United States Eventing Association

Featured Clinician: Hawley Bennett-Awad

The Featured Clinician article series is provided through a partnership between Event Clinics and the United States Eventing Association.

At just 21 years old, Hawley Bennett-Awad was named to the Canadian Eventing Team Long List after a fourth-place finish at the North American Young Rider Championship in 1998. Since then, Bennett-Awad has represented Canada at numerous International competitions including the Pan American Games, Olympic Games, and most recently at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, North Carolina.

Though based at Sisters Equestrian in Temecula, California, Bennett-Awad spends a great deal of time traveling for training, competitions, and to teach clinics. With big goals for the 2019 and 2020 seasons, Bennett-Awad is currently on the East Coast having spent some time in Ocala training with her longtime coach, Buck Davidson.

Event Clinics caught up with Bennett-Awad as she and partner, Jollybo (a 2004 British Sporthorse Mare by Jumbo owned by Bennett-Awad and the JollyBo Syndicate) were heading to Chattahoochee Hills in Fairburn, Georgia. The pair will compete in the CCI Four Star as a prep for Land Rover Kentucky CCI Five Star coming up April 25-28.

Accompanying and perhaps driving Bennett-Awad’s competitive ambitions is a passion for learning. “You can learn something from anybody, I’m always game to take another lesson - we are so lucky to be able to ride horses. I’m forever asking questions, and I encourage my students to do the same.”

“I really enjoy teaching clinics,” Bennett-Awad told EC. “When you get there everyone is so excited to see you, which is nice. Once you build a relationship with students it’s great to be able to give them homework and then come back in a month or two and see improvements. It gives riders a chance to do homework and show it off, which they are excited to do”.

A much sought-after clinician, Bennett-Awad’s teaching schedule is jam-packed with facilities and students to which she returns year after year. She creates an enjoyable clinic experience for all involved. “I’m a big please-and-thank-you person, and I believe in giving a thank you to the host, and giving a thank-you to the organizers.”

Balancing the demands of an internationally competitive career and remaining dedicated to students is no small feat. Bennett-Awad says that she makes it work through very careful scheduling. “Good planning is important, I always try to think ahead. I’ve changed my program and ultimately downsized my training business a bit to make traveling for clinics work. I’m usually on the road about every two weeks to teach. This year, from the middle of May to the beginning of July I’m teaching seven weeks in a row, which sounds like a lot but I truly love it.”

“Teaching is my job, but I am so lucky that I continue to have awesome teaching experiences. I really put an emphasis on fun - it’s important for me, my students, and the horses. If you’re not having fun, something’s wrong.”

“I will teach anyone who wants to try to get better. I’m not a big fan of the word ‘can’t’. I always encourage riders to try first. If it doesn’t work, we will find another way to fix it.”

“As a coach, you never want to set up a problem that can’t be solved. In my lessons with Buck, the horses are challenged but come out better after. I strive for that in my teaching as well.”

Of her career, Bennett-Awad said, “Nothing was given to me, I had a tough go of it and that has really shaped me.”

She was quick to note the incredible support system she has in place through mentors and family members. “I’ve been riding with Buck since 2001. He has been a major influence for me, especially for riding cross-country. I find the horses always come out of lessons better than they started. My first coach was Pam Arthur who has also been tremendously important.”

“I am so lucky to have [international show jumper and Show Jumping Hall of Fame inductee] Susie Hutchison in my corner. She’s truly one of the most supportive riders. I love so much about her, but it’s great that she’s my size, so she can really help me work through any specific training problems that I’m having.”

For a leg-up on success, Bennett-Awad said, “Work hard. Someone is going to notice it and help you out along the way.”

You can find nationwide upcoming opportunities to learn from Hawley Bennett-Awad through www.eventclinics.com. For more details on Hawley Bennett-Awad, head to her website at www.hawleybennett.com.