planning, focus, timing

JOS LANSINK ON PEAKING AT THE RIGHT MOMENT

ALL THE VALUABLE EXPERTISE GAINED DURING HIS RIDING CAREER THEN ALLOWED HIM TO BECOME THE COACH OF THE DUTCH SHOW JUMPING TEAM IN EARLY 2022. HIS MISSION? GETTING THE DUTCH TEAM TO PEAK AT THE RIGHT TIME. WE SPOKE TO JOS ABOUT HIS STRATEGIES.

When you and your horse have to deliver a top performance, how do you work towards that moment? Jos: “When you want to put in a good performance, there are many factors that are not under your control. Good preparation is essential. That is why I always start with a good plan, working with my horse well in advance of the competition. When I am preparing for a European or World Championship, I plan everything around that horse. So it’s important that I chart out the points we need to work on as a pair. I make an estimate as to how much the horse needs to perceive the competition as routine. Experienced horses often need fewer shows in the run-up to a big show than less experienced ones do. I want my horse to stay fresh, so it is important to find exactly the right balance between effort and relaxation. That is why I do a lot of alternation between work and frequent forest hacks.. This also applies to me as a rider. In order to be fit and fresh when competing, I make sure I get enough variety. I find my relaxation in the daily routine of working with the horses, which I regularly alternate with cycling and swimming. When preparing for a show, I don’t want to be worrying about anything. I have a wonderful wife who makes sure that everything runs smoothly at home. Peace in the tent is peace in your mind. Good preparation includes sound management of everything concerning the horse. The tack must be in order, as well as his diet. The horse must have been recently seen by the vet, dentist, farrier. The sport is at such a high level that it’s the details that make all the difference. You can’t leave anything to chance. And then the time comes, the moment when you need to deliver top performance. How do you keep focused? Jