Peter Andrew Shaw
Leadership Mentor | International Speaker | Educator | Leadership Consultant
I help people, teams and organisations discover
what they are capable of achieving.
"Fifty years, two very different worlds — the classroom and the arena. Most people don't go from a horse-mad kid, to rider and coach, to school principal, to international judge. I did. I guess, like many of us, I'm not most people, and it taught me one thing: people are almost always capable of more than they think."
I have been a teacher and school principal, an international coach and educator, an FEI Official and Course Director, a national coach, an emergency-response leader, a mentor and a keynote speaker.
Different roles, same thread — helping people find out what they're capable of.
Although the settings have changed, the purpose of my work has remained remarkably consistent: to develop people, build confidence, strengthen connection and help individuals and organisations achieve excellence.
50+ years — developing people and performance
22+ years — public education and leadership
International — Australia, Asia, Europe & North America
FEI — International Official & Course Director
My approach is grounded in a simple belief:
Trust creates confidence.
Confidence creates growth.
Growth creates excellence.
"Two very different worlds — the classroom and the arena — taught me the same lesson: trust builds confidence, and confidence builds everything else."
A story that began with a horse — and resulted in me discovering my life's purpose:
a life devoted to helping people discover what they are capable of.
My story is not a typical horse person's story.
It is a story about a dream, an unexpected beginning, persistence and what can happen when a passion takes hold of you. More than that, it is a story I hope gives encouragement to every rider, child or adult who has something they desperately want to pursue.
I grew up in the city with lovely parents, a twin sister, an older brother and a younger brother. We weren't horse people. Not even slightly.
Yet every Saturday afternoon, I would watch groups of fairly rough-and-ready riders, often riding bareback, pass our suburban house. Something about those horses captured me.
I told my parents I wanted to ride. I couldn't really explain why.
I just knew I did.
When I was 11, I begged my parents to increase my pocket money from 20 cents a week to 50 cents so I could pay for riding lessons.
Eventually, they agreed.
And so it began. I rode every Saturday, rain, hail or shine.
For the first two years I rode bareback around the streets. I had very little money, no horse-owning background and no particular reason to think that this would become anything extraordinary.
But within five years, something extraordinary had happened. At 16, I competed at the Australian Dressage Championships, winning my heat, my semi-final and then the final against approximately 90 adult competitors.
I won $10. I also won at the NSW Country Championships, taking $40 in prize money.
Looking back, perhaps that should have been a sign of things to come.
What happened next -
the School Teacher & Principal journey
As the song says, " Bless the broken road that led me straight to you.'
So many successes and struggles that brought me to retiring from a successful career to become a full time coach and mentor.
A life devoted to helping people and horses!
After finishing the Higher School Certificate at Newcastle Boys High School, a selective high school, I gained a Commonwealth Scholarship to become a teacher of Mathematics. Several years into it, I realised I wanted to teach children, not a subject, so I transferred to General Primary. Throughout my young life as a rider and younger brother I found myself the target of criticism, victimisation and ostracisation, being successful, winning and being capable wasn't working for me, I learned to hide my success and praise others. At colledge, again the struggles of success and being ostracised due to it, kicked in, this time by a lecturer. I'd had this in my sport and fortunately I was a little oblivious to it in this setting, so I pushed on. After graduating, I waited five years for a placement. Whilst waiting I built my coaching business and had great success at that, with pupils winning the Gawler Three Day Event when I was 23 and representing Australiaat the World Championships, for one, at Gawler in 1986.
Even as a young horseman, I coached riders from pony club level to winning at high levels against adults in dressage and eventing. I taught my first, what would now be 5* winner when I was 23 years old, coaching them in all three phases, so I've been doing this for a long time successfully.
This all helped my teaching and honed my skills for a professional career of 22 years, 11 of them as a Primary School Principal, in three different schools. My commitment to children, parents and parenting, building a nurturing, supportive culture and proving diverse experiences for children and families led my schools to being described as "The Jewel in the Crown" by other Principals, in each of the school districts. I believe if you can see it, you can be it, so I immersed the students in so many experiences, hoping they'd find what made their heart sing, a direction and a passionl, like I did.
