Blog Post 1
Sandra J Verda-Zanatta
HPCTL – UBC
The Importance of Valuing in Equestrian Sport
As I reflect on the first week of classes and meeting my cohort and professors, I am honoured, inspired and humbled by their depth of experience and expertise. This is a time of personal and professional transition and I rely on my core values to guide my decisions.
When I consider the NCCP Coaching Competency of Valuing and its importance in equestrian sport I reflect on my core values, specifically, how they guide my coaching practices. I believe that respect and sportsmanship are values critical for valuing in all areas of sport.
Valuing Organization and Officials
In equestrian sport, valuing the roles of officials, organizers, coaches, sponsors, riders and volunteers shows respect for the discipline and structure of sport. Equestrian sports are high-risk due to variables encountered while working with high-powered, athletic horses with an instinctual flight response. Adhering to rules and respecting safety procedures are essential to reduce risk and prevent accidents. On another note, there is a level of entitlement that is periodically observed in equestrian sport. One of my program goals is to encourage an attitude of appreciation for opportunities provided and an understanding of why rules and regulations are in place. This, is especially important for young riders entering sport. Team meetings outline key rules and riders are reminded to conduct themselves in a respectful, sportsmanlike manner, thank organizers and volunteers, write thank you cards and post on social media.
Understanding and valuing the organizational structure of competitions is essential for coaches and athletes especially during high priority competitions where the environment is stressful, tensions are high. Expectations are addressed and a review of appropriate channels of communication in the event of an issue needing resolution. For example, after test rides a mandatory tack check is conducted by a Steward to ensure fair play and welfare of horses. Disqualification can occur if the equipment is not approved or if horse has sustained an injury. If a decision is appealed, certain protocol must be followed. Deviation from outlined process or disrespectful behaviour can result in further reprimand and restriction from future competitions. Mistreatment of horses and use of unauthorized training tools observed in competition are not tolerated. Consequences are clearly outlined if observed at competition.
Valuing In The Training Environment
Dressage competition is primarily an individual sport. For this reason, there is a significant need in the training and competition environment to promote trust, teamwork, valuing efforts and respecting each horse/rider combination’s training path to success. I strive to ensure our daily training environment consists of respect and sportsmanship where riders feel safe to be challenged, make mistakes and problem solve. I expect riders to support the diversity of fellow riders, treating everyone equally regardless of age, experience or success. Taking an athlete-centered approach in training by valuing individuality of each horse/rider team is essential to their development. Designing training plans around the needs of each combination helps coaches evaluate progress, build confidence, avoid burn out and ideally foster long-term participation in equestrian sport. Being a late specialization sport this is crucial for developing elite athletes towards high performance competition. Additionally, creating a relationship of trust between coach/rider and rider/horse is a key element in achieving success especially as we are working with two athletes often with very different needs. Respecting and following Safe Sport practices, and creating a non-judgemental atmosphere builds trust and confidence in riders.
Riders are encouraged to support others by watching their tests. If we debrief as a group, each rider is to provide a positive comment about a fellow riders’ performance. In competition, regardless of the outcome of competition riders are expected to congratulate others and praise and appreciate their horses. These actions support an environment of positivity, respect and sportsmanship, resulting in ambassadors for our sport through a shared passion for the human/horse partnership and love of equestrian sport.
In reflection of my current coaching practices, I will research additional strategies and exercises to facilitate mutual respect and appreciation amongst my riders to encourage valuing of each individual and what they contribute to the training and coaching environment.
Valuing Health and Welfare of the Horse
Valuing the health and welfare of our horses is a fundamental requirement for training and competing. Horses are sentient beings. It is our privilege to train and develop them as athletes. We have a responsibility to respect and nurture their characters and make sure their daily needs are met. Our horses are elite athletes and need to be cared for with the same standards as elite human athletes. To ensure the highest standards are maintained, we discuss their specific needs and develop a comprehensive plan that includes nutrition, veterinary care, cross-training, physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Developing trust with our horses is a vital part of the creation of a harmonious partnership – the ultimate goal in dressage. Riders must value this faithfully. It takes 6-10 years to train a horse to the FEI Grand Prix and without trust you can not effectively train and perform. Valuing the need for trust is necessary to create a long-lasting partnership. As an example, when a horse is nervous they look to the rider for guidance and confidence, the rider is their leader. If there is a lack of trust the fright-flight-fight instinct will take over and performance will suffer.
Additionally, we are periodically faced with difficult decisions that affect competition plans and goals. For example, withdrawing from a high priority competition due to the physical needs of our horse. Knowing our core values and letting them guide us, caring about the best interest of our partner and supporting his longevity in sport can help make the right decision and keep things in perspective.
Valuing Judges in Dressage
Dressage is a French word for training. Dressage is systematic, progressive training and development of the horse to develop clear communication and create a harmonious partnership between the horse and rider.
The sport of dressage is judged. There are specific requirements at each level designed to guide the mental and physical development of the horse and rider. Competitions consist of universal test patterns comprised of movements to be executed consecutively at specific arena markers. Each movement is judged out of 10 and then averaged to a percentage. Collective marks evaluate rider posture, position and effectiveness. Riders are given a specific ride time, for example 9:34 am. the bell rings, you have 45 seconds to start your center line and salute the judge. Failure to do so results in elimination. Valuing punctuality and being prepared is a key component in dressage, therefore the importance of preparedness and punctuality are focused on in daily training, supporting the values of responsibility, commitment, organization and time management.
There are standards, requirements and extensive judge training however, as in any judged sport, there is an element of subjectivity and human bias that filters in. As a result, judgement is common in dressage. The ability to accept critique and filter who’s opinions matter are difficult, but important skills to acquire as a competitor. My equestrian career spans over 30 years, throughout which I have been witness to athletes, coaches and bystanders publicly engaging in negative dialogue about certain judges, blaming horse or making excuses due to external stimuli or environmental factors; in general exhibiting poor sportsmanship. This is especially common after a difficult performance or result. It is imperative that coaches lead by example, demonstrating respect for the judge’s perspective and expect sportsmanship from all team members.
In instances where riders are disappointed with results or disagree with marks, I remind them, the judge provides feedback on today’s performance, judging what they observe in the moment. History, training details or recent obstacles are not relevant, they are judging based on set criteria. To help riders reflect and deal with disappointment debriefs are crucial. They provide a safe place to voice concerns and feelings. I can provide input, identify learning opportunities and utilize relevant feedback to improve performance. Turning a difficult performance into a learning opportunity builds mental strength, resilience and the ability to reframe negativity into something productive.
This scratches the surface of valuing in equestrian sport, its importance and how core values effect decisions and reactions we have to different situations. Through this reflection I am committed to providing more opportunities for riders to identify their core values and relate them to sport specific situations. I will also continue to reflect on my actions to ensure that I continue to model the respect and sportsmanship characteristics I expect in my riders.