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.
Guest presenter: Mia Palles-Clark
BS UKCC Level 4 Coach, PGDip Professional Practice in Sports Coaching
Mia Palles‑Clark is one of the UK’s most respected equestrian performance coaches, known for her blend of elite technical expertise, athlete‑centred development, and over 30 years of coaching experience. Currently the Head of Equestrian Sports at Millfield School in Somerset, Mia leads one of the UK’s premier youth equestrian programmes. Her leadership focuses on building confidence, independence, and long‑term athlete development within a high‑performance environment. Mia coaches the British Army Showjumping Team, bringing strategic clarity, team ethos, and competitive discipline to military riders. Her career has taken her to New Zealand, Bahrain, and Germany, including working with the AMG Mercedes Showjumping Team, broadening her international perspective on performance and horsemanship. A passionate advocate for rider wellbeing, Mia volunteers with Riders Minds and supports the Howden Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme, championing mental health and responsible equestrian practice. She remains an active competitor, representing Great Britain at the 2022 Veteran European Showjumping Championships with her horse Hamantha Fortuna (Maus).
Mia’s coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that great riders are not simply produced, they are developed through clarity, curiosity, and confidence. She creates thoughtful, adaptable equestrians who understand not just what to do, but why it matters, empowering athletes to make smart, independent decisions under pressure. Her approach is rider‑centred and holistic, balancing high‑performance skill development with mental and physical welfare. Mia coaches through collaboration rather than command, building resilience through reflection, and placing enjoyment and self‑awareness at the heart of progress. Above all, her coaching mission is simple: to empower equestrians to become confident, capable, and compassionate horse‑people for life.
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.
