Posted on 3rd July 2026
ABRS+ is proud to celebrate two outstanding coaches whose dedication to horse welfare, rider development and continuous learning has earned them recognition in the 2026 ABRS+ Coach of the Year Awards.
Chloe Tothill has been named the 2026 ABRS+ Coach of the Year in recognition of her exceptional coaching skills, unwavering commitment to horse welfare and ability to inspire both riders and colleagues.
Her nomination highlighted her talent for helping riders make small, precise adjustments that lead to significant improvements, while creating a friendly and supportive learning environment where both clients and staff feel confident seeking advice.
The judges were particularly impressed by Chloe’s deep understanding of the horse. She consistently puts horse welfare at the heart of every decision, whether that means adapting workloads, riding horses herself or helping riders develop more empathetic and effective partnerships. Her coaching perfectly reflects the equicentric principles championed by ABRS+.
Chloe also embraced the ABRS+ Futures Project with enthusiasm, quickly putting new ideas into practice and sharing her learning with others. Her willingness to adapt, combined with her ability to communicate new concepts effectively, has had a significant impact at Kingsmead Equestrian Centre.
Clients value her engaging lessons, colleagues regularly seek her guidance and her leadership has encouraged others to embrace new ways of thinking. The judges recognised not only the difference Chloe is already making within her own centre, but also her potential to influence the wider equestrian industry in the years ahead.
The judges also recognised the outstanding contribution of Clara Bruins, who was named Runner-Up in this year’s awards.
Clara’s commitment to professional development, evidence-based coaching and horse welfare stood out throughout her involvement in the ABRS+ Futures Project. She embraced the Principles of Learning Theory in Equitation and worked tirelessly to embed them across the riding school.
Recognising that lasting improvement depended on consistency, Clara took the lead in supporting staff development by organising shared learning sessions, encouraging discussion and helping colleagues build confidence in applying new coaching techniques.
Her influence has extended beyond people to the horses themselves. Through patient, thoughtful training she has helped some of the riding school’s more challenging horses become calmer, more responsive and easier to manage. She has also supported Pony TimeSharers and riders in developing a better understanding of their ponies and the importance of strong training foundations.
The positive impact of Clara’s work can be seen throughout Team Tutsham, with improved horse welfare, more confident staff and riders who are embracing new approaches to learning. Her determination, leadership and willingness to support others make her an excellent role model for the industry.
Congratulations to both Chloe and Clara on these thoroughly deserved achievements. Their commitment to learning, coaching excellence and putting horses at the centre of everything they do embodies the values of ABRS+ and provides an inspiring example for coaches across our community.