These skills of building culture, programs, confidence and self esteem for many, many children, teachers and parents are skills that will help my clients now to improve the quality of their lives and learning.
Developing people. Building confidence.
Creating the conditions for excellence.
The two worlds continually informed each other. The horse industry didn't simply give me technical expertise.
It was where I spent decades learning to read another being, respond to vulnerability, recover from setbacks, persist when things were difficult, and understand that how we treat others matters.
Working with horses taught me to observe closely, listen carefully and recognise the smallest changes in thinking, confidence and behaviour.
It also taught me resilience.
There have been difficult horses, disappointing results, setbacks and roadblocks that required me to adapt rather than give up. Each experience taught me something about persistence, problem-solving and finding another way forward.
Education and school leadership gave me another environment in which to develop and apply those lessons — this time with students, teachers, parents, colleagues and communities.
I learned that leadership is not simply about having responsibility or making decisions.
It is about understanding people, building trust, communicating clearly, creating confidence and helping others become capable of more than they initially believed possible.
Ideas, stories and lessons from a lifetime of developing people and performance.
I speak about the things I have spent my life learning — from horses, classrooms, leadership, high-performance sport and, most importantly, from people.
My talks are not designed simply to motivate an audience for an hour and send them home inspired. They are designed to make people think differently, see differently and act differently.
I use real experiences, stories and lessons from more than five decades of working with people and performance to explore what influences how we learn, lead, communicate, adapt and grow.
My approach is practical, personal and thought-provoking, grounded in the belief that people are capable of more when they feel trusted, understood and appropriately challenged.
Whether I'm speaking to a room of individuals or an entire organisation, people tend to leave having laughed, sometimes cried, and thought harder than they expected to
Trust Informed
Performance
by
Peter Andrew Shaw
Trust doesn't simply come before performance — it shapes the relationship from beginning to end.
When trust, connection and sensitive communication are present, leaders can have the difficult conversations that performance sometimes requires.
Ideas can be questioned.
Methods can be challenged.
Practices can be examined.
Mistakes can be discussed honestly.
People can hear challenge without experiencing it as rejection.
Trust creates the freedom to be honest, question assumptions, experiment, innovate and learn.
When people know they can have a difficult conversation without losing respect or connection, performance becomes more than achieving an outcome. It becomes a process of continuous learning, improvement and growth.
Developing
Potential
by
Peter Andrew Shaw
Potential isn't always obvious.
Sometimes it is inexperienced. Sometimes it lacks confidence. Sometimes it has been overlooked or even written off.
Across education, coaching and leadership, I have learned that developing potential requires more than identifying talent. It requires observation, patience, encouragement, appropriate challenge and a genuine belief in what someone might become.
The role of the educator, coach or leader is not to tell people what to do. It is to help them discover what they are capable of doing — and give them the confidence to take the initiative and do it autonomously.
That means creating the conditions in which people can try, make mistakes, build confidence and gradually take ownership of their own development.
When people begin to see possibilities in themselves that they couldn't see before, performance can change — but so can the way they see themselves.
The Courage
To Be Seen
by
Peter Andrew Shaw
What happens when people learn to hide their potential — and what leaders can do to create environments where people feel safe to succeed.
Success does not always feel safe.Sometimes people learn that standing out can attract criticism, resentment or exclusion. They begin to minimise their achievements, hide their capabilities or avoid taking risks simply to belong.
I know something about that personally.My own experiences taught me the importance of creating environments where people don't have to make themselves smaller in order to feel accepted.
When people feel safe to contribute, succeed and be themselves, something changes.They become more willing to speak, experiment, take responsibility and pursue what they are capable of achieving.
The courage to be seen can be the beginning of real growth.
Creating
the conditions
for excellence
by
Peter Andrew Shaw
Why great leaders don't manufacture excellence — they create the environment in which it can emerge.
Excellence rarely comes from pressure alone.
It grows where there is clarity, trust, high standards, appropriate challenge, good communication and a genuine belief in people's capacity to improve.
Whether working with a young student, a teacher, an elite athlete, a horse and rider, or a leadership team, I have repeatedly seen the same principle.
