We coach like any team boss

THE language of coaching is extensive, but the targets remain the same, says Jessica Harrington.

Whether a leader is trying to improve humans or horses, the methods have much in common.

‘That’s the whole thing about it, to build them up into a peak. I talk to rugby coaches and the way they train their lads is the same way we train the horses,’ she says.

‘The only thing is the rugby player can turn around and say, “I’m not feeling well today” or “I’ve pulled a muscle”.

‘Horses, you have to work out for yourself whether they are on song or not.

‘In a way it’s harder to train the horses because they can’t speak. That’s why sometimes we make mistakes and sometimes horses run bad races. It’s because we haven’t maybe picked up on something.’