Airdrie equestrian coach wins top award as she bids to launch career

Airdrie equestrian coach Ellie Watt has taken a huge stride in her bid to become a top-level coach after winning a major award.

The 19-year-old picked up the Youth Coach of the Year at the Horse Scotland Equestrian Awards at the Doubletree Dunblane Hydro in September, having been working with mum Angela at Campsie View Stables in Glenmavis since she was 11.

Horse Scotland describe the award as being given to somebody who has “supported the development of athletes or teams, and has significantly increased the sporting opportunities available and participation levels within their community”.

Ellie is an accomplished showjumper in her own right, but has been coaching since she was 16, and is undergoing her British Horse Society Level 2 qualification, which will enable her to eventually assess others.

That’s the ultimate aim for the former Airdrie Academy pupil, who wants to give something back to youngsters looking to learn the sport.

Ellie said: “It was a really good night and a good achievement.

“I’ve had lots of awards when I was younger but this is the first one now that I’m older.

“This is the first award I’ve had as a coach, so it was a really good achievement, and working all the hours, doing all the coaching and teaching has been rewarded.

“I feel that I’m giving something back, as a coach, as I also ride competitively, I do showjumping with my horse Tilly.

“It was a great achievement to get that, and for mum to put me forward.

“You have to say what you have been doing – the award doesn’t just get handed to you for doing certain things, you need to prove what you’re doing.

“I’ve been working with my mum since I was 11, but coaching since I was about 16 and I’m 19 now, so quite a while.

“I’m going through my BHS