EQUESTRIAN HEROES: The Future of Rider Support
Alison Kenward, Director of Equestrian Heroes
Based in the UK, Alison Kenward, Director of Equestrian Heroes has dedicated her life to horses, building a career as a rider, coach, judge, and educator. She is a British Horse Society Accredited Professional Coach, a British Dressage (BD) Recognized Coach and Judge, and has worked with riders across a wide spectrum—from grassroots participants to those on competitive pathways. Alison’s passion extends beyond technical instruction; she is deeply interested in how riders learn emotionally and practically. This curiosity led her to explore digital education and community-building, aiming to support riders beyond the traditional weekly lesson and create resources that accompany them wherever they ride. Equestrian Heroes is a digital tool that reflects Alison’s commitment to rider development and support.
Connecting the Riding Experience
Equestrian Heroes was initially conceived as a rider community, but it has expanded into a comprehensive ecosystem that includes a riding club, online school, and app. “I work with riders as individuals, each bringing their own horses, environments, goals, and definitions of success,” said Alison. The solution welcomes leisure riders, competitors, returning riders, and coaches, all engaging together. Alison also supports coach development and business growth through mentoring and digital education, promoting sustainable, modern coaching practices. Equestrian Heroes is a supportive space that extends and connects the riding experience.
“The main focus of the solution is to help riders build self-belief, reflect on their progress, and shape success plans tailored to their unique circumstances.”
Addressing Key Challenges for Riders
“A central challenge for riders is the gap between lessons, where they are often left to interpret, remember, and apply what they’ve learned on their own,” Alison pointed out. Progress in riding involves reflection, context, and direction. “Equestrian Heroes was developed as a place for riders to turn to between rides, providing access to a growing library of resources, Rider Know-How guides, assignments, and seasonal challenges that foster purposeful training,” she added. The aim is to provide structure and a shared learning space—not to replace coaching, but to support thoughtful progress and guide riders in seeking further assistance when needed.”
Core Features of Equestrian Heroes
Equestrian Heroes functions as an online equestrian center, accessible via both web and app, designed to support riders wherever they are. Platform highlights include:
The Heroes Riding Club, free to join, offers community discussions, seasonal challenges, and collaborative learning, fostering a sense of togetherness.
A continually expanding digital library of rider-focused resources
Affordable short courses and programs: Dressage School Online and Achieve Dressage
Progress tracking, badges, and milestones help riders recognize and celebrate their development and achievements.
Personalized support is available through Dressage Café: Ride & Share, a remote coaching classroom where riders can upload Pivo-filmed sessions and receive guided video feedback.
Lighter-touch options like Micro Coach provide additional avenues for reflection and growth.
Stay connected - anytime, anywhere by downloading the app.
Future Enhancements and Innovations
Alison is actively developing the platform in response to community growth and evolving rider needs. “I’m excited to share Ride and Reflect, a space for riders to record their rides, review and reflect on their training, and invite coach input when appropriate,” said Alison. This feature brings Alison’s coaching emphasis on reflection into a shared, accessible environment. Recognizing that riders have diverse goals and preferences, the platform is designed to accommodate various pathways rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Alison continues to collaborate closely with Pivo, testing new tools for rider training and video feedback as they develop. While the digital landscape is ever-changing, Alison’s guiding principle remains constant: horses are at the center of everything. Technology is intended to support reflection, connection, and effective coaching—not to rush progress or replace hands-on riding.
Role of Artificial Intelligence
“AI is utilized primarily behind the scenes at Equestrian Heroes, aiding in content structuring, workflow automation, and operational efficiency,” Alison mentioned. This enables her to dedicate more time to coaching, community engagement, and creative direction. Personally, she finds AI to be a valuable thinking partner, using it for conversation, strategy development, and project management including help with coding, campaign iteration, and data-driven decision-making, turning ideas into actionable plans and easing the load of managing a growing digital platform.
Technology Adoption in the Equine Industry: Looking Ahead
Alison anticipates a shift toward thoughtful hybrid models over the next five years, where in-person riding and coaching are complemented—not replaced—by digital spaces. Drawing parallels to the early days of second-screen television viewing, she notes that resistance to technology often stems from a lack of understanding its usefulness. In the future, riders will be more comfortable collecting data and insights about their horse–rider partnerships and, crucially, will know how to use this information meaningfully—for analysis and informed decision-making.
Community and connection will remain central to the equestrian experience. Alison envisions the industry will transition from content delivery to experience design, with technology supporting education, trust, and long-term engagement—while keeping the horse, the ride, and the relationship at the forefront.
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Community Engagement and Events
Alison actively participates in both in-person and online events, engaging with the equestrian community as a speaker, presenter, and participant, especially in areas focused on coaching and rider learning. She values the meaningful conversations, and tangible connections found at live events, but also recognizes the advantages of hybrid formats. She is committed to meeting riders and professionals where they are, rather than imposing a single format. The ideal approach combines the immediacy and face-to-face interaction with the flexibility and reach of digital education.
Final Thoughts
“As Equestrian Heroes continues to evolve, the intention remains steady: to support riders with thoughtful tools, meaningful connection, and space to reflect, so they can enjoy their horses and their riding with confidence and care,” said Alison.
Website: Equestrian Heroes
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