World Coaches Conference 2015: The leading voices of Modern Pentathlon in Manchester

The annual World Modern Pentathlon Coaches Conference has seen a record delegation descend upon Manchester in the United Kingdom to hear from some of the leading voices in modern pentathlon and equestrian.

The conference also provided with coaches from all levels and countries to share best practice and enjoy time in each other’s company away from competition.

Pentathlon Great Britain ’s Performance Director Jan Bartu, said: “The idea behind the conference is to bring together as many coaches and interested parties from around the world to one place, once a year, and to share each other’s experiences.

“The conference also provides the opportunity to be in a non-competitive environment together. The season is long and there is a lot of pressure, so at the end of the year people should have the opportunity to refocus and talk about how we can develop the sport.

British Dressage’s Performance Manager Richard Waywood, British Eventing’s Performance Director Yogi Breisner and author of the renowned Chimp Paradox Dr Steve Peters joined Pentathlon GB’s Performance Director Jan Bartu and many other speakers for the two day conference.

Discussions included modern pentathlon development and development programmes, tapering for competitions, fencing skills, the importance of basic flatwork skills when jumping and techniques on getting to know an unfamiliar horse.

Commenting in the quality of this year’s speakers, Jan said: “There has been a fantastic balance of speakers and there are people here who will appeal to a wider audience. We have coaches from grass roots in the sport to coaches at elite level and the content covered most of the areas that are appealing for everybody.”