50 SIDELINES JUNE 2012
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Training at Bridlewood Farm…
I opened my farm two years ago and it’s a beautiful facility
with a great location, just 5 miles from downtown Aiken. I have a
couple of school horses that I provide for the USC Aiken team and
the team members take lessons a minimum of once a week to be
able to be on the IHSA team.
The reason he likes coaching…
Mainly because it allows anyone with an interest in riding and
being around horses to have a competitive experience, along with
the team experience.
The shows are for the beginner to the advanced rider.
Funding a college riding team…
They have a small budget and I provide the experienced horses
for them to ride and learn on. Also, the students pay for their
lessons at a discounted rate, not by the school. Aiken Saddlery
generously donates grain for the school horse program.
Watching his team riders grow…
No matter what their aspirations, I enjoy seeing a rider learn and
grow – it’s a great reward to me. One rider, who originally didn’t
feel that she was that talented, has developed into a fantastic
rider! She has a great feel when jumping and she’s brave.
If he could coach another team…
It would probably be tennis because I like wearing
shorts! Seriously though, I played in high school through college
and enjoyed it a lot. It keeps you in shape!
By Jan Westmark-Allan
Hunter and jumper trainer John Abbott, the owner of the
beautiful Bridlewood Farm in Aiken, South Carolina, has coached
students for many years, from short stirrup kids to amateur owner
hunters and jumpers. John is wearing a new “coach” hat now – a
hat emblazoned with a USC Aiken logo! We caught up with the
man who is the coach of the USC Aiken riding team to fnd out
more about coaching a college riding team:
Becoming the coach of the USC Aiken team…
The original coach suggested I interview for the position. It was
quite a process with about eight other applicants and after two
interviews they picked me to be the USC Aiken coach!
Responsibilities of a coach…
I teach a lot of lessons to prepare for the IHSA shows. The
team members have different goals, so I identify their aspirations
and assist in their achievement. The rider’s abilities range from
no prior equestrian experience, all the way to successful junior
careers on the USEF AA show circuit. Most of all, I understand
college can be stressful so I try to make this an outlet for the
students to get away from the campus and enjoy their time with
the horses.
Working with a young team…
The USC Aiken team is only three years old! The frst year was
focused on the western aspect and the emphasis on hunter seat
and equitation started when I took over in September 2010. Our
goal is to build the team and continue with the show season as it
comes up in the spring and fall.
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Education
John Abbott’s Life as a College Riding Coach
USC Aiken Coach John Abbott
with members of the riding team
Photo courtesy USC Aiken