Explore the evolution of coaching at The Dutch Masters 2026.
Created with The Dutch Masters and Equestic, the Future of Coaching Forum brought together leading figures in the sport to discuss the future of coaching.
A key theme from the panel was a challenge you may know well – riders don’t always retain the core of their lessons. The conversation explored how technology can support coaches by capturing sessions, reinforcing feedback, and helping riders continue progressing between lessons.
While perspectives varied, there was strong alignment that AI can be a valuable tool, especially when paired with coaches’ expertise. Leon Rutten introduced EQ Coach-Copilot, an AI assistant that records and analyzes lessons, producing summaries for both coach and rider.
What emerged from the Future of Coaching Forum wasn’t just a conversation about innovation. It was a rethinking of how knowledge is preserved, how progress is measured, and how horses ultimately benefit from clearer, more consistent training.
Because when riders remember more, they apply more. When they apply more, they improve faster. And when they improve with clarity, horses experience better, more thoughtful riding.
“What technology can’t do is replace feeling. That’s a human sensory experience. But if a rider can see a mistake visually, they can start to connect it back to how it felt. And that’s really how you build a memory of feeling, both good and bad.”
Richard Davison, a four-time British Olympian and European Medalist, and former British World Class Performance Manager and British Dressage Team Captain.
“As a coach, you can explain, demonstrate, and give riders your best knowledge – but unless you’re there with them, you never really know what they’re doing at home.
What happens in a 45-minute lesson is one thing, but what a rider takes home and actually puts into practice, that’s what really makes the difference. And that’s the part we don’t see.”
Di Lampard MBE, Showjumping Performance Manager for the British senior Jumping Team, led Team GB to Olympic Gold, and is a former Queen Elizabeth II Cup winner.
“I had a rider come train with me, we recorded a session, and the app created a detailed summary of the lesson. What stood out was how accurate it was — not just what we did, but the specific advice I gave. It gave both the rider and me a clear way to reflect on the session.
For me as a coach, that’s incredibly valuable, because when the rider comes back the following week—or even a month later—you’re not relying on memory. You can look back, see exactly what you worked on, and identify what still needs attention, whether that’s energy, activity, or specific technical elements.”
Laurens van Lieren, a Dutch World and European Championship medalist and current KNHS Technical Manager
“We’ve always relied on feeling and intuition. There is a shift nowwhere we have technologies that can support that, and in a sport that’s becoming more technical and professional, we would be foolish not to use them in coaching.
These are tools. If we don’t use the tools available to us to improve coaching and performance, then we’re not really doing our job properly.”
François Mathy Jr., President of the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC), represented Belgium at the FEI World Equestrian Games and the FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final, Chef d’Equipe of the Spanish Show Jumping Team
“Data can show you what’s happening but finding the solution is still the coach’s job. That’s where experience and understanding come in.
AI doesn’t replace coaching, it supports it. It helps identify patterns, track progress, and give clarity, but the thinking and decision-making still belong to the coach.”
Leon Rutten, a founder and CEO of Equestic, a technology visionary and eventing rider from a renowned equestrian coaching family
“A student who is eager to learn will make an effort to use the information I give him. That type of rider will also use the information AI can provide.
But a student who does not remember the core of the message without AI will not even open the app. So for that person, it has no added value.”
Wout Jan van der Schans, current national coach of the Dutch show jumping team, who has participated in the Olympic Games, World and European Championships
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Thamar Zweistra, FEI Grand Prix Rider and Coach
An AI‑supported equestrian training platform that makes coaching more productive, learning more effective, and riders improve faster, ultimately for better horse welfare.