The environment matters.A good leader doesn't simply demand better performance.
They ask:
What does this person need in order to perform at their best?
Then they work to create those conditions while maintaining clear expectations and accountability.
The
Unspoken
Word
by
Peter Andrew Shaw
What horses taught me about observation, communication and understanding people.
Horses don't communicate with words.
They communicate through posture, tension, attention, movement, confidence and behaviour.Learning to recognise those subtle changes taught me to become a better coach — but the lesson extended far beyond horses.
People communicate in much the same way.
A change in tone.
A hesitation.
A lack of eye contact.
A sudden withdrawal from a conversation.
Sometimes the most important message is the one that isn't spoken.Good communication begins with listening — and listening requires us to notice.
The more skilled we become at observing behaviour, the better we become at communicating with everyone — particularly when people are stressed, challenged or communicating differently from ourselves.
We all respond differently under pressure. Learning to notice those changes can help us pause, become curious and respond rather than react.
Behaviour is information/feedback. The skill is learning to read it — and listen before acting.
KIndness
Builds
Strength
by
Peter Andrew Shaw
Why empathy, high standards and accountability can coexist — and why how we treat people matters.
Kindness is sometimes mistaken for softness.
I believe the opposite can be true.
Real kindness requires us to see the person in front of us, understand their circumstances, communicate honestly and treat them with dignity — while still being prepared to challenge them and hold high standards.
A kind leader doesn't avoid difficult conversations. They create the trust that makes difficult conversations possible — carefully choosing their words, timing and place.
When people know they are respected, they can be challenged without feeling diminished. They can make mistakes without being defined by them. They can accept feedback, learn, adapt and grow.
Kindness doesn't lower the standard. It can give people the strength and confidence to reach it
The Coaching Experience
The Competition
& Mentoring Experience
The Officiating Experience
Peter's Extensive, Unique Qualifications
Extensive, Diverse, Experienced, Successful.
Dip Teach - Degree Equivalent - General Primary
22 years experience as a teacher with 11 years of that as Principal.
FEI Level 3 Official
EA Level 3 Dressage Coach.
EA Coach Educator.
A Level Dressage Judge since 1988
Judge Educator and Mentor.
Photographer.
Working with Children Check
First Aide and CPR Certificates
Ethical, Harmonious Approach to our Horses & Life
Correct Biomechanics for horses and riders
Peter's knowledge, qualifications, decades of experience, results and honesty are the qualities that will see your understanding and performances soar!
Peter's work with correct biomechanics for horses and riders is outstanding and has proven to help keep horses sound and riders balance and skills.
Rider's safety improves with understanding of the fight flight responses and how to help horses relax, and eliminate the pain and tension some modern training methods.
Need help to achieve your goals with horses and in life?
Peter uses an array of his successful, quality communication skills to deliver coaching services that empower you using the tools he'll teach to achieve success.
In addition to 1-on-1 consultations, lessons and group sessions, Peter regularly hosts workshops and seminars for clients interested in developing their own coaching, judging and riding, life and personal skills & techniques.
Find your tribe, join ours.
Building positive knowledgable human and equine communication.
Life throws many surprises at us, and while we cannot predict the outcome of any situation, we can take control of how we respond to certain situations. With Peter's coaching sessions, you’ll learn about strategies and how to stay mindful, in the moment, to enhance the outcomes for each of you and your horses.
Sessions are tailored to individuals wishing to improve, groups, organisations striving towards a happier, more harmonious result.
Developing skills through your life lessons and horse training.
With a growing trend in these harder times for people to need help with their resilience training and life skills join the many, many people benefiting from Peter's skills and knowledge, in person and online.
An Inclusive, Diverse, Skilled, Qualified & Experienced Professional
Peter offers a variety of coaching services that will nurture your spirit, help you overcome personal challenges, and allow you to achieve your individual, life and riding goals. Your current comfort zone will be a thing of the past as you embrace new and improved knowledge and performance.
Peter caters to each and everyone's personal learning needs and styles, in order to unlock your full potential.
Change your thinking, understand and build a powerful skills set for success in your sport, work and life.
