres of land, with a stable yard and a fully flood-lit 21.5 x 41.5m outdoor arena complete with a watering system for comfortable riding all year round. With versatile terrain, including a natural lake, lessons can be taken outside of the arena as necessary, whether you need to get back in the habit of jumping on grass, or you want to give your young horse an introduction to water. And for those hard-working chaperones, why not ask us about booking an hour at The Lakehouse, our beautiful summer house, giving yourself a chance to catch up with a book while your passenger princes and princesses improve their riding skills!
