[6] After Coleman began to focus on eventing he started training with Karen and David O’Connor, beginning an apprentice with the pair after his graduation from Woodberry Forest School.

[4][5] In 2001 at the age of 18, Coleman was gold medalist at the North American Young Rider's Championship.

That year he finished 8th on Second Hope at Fair Hill International CCI3*, earning a spot on the USEF's winter training list.

[8] In 2005 Coleman began college at University of Virginia, leading to the sale of some of his top horses, as he took a step back from completing to focus on his education.

[6] Away from competition, he continued to focus on his riding education, taking lessons from top riders such as Gerd Reuter, Anne Kursinski and Wiljan Laraakers.