Contact Peter to start your proactive journey to fulfilling those dreams today.
In person individual coaching and clinics
Get the most out of your relationships with your self, others and your horses. Do you want to understand your thoughts and behaviours and those of your partners - horse and even human?
Take advantage of these different times, sieze the opportunity.
No time like the present.
Photo credit - Dr Phil Janson - Willows Leap.
Online Seminars, workshops & mentoring
Guidance & Inspiration through bespoke, "highly acclaimed" programs, courses and presentations aimed at enhancing your life, relationship and sport skills.
Join the hundreds already benefitting from, implementing and discussing the learning they've gained as participants.
Mentoring
Have the current times dampened your,
Enthusiasm,
Confidence,
Joie de Vivre
Had you thinking about your pathway,
Realising there was more to life that the treadmill you were on,
Made you want to influence your self and family with real values and goals?
or worse, lost your way?
It could be you, your team or your organisation needing to identify shared values and build a more productive culture. Peter has experience and success at leading you towards an improved pathway forward in any or all these scenarios.
If you answered yes to any or all of the above then it could be time for some real help in rebooting your thinking and behaviour to rise up again and live the life you deserve.
Contact Peter to arrange your mentoring sessions to help you personally, your business, your relationships.
Become brave enough to be you, and an even better you!
Find Your Shine!
The power of Peter's students success is that he doesn't tell you what you want to hear, he tells you what you need to know!
A Truly Motivational Speaker
Testimonials
Knowledgeable, relevant, compassionate, witty.
"Relevant, sensitive, entertaining, witty, moving, inspiring, uplifting."
Bespoke, motivating, inspiring, thought provoking, with empathy, humour and reality in large doses, and always pertinent.
Keeping it real, making it relevant!
70th Anniversary Dinner Brittish Horse Society Scotland
November 2018
A moving, relevant story of life, it's struggles, beating the odds, some home truths, received amazingly by the audience, making them cheer, laugh, cry and think receiving a standing ovation.
So much excellent feedback.
Testimonial Patrick Print FBHS
November, 2018
"And guess what folks Peter was a star! One of the best speeches I’ve heard in a long while - sensitive, funny and at times sad. You really did capture what’s going on in the horse world at present. Peter you should be on the stage and definitely on the professional speech circuit. Brilliant!! X"
Testimonial: Maggie S Bunnett
November, 2018
"Absolutely the best after dinner speaker I've ever heard! Husband .. not that horsey...really, really enjoyed it also!"
Lorna McClintock Miskelly
November 2018
"Come back soon Peter, you are an inspiration for me to be who I want to be with my beautiful horse and to hell with what anyone else thinks or says! Your speech resinated so much with me I almost felt you wrote it with me in mind! Thank you and safe journey ❤"
John Costello – Pony Club Executive and Business CEO
June, 2014
Re: Dressage Judges' Seminar for Pony Club Judges.
"This was one of the best training sessions I have ever attended. Not only did I feel better equipped with the skills to provide relevant feedback and fair judging of riders at our Pony Clubs, it has provided me some incredibly valuable tips and skills for coaching and instruction.
Peter Shaw is a great trainer and presenter – a clear communicator, knowledgeable, highly committed to the role of Pony Club, and Equestrian Sports and an incredible source of information.
I can wholeheartedly recommend these clinics for any coaches, instructors and those wanting to develop the skills required to judge, coach or ride for competition or pleasure, I fully support any plans to extend this training more broadly across NSW."
Sarah-Jayne Bowers
November 2018
"Great to meet you Peter, wonderful speech provoking a huge range of emotions and dealing with so much of what impacts developing the next generation of skilled equestrians xxx"
Never a truer word spoken than Henry Ford's famous quote. Let me help you learn to believe in yourself and give you the life and/or horsemanship skills to excel, become a stronger, more positive person and bring out your shine.
"If you think you can or think you can't you're probably right."
Henry Ford
Upcoming Events
Dressage Clinic GunnedahFri, 03 JuneBirdwood, Milroy
Dressage Clinic NEGSSat, 28 MayArmidale
Dressage Clinic GundarooFri, 22 AprGundaroo