Coaches for the Future helps equestrian coaches deliver practice that balances horse‑centred welfare with effective, modern coaching for children and young people. Through mentorship, regional training days, and a supportive coaching community, we give coaches the tools, confidence, and connection they need to develop young riders responsibly and sustainably, with the wellbeing of the horse at the heart of every decision.
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Meet the Coaches
Danny Anholt, FBHS
Centre10 Advanced Coach, BE Accredited Trainer
Danny has spent over four decades developing riders, horses and coaches, and mentoring professionals through the British Horse Society qualification pathway.
For twenty-two years Danny was Director of Equestrian Sports at Millfield School, where he built and led one of the UK’s most respected school equestrian programmes. Managing three centres and up to 100 horses, he coached and developed generations of young riders—many of whom have gone on to become successful professionals across the sport, from eventing and dressage to racing, show jumping and para-equestrian competition.
Alongside his work with riders, coach education has always been central to his career. Danny has been a British Horse Society Assessor for over 30 years, supporting candidates from Stage 1 through to Fellowship, and currently mentors coaches working towards Stage 2 to Fellowship. Danny also works as a BHS IQA Inspector, helping maintain high standards within the assessment system, and serves as Fellows’ Representative on the BHS Qualifications and Training Committee (APCED).
Earlier in his career Danny was Chief Riding Instructor for the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club, managing the 200 horse Beas River Equestrian Centre. He has also trained young horses and run training centres in Devon and Somerset.
Danny's coaching philosophy combines technical expertise with a deeper understanding of how riders learn and perform. As an inaugural student of Charlie Unwin’s Centre 10 Applied Psychology for Equestrian Coaches programme (Gold Standard Accredited Coach), he integrates applied psychology into mentoring and coaching. This holistic approach considers horse, rider, coach, parents and owners, helping create not only improved performance but long-term satisfaction and enjoyment in the process.
Through Danny's mentoring programme he works with coaches who want to refine their skills, develop their confidence, and successfully progress through the BHS professional pathway.
Penny Cruttwell, BHSI
Centre10 Advanced Coach
Penny is a highly respected BHSI Performance Coach and Centre10 Advanced Coach, whose work continues to shape and inspire riders across the UK and Jersey. Currently studying towards the British Equestrian Level 4 Coaching Certificate alongside an MSc in Sport Performance Coaching with the University of Stirling, Penny personifies the modern coach: evidence-led, athlete-centred, and deeply committed to lifelong learning.
Working as a freelance coach, Penny supports riders of all ages and abilities, delivering both private coaching and structured sessions for a wide range of equestrian clubs. Her coaching philosophy is firmly rooted in equine welfare and rider wellbeing, ensuring that performance development never comes at the expense of horse or rider. This balanced approach has earned her trust and respect within the equestrian community.
Penny’s true passion lies in showjumping, and she particularly enjoys coaching and developing youth equestrian talent. She also has extensive experience working with equestrian teams and has been Chef d'Equipe at international events. Alongside this, Penny is committed to mentoring coaches who work with children and young people, helping them build strong foundations in safe practice, effective communication, and positive, welfare-led coaching methods. Supporting the next generation of coaches is a key part of Penny’s wider mission to elevate standards across the sport.
Her career began in the UK, where she worked within some of the country's leading equestrian centres. Among these roles, Penny held the position of Assistant Director of Riding at Millfield School, gaining invaluable experience in high-performance coaching, programme development, and rider education.
Penny has a strong professional foundation, a forward-thinking academic focus, and a genuine passion for the sport. She is currently part of the Jersey Sport Performance Programme as a Performance Coach.
Penny makes a meaningful impact by helping riders grow in confidence, strengthening the bond between horse and rider, and encouraging coaches to flourish in supportive, welfare centred environments.
Alison Kenward
BHS SM Senior Coach, UKCC3, Centre 10 Advanced Coach
Alison Kenward is an equestrian coach, coach developer, and digital marketing strategist working at the intersection of rider development, coaching practice, and modern learning environments.
A BHS Accredited Professional Coach and British Dressage recognised coach and judge, Alison has extensive experience working with riders from grassroots participation through to competitive sport. Her coaching focuses on developing confidence, communication, and partnership between horse and rider.
Alongside her coaching work, Alison mentors coaches and equestrian businesses, helping them shape clear training pathways and supportive learning environments for riders, including children and young people.
She is also the founder of Equestrian Heroes, an online equestrian learning platform supporting riders through community, resources, and structured development pathways.
Within the programme, Alison contributes to coach mentoring, programme development, and strategic growth, supporting the team's work to provide meaningful guidance for coaches and a positive, progressive experience for the riders they serve.
