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Blog #3 Critical Thinking & Yearly Training Plans

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Blog #3 Critical Thinking & Yearly Training Plans

Sandra Verda Zanatta

Yearly Training Plans have been an important component of my equestrian career as both a HP coach and athlete.  I have utilized YTP’s to guide my personal athletic development, the training and competition plans for my FEI horses, and my competitive riders’ paths to national and international competitions.  YTP’s provided the framework for progressive training plans within a cohesive team atmosphere.  For this blog, I decided to reflect on critical thinking and its role in the development of yearly training plans in equestrian sport.

Equestrian sport YTP cycles and preparation periods need to be well thought out.  Adaptability and flexibility to address the evolving needs of individual horses and riders and the combination as a “team” is a constant theme in daily training, competitions and yearly planning.  Sometimes horse and rider progression does not align, and we need to critically evaluate whether to take a step back or increase challenge and press on.  The affect of potential decisions on both athletes and whether they support desired long and short term goals, need to be carefully considered.

Coaches need to be critical thinkers when analyzing, observing and evaluating riders and horses in order to develop appropriate training and competition plans.  Due to the intricate partnership between horses and riders, there are numerous variables to consider as we develop plans and set short and long-term goals.  Strategic consideration and analysis of the individual strengths and weaknesses of each athlete, their fitness level, and temperament, while promoting mental and physical well-being, is key to setting realistic, measurable goals that align with desired outcomes.  Anticipating challenges, adjusting plans, and incorporating diverse training modalities are all aspects of how critical thinking is used in the development of equestrian YTP’s.  Equestrian coaches need to be open-minded, willing to adapt and change course as needed.

Horses mature at different rates, and all have varying responses to pressure and training.  Each ride requires analysis of soundness, gait regularity, fatigue and tension levels and adjustments need to be made throughout the session to address horse’s response to rider aids and chosen skill development exercises.  Training horses and riders requires constant evaluation of training methodologies, seeking innovative approaches to enhance specific skills or address areas that require improvement.  Open  communication between coach/rider is important to allow rider feedback on how the horse “feels” so coaches can provide strategies to improve skills and exercises that can help rider achieve desired “feel”or result.  Riding is kinesthetic and the most effective riders who train and compete through to the elite levels, have excellent body awareness, and an extraordinary ability to feel then adapt to the horse’s body and their response to subtle cues.

When evaluating a horse and rider team and their future potential or choosing horses for high performance sport, a critical eye is necessary.  We consider health, size, temperament, conformation, muscle development, quality of gaits, suppleness, and training history.  Comprehensive examination of these variables, as well energy levels, temperament and physical abilities of riders is required; the goal is to create successful, harmonious partnerships.

YTP planning also has to take into consideration travel and venue acclimatization for horses.  Critical thinking and strategic planning are important components to address potential problems and develop plans to reduce stress, supporting positive outcomes.  Horses have a flight instinct, weigh 1000 pounds plus, and are powerful athletes, so handlers, grooms, riders and assistants need to have appropriate skills to manage different horses’ temperaments and personalities, promoting safety in various environments, and decreasing risk.  Forethought and proactivity are important factors in our sport.

Athlete input is critical in the YTP process.  To facilitate critical thinking and brainstorming of innovative training ideas, I will often ask questions that start with:

  • How do you want to handle….
  • What are your ideas about dealing with these potential issues…..
  • What are the steps you think are relevant to creating “this” outcome…….
  • Based on our experience with this horse so far what can we anticipate upon arrival at show and during the 1st day of acclimatization and what is your plan?

This approach not only optimizes the potential for success in competitions but also fosters a healthy, progressive journey of improvement throughout the training year.  It creates an atmosphere of teamwork, trust, engagement, and accountability.  It teaches planning skills, promotes critical thinking, and empowers riders and other team members to be proactive, promoting confidence in their contribution to the process.

Over the years, I have used numerous YTP templates and feel that this one is the most comprehensive to date.  Throughout the planning process, I had several discussions with Sara (athlete) around the training and conditioning approaches for the horse and herself.  We reviewed past performances and the key issues encountered in competition.  Sara is a seasoned rider and fierce competitor but lacks the formality of a structured, focused YTP.  She has exceptional focus and resilience, however, needs more organization and prioritization to reach her long-term goal of qualifying for Pan Am trials. Her input to the YTP was valuable and she found that being involved in its development really challenged her to think about different aspects of her training and also her daily routines and habits.  Working with Sara in the Pilates cross-training program has provided valuable information regarding her physical strengths and weaknesses, allowing us to identify the root causes of postural issues and muscular asymmetries and incorporate strategies into the YTP to improve her riding effectiveness.

Awareness of rider mental well-being and recognition of triggers that cause challenges to self-regulation and emotional control requires critical thinking to devise plans to mitigate unwanted responses.  In competition, stress reactions are often significantly increased so thinking ahead and planning on part of both rider and coach are important.  Sara’s YTP has a significant focus on these factors.  Improving her ability to regulate and control intensity levels, developing relaxation techniques will be a focus throughout the upcoming season.

This coach/athlete partnership with Sara is fairly new and going through the YTP process together gave us both valuable insight into the strategies and techniques that may work for us as a team.  It further developed our relationship and understanding of each other and has strengthened our partnership for the future.

 

 

 

 

Blog #2 Reflections on Leadership and Personal Improvement Plan

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My equestrian leadership roles as coach, clinician, coach developer, committee chairperson and conference presenter have allowed me the opportunity to travel internationally and learn from some of the most renowned coaches, athletes and technical leaders in our sport.  As I work through the HPCTL program, I am continually inspired and humbled by the wealth of knowledge imparted to me by the professors and fellow cohort, and as my passion has always been to educate and inspire others, I appreciate the course information and tools gained to recognize where I can improve and elevate my coaching and leadership practices.

Studying Kouzes and Posner 2017, The Leadership Challenge, completing the self-assessment and LPI workbook, and reviewing the SLPI feedback provided valuable insight to my current leadership practices, and development of my Personal Improvement Plan. The clear guidelines resulted in a formal, educated inventory of my daily procedures, interactions and approaches to self-reflection. This process inspired a greater self-awareness and determination to strive towards excellence in leadership.  Guided by my core values of safety, teamwork, accountability, integrity, and resilience (STAIR), I will focus on the key practices of modelling, inspiring and enabling by setting a positive example of expected behaviour, taking action and encouraging others to share a vision for the future, creating a productive, cohesive team.

In planning ahead for future assignments, I will consider challenging the process in equestrian sport by exploring the need for renovation of our provincial competition pathways, talent identification, and coach education.  The implementation of criteria, and creation of pathways for riders and coaches are important links for promoting participation in competition, leading to the development of potential high performance athletes.  Encouraging sport for life, and the well-being of participants starts at the grass roots.  My goals are to share a vision of positive change for the future, engage coaches through ongoing education and support them in preparing their riders to follow a competition pathway.

The first small step to implement change is possible within my own dressage program, Fit To Ride (F2R). Developed in the 1990’s, my original idea was to bridge the gap between riders with and without disabilities and integrate athletes with disabilities into the mainstream horse industry, providing them with opportunities to compete at recognized competitions.  Equity and inclusion were primary considerations and as the program grew it encompassed many athlete profiles, from para equestrian riders training for high performance on the world stage, to young riders vying for spots to represent Canada at the North American Young Rider and Junior Championships, to adult amateurs competing locally and provincially and also coach candidates studying for certification.

Recently, working on the culture of excellence project, investigating current sport and leadership issues, I recognize the need for a culture of change in our industry to promote longevity and well-being in our sport, as well as the need to redirect the focus of my program back to young riders and coaches.  As a coach developer and certification evaluator it is evident that new coaches require more education and experience pertaining to fundamental riding, equitation and horsemanship skills in order to properly prepare riders and provide them with a solid foundation of skills.  This observation was reinforced during my research and interviews with colleagues, officials, coaches and other equestrian industry stakeholders. It solidified that providing education in the noted areas is the first stepping stone towards the development of well-rounded, capable equestrians who will support our industry in the future.

I look forward to future mentor meetings to discuss ideas and get feedback on ways I can improve and adjust my program and contribute to improving sport culture in the equestrian industry.

 

 

Blog #1 The Importance of Valuing in Equestrian Sport

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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.