Blog Post #4 Part 2

Jan 12, 2024

Sandra Verda Zanatta

I decided to write an addition to my initial Blog Post #4 on Problem Solving after our meeting Thursday.

When I decided to take the plunge and apply for the HPCTL program, it was initially due to my goal of qualifying for the Pan Am Games coming to an abrupt end when my top competition horse was injured.  I looked into the program previously, however, the timing did not work with my travel and competition schedule.  The window of time became available, and being accepted into the program turned disappointment and derailment of my 2023 YTP into an opportunity for growth and challenge.  I know without hesitation, that this is exactly what I am supposed to be doing right now.  The problem to solve was how to find the hours in my week to commit to the course, and so my YTP revamping started!

Having been out of school for 25+ years, and as I have mentioned, not having the strongest technical computer skills, I felt like a fish out of water!  It took a lot of extra time to learn programs correctly, I asked a lot of questions, used google extensively and called on some of you for help, I feel like I encountered a new problem everyday!  I can say without a doubt I have not only learned a great deal in our classes, but definitely about computers!

The past year was a time to shift gears and regroup, figuring out how I wanted to adjust my professional path and help facilitate changes necessary within Canada’s equestrian industry.  Across the board, we are facing significant challenges in rider and coach development, and producing high performance athletes with the ability to reach the podium.  Working through the assignments has inspired me to look for innovative strategies to affect change.  I recognize that as I present ideas, I will encounter resistance, so will need to be well-equipped and resilient, however, I believe that if logical pathways and potential solutions are brought forward, eventually, we can make positive steps towards the future.  Listening all of you, the issues and struggles within your sports, and the solutions you have come up with, has provided me with ideas for different approaches to address the ones I am currently facing.

A great problem solver is my mentor is Ronan Byrne of Stronger Mind Counselling.  Ronan holds his Masters in Clinical Counselling with a certification in trauma counselling.  He has 28 years in working in Correctional Service of Canada, has represented Canada in Triathlon, played professional Rugby and is a 5 x Ironman Triathlete.  Ronan has been a constant source of support, his guidance and input has been invaluable, providing an interesting perspective due to his diverse background.  He challenges me to consider different approaches, dig deeper and think outside the box.  We recently had an interesting meeting about the ability to problem solve under extreme stress and how to reign yourself back in, regain control and regulate your emotions so you can refocus and think critically. We discussed how anxiety is a key component required not only in sport but life, and it is healthy. The key is, can you relax and find solutions within it.  I appreciated his perspective about nerves, tension, anxiety and how they are often viewed as negative when in reality they are very necessary and it’s about how you regulate and put them to use to improve performance.  I gave a scenario using one of my athletes to brainstorm about potential strategies to improve her ability to regain emotional regulation quickly, within a competition setting.  Giving her tactics to be effective, plan for the next movement, and to improve the rest of the performance.  In general, teaching her how to regain composure and get back on track efficiently, a crucial skill in equestrian sport, as loss of focus, composure and regulation significantly affects human and horse athletic performance.

In closing, my journey in this course to date has exceeded my expectations, the camaraderie of our cohort, the guidance of the professors and the possibilities for the future have inspired and energized me.  Thanks to all of you, I hope you all achieve your personal and professional goals.

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.