Joe Macdonald is a British Showjumping accredited coach. He offers top class training for riders and horses of all levels.
JOE’S PHILOSOPHY
Joe’s coaching philosophy is centred around providing enjoyable and informative sessions to enable riders to jump more clear rounds and be the best that they can be . Long term training plans can be tailored to individual requirements or training can be organised to work on a specific aspect of you or your horse before a show or event.
COMPETITION PREP
Help is available in planning your shows to ensure that there is a smooth progression with consistent results. Joe has a wide client base ranging from younger riders and pony club, those starting affiliated competition through to riders who are competing at national championships, international shows and international events to CCI ***** level.
Joe has a proven track record of riders qualifying for and placing at National championships, HOYS and international Grand Prixs and is committed to helping riders achieve their goals.
HOW JOE STARTED
Joe was born on 16th April 1984 in Barrow- in Furness, Cumbria. Despite his family always having horses he did not start riding until he was 12 years old. During the next couple of years Joe competed at Pony club as a member of the Furness and district branch finishing 2nd individually in the open area showjumping, qualifying for the Dengie Winter League final aswel as the national pony club dressage championship. At 15 Joe started competing in British showjumping and in his first season on the overall points championship for area 14a for members cup and junior open classes. During his final year on ponies he produced both top ponies through to JA, qualifying all 3 of his ponies for their respective classes at the national finals with several placings.
TRAINING WITH An OLYMPIAN
After moving onto horses, and starting out with several novice horses Joe purchased a more experienced horse from international rider Neil Martin with whom he was training at the time. A year later Joe moved to Gloucestershire to study BSc Equine Science at Hartpury college. During his first 2 years at Hartpury Joe trained with Olympic rider Roland Fernyhow. In his final year at Hartpury Joe was selected for their elite equine academy. As part of this he received training from academy director Nick Burton aswell as a large selection of other top riders who would come in as guest trainers.
THE ROAD TO SUCCESS
After leaving Hartpury Joe went on to be involved in the BBC's Only Fools on Horses for Sports relief. It was during this time that he worked alongside Tim Stockdale which led to a job as his stable jockey after filming had finished. The time with Tim allowed Joe the opportunity to ride a wide variety of horses aswel as an insight to the running of a yard at the top level of the sport. Joe made the decision to sell his top horse which went to Robert Smith, allowing him the opportunity to return to Gloucestershire to set up his own yard. He has been fortunate to work with some lovely horses, supportive owners and generous sponsors and while Joe has a successful track record of producing and selling young horses much of his time is now spent coaching riders.