Thursday, 08 June 2023
Coaches have a major role to play across our sport, from grassroots to elite competition within all equestrian disciplines.
This UK Coaching Week we are sharing our catch up with para dressage performance coach Nina Venables, who joined our World Class Programme in 2005. Nina has helped our athletes win multiple medals at the Paralympic games, World and European championships...
What’s your favourite thing about being a Para Dressage Performance Coach?
I get to meet, watch and work with truly inspirational riders and horses.
What makes a good para horse?
A really good temperament and correct paces with expression and regularity.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Treat others the way you want to be treated.
What’s the best moment you’ve had with a horse?
That’s a tough one as I have been lucky to have so many special moments. I think the moment that just pips the rest to the post is when Deb Criddle won her first Paralympic gold medal in Athens in 2004 riding my horse Figaro.
What’s the worst moment you’ve had with a horse?
Saying my final goodbye to Figaro after 20 special years together. It broke my heart.
What’s your earliest memory involving horses?
Being with my stepfather’s Hunter called Condius – he was a gentle giant. I must have been five or six years old. I loved painting his hoofs and brushing his very thick tail, and I remember having to stand on a bucket to brush him.
What items do you always keep in your pocket?
Nothing exciting – just my phone, tissues and a lip balm.
What is your favourite film or box set?
I don’t have a stand-out favourite, but I recently finished watching all the episodes of Happy Valley. I watched all of series two in one night – I loved it!
Which horsey product couldn’t you live without?
I hate being cold, so it would have to be my duvet coat.
How do you wind down after a competition?
By hanging out with my boys – husband Neil and son Noah – and my black Labrador called Nell. Family time is precious time.