December 28, 2023
Blog # 4 – Problem Solving in Equestrian Sport
Sandra Verda-Zanatta
Problem-solving in equestrian sport is an indispensable skill that coaches, trainers and riders must cultivate to ensure the safety and well-being of both horse and rider athletes, while promoting progress in training, leading to optimal performance in competitions.
My background in the therapeutic riding industry, and coaching para-equestrian athletes challenged me to develop my problem solving skills, improved my eye for identifying rider imbalance and asymmetry and provided me with a wealth of knowledge that I continue to use daily.
These skills were put to use extensively when I was scouting competitive dressage horses throughout Europe for riders with physical disabilities. Training horses to accept adaptive equipment for a paraplegic rider with no use of her legs, or to handle the imbalance of a rider with a prosthetic leg, or to be less reactive to the spasticity in a rider’s limbs due to cerebral palsy, required clear, consistent repetition, careful analysis of horse reactions, and often experimentation and innovation to find the right training method.
In addition to horse training, it was necessary to help riders achieve the most effective, balanced position primarily for safety and comfort, as well as to achieve top performance. Creativity and imagination were necessary to devise adaptive equipment that allowed riders to be secure, functional and effective. With the expertise of saddle makers and input from athletes, I was able to design several unique, custom-made saddles to promote independence, freedom and safety, allowing riders to develop their skills and become accomplished equestrians competing at the top level of sport. This process was tedious and often perplexing as we had to adapt the seat shape, depth and texture, thigh block size and position, adding hand holds, leg straps and stabilization stirrups. It was a creative process and we returned to the drawing board several times before we got it right.
Traveling to foreign countries with limited accessibility was often interesting and challenging! For instance, one adventure involved navigating down twenty steep, narrow stairs with one of my athletes in a wheelchair to a washroom in a Paris restaurant, only to find the doors too narrow to fit the wheelchair! Keep in mind we had to go back up the twenty stairs too! This was just one of the many obstacles encountered and successfully conquered during our international adventures!
Fast forward 20+ years and problem solving is still a constant theme in my daily routine, whether it is caring for my horses, training or competing. From figuring out the nutritional needs and correct shoeing techniques, to the exercise routines and environmental enrichment needs required for each horse to support their optimal mental and physical health, I am constantly evaluating and adapting their stable management and care plans.
In training, I consider several variables including the age, fitness, temperament, along with the physical and mental maturity of each horse to establish work load and rest requirements. Topline muscle development, soundness and weight is evaluated and tracked regularly to identify and implement an effective, flexible, individual plan.
When pairing riders with horses, some of the factors considered are size, ability, temperament, training level, competition experience, movement quality and sensitivity. Finding a suitable horse for a rider requires forethought and critical thinking, and even if you check all the boxes resulting in a compatible horse/rider combination you will still encounter speed bumps in training therefore, coach self-regulation and problem-solving skills are paramount in fostering a positive and effective partnership.
In my coaching role, I strive provide steady, solid leadership by regulating my own emotions, maintaining composure, and staying focused amid the challenges encountered in practice and competition. I’m sure many of my fellow coaches can relate to the fact this can be difficult, especially when you are passionate about your sport and athletes! As I reflect on my career as both an athlete and coach, I recognize the evolution that has taken place, as well as how much more there is to learn!
Being self-aware enables me to make sound decisions, communicate effectively, set high standards and be a positive example for my athletes and team members. Staying focused and maintaining composure improves my ability to think critically, problem solve, and adapt strategies in crucial moments. This is especially important because of the inherent high risk of equestrian sports, my decisions or directions to a rider can significantly affect the outcome of a dangerous situation or potential accident. My athletes put their trust in me to safely challenge them and maintain composure under pressure allowing me to make strategic adjustments and navigate unforeseen obstacles that arise.
The partnership between a rider and horse is complex, demanding a clear understanding of the unique challenges during training or competition. Whether it’s addressing horse behavioral issues, refining rider techniques or navigating reactions to external stimuli or obstacles in and around the arena, effective problem-solving requires a combination of patience, empathy, and technical expertise. Innovative coaches who design practices to encourage independent thought and critical thinking, facilitate the development of problem solving-skills in their riders. I am committed to promoting these skills because they are essential, especially in competition where split second decisions have to be made by the rider without any external influence or coaching.
Riders must be attuned to their horse’s individual needs, employing a mindful approach to overcome challenges and enhance the overall harmony between rider and equine partner. Teaching riders how to anticipate and ride strategically to navigate potential problems is key, especially to set them up for competition success. Once a rider is in the competition arena they are on their own, as a formal rule coaches can not intervene in any way, so riders must have the tools to deal with issues that may arise within their test. For example, if a horse becomes afraid or spooky at a certain spot in the arena there are specific techniques that can help reduce their reactions, so fewer marks are lost and composure can be regained for the next required movement.
Athlete self-regulation, problem-solving skills and ability to manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in the face of challenges and pressure are integral to competition success. Their ability to maintain focus, stay composed under stress, and adapt to changing circumstances during competition is imperative to the partnership development and gaining horse’s confidence and trust. These skills allow a rider to maintain a high level of performance regardless of external pressures, and turn setbacks into opportunities for growth. Together, these attributes create a resilient and adaptable athlete who can thrive in the dynamic and unpredictable nature of equestrian sport horses and competition.
I believe the combination of self-regulation and problem-solving creates a resilient and adaptable coaching approach, that fosters a positive, progressive learning environment, contributing not only to the development of skillful and confident riders but also to the welfare and contentment of the horses involved in these dynamic partnerships.