Last month in Calgary, the Alberta Equestrian Federation opened its doors to more than 150 delegates from across the country for the 2025 National Coaching Symposium & Leadership Meetings. What unfolded over the week wasn’t just a series of sessions and presentations—it was the coming together of a community, united by a shared passion for horses, coaching, and the future of equestrian sport in Canada.
From the moment the symposium began, the atmosphere buzzed with energy. Coaches, Coach Developers, and sport leaders slipped easily into conversations—some reconnecting with familiar colleagues, others meeting face-to-face for the very first time. After years of mostly virtual interaction, there was something refreshing, even joyful, about sharing stories, ideas, and insights in person. “It is FAR easier to communicate in person. Absolutely! Great for relationship building,” one delegate shared, and nods of agreement echoed throughout the room.
The program itself struck a balance between inspiration and practicality. Keynote speakers sparked big-picture conversations about accountability, collaboration, and the future of coaching, while demo riders brought theory to life in the arena. In smaller group discussions, coaches compared notes, swapped strategies, and discovered they shared many of the same challenges—and the same determination to keep growing. Leadership delegates, meanwhile, leaned into candid conversations about working together across provinces. Coach Developers were unanimous in their appreciation, with every single one confirming they would attend again.
The feedback told its own story: delegates consistently praised the event, rating their experience highly and leaving with new ideas to carry back home. “It was great to meet so many coaches across Canada,” another participant said. “The Alberta Equestrian Federation was well organized and very professional.”
By the end of the week, the symposium had created something bigger than the sum of its parts: a renewed sense of connection and momentum for the future. Delegates were already talking about what’s next—more keynote speakers, more demo riders, and even more opportunities to learn from one another.
And as one attendee summed it up simply, “Alberta did a great job hosting this event.”