FINALIST PROFILE
2021 COACH OF THE YEAR FINALIST
DIRK DIJKSTRA
GENERAL – LEVEL 3
MEET DIRK
Dirk Dijkstra is a domestically competing international Grand Prix rider with over 40 years of experience. He has been coaching since the age of 16 in the Netherlands where he grew up and he obtained his Dutch Basic Coaching License before coming to Australia in 1982, then going on to become a fully accredited EA Level 3 Coach. He currently competes on his imported Dutch Warmblood stallion AEA Metallic as well as Royalito owned by Viv Lipshut. Metallic was trained by Dirk right through to Grand Prix and this hands-on training and competition experience continues to be an invaluable source when he is coaching and mentoring students.
Dirk heads up Jolong Park and spends much of his day coaching clients of all levels, from young riders at Interschool level right through to Grand Prix. Dirk is one of the only coaches in Australia who both competes at the highest level as well as coaches. His coaching system parallels the way he rides, based on the Dutch system inspired by Anky and Sjef Van Grunsven, who were is early inspiration. His coaching is structured towards the modern type of horse that is being bred now rather than the classic type which no linger really exists.
Dirk is an incredible coach and amongst his very busy schedule running Jolong Park, riding horses and competing, his students always come first. Dirk is incredibly humble and always helps his students not only with their riding but with their confidence as well. He also assists students with the management of their horse to ensure they reach their very best. He is passionate about his role as coach but believes in keeping things very simple. The journey to Grand Prix is a long one and he believes that students need to understand that patience, discipline, perseverance, dedication and commitment are five of the most important ingredients.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
JUDGING CRITERIA
- Results and performance of athletes/teams coached by the nominee
- Level of competition – state, national and/or international
- Contribution to the wider coaching community within their sport - mentoring, etc.
HOW TO VOTE
Before casting your vote we’d like you to get to know our finalists by reading their profiles below.
You’ll also need your membership number, so have it handy when you’re ready to make your selections. We also ask that you look at the criteria listed for each category and use these points to make your decision – remember, it’s not about just being a nice person!
When you are ready to cast your vote, simply click on the VOTE NOW button.
VOTING ELIGIBILITY
You must have been a financial member at some point during the period 2020/2021 membership year to be eligible to cast a vote. You are only able to submit ONE voting form per category. The following will be deemed void and will be removed:
- duplicate votes in a category by the same member
- unfinancial members (as per time period above)
- invalid or incorrect membership numbers
