Nyah Milward Show Jumper on why she loved Haddon Training’s Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) programme and why she wishes she could do it again.
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Nyah Milward and I am 18 years old. I joined the Haddon Training/British Showjumping SESP (now the AASE) programme in 2018. I have grown up with horses as my Mom has always had them. We have always brought youngsters to produce myself which I love doing, it is so rewarding.
This has led me into competing with British Showjumping in age classes on my current two horses. With Robbie I am jumping 6 year old classes this year which is very exciting.
My passion is show jumping and my mentor, Rosemary Tillson has been a great support. I am now based with Rosemary and have my own freelance business offering competition schooling, breaking and sales services.
What inspired you to apply for the programme?
My dream is to be as successful as I can be in the world of show jumping so I was excited when I saw the SESP (AASE) programme advertised. I felt it would give me an amazing starting point in my career and would be a fantastic recognition of the high standard of elite training I received to enable me to stand out in the competitive horse world to potential clients in the future.
Was the application easy?
The actual application form was easy to follow and complete with all of my personal information, level of riding and show jumping results. Haddon Training clearly explained all aspects of what the course involved from the training camps, coaching, mentors and theory work.
How has it helped to develop you and your career?
The training programme has given me so much more confidence and a boost to my career. Corinne Bracken, Chris Hewlett, Targa Hammond and David Prior were, and still are, a huge support.
I received amazing training at the camps from top trainers Andrew Saywell (Show Jumping) and Heike Holstein (Dressage/Flatwork) and even when at a show the support and encouragement was there.
The programme is by far the best thing I have ever done, I wish I could do it again! Having the backing of my family, friends and this programme has allowed me to now go “freelance” and turn my passion into a career.
What have you enjoyed the most about the programme?
The most enjoyable aspect was attending the training camps during the year, catching up with everyone and receiving the amazing training with my own horses. It was just priceless.
What reservations did you have?
My only reservation when initially joining was the theory based work as I did not think it would be enjoyable and no way did I ever think I would be able to stand up in front of everyone and talk…… but I did! The theory work was constructed so it was enjoyable and included talks from vets, physios, plus a talk on prohibited drugs (both competitors/horses) to name a few.
The support from everyone was outstanding including my fellow graduates.
How has the support from Haddon Training been?
Haddon Training support has been incredible all the way through, anyone thinking of applying you will not regret it. To be able to receive this type of support network, training and qualification is the best opportunity. I highly recommend it.
I would like to say a huge thank you to Haddon Training, British Showjumping and everyone involved in helping me graduate and have so much fun along the way. I have made some lifelong friends and having an on-going support network.
The AASE programme is open to riders competing at British Dressage, Para-Dressage, British Eventing and British Showjumping. If like Nyah you would like to apply to be on the AASE programme click here.
Image by kind permission of www.topshots.org.uk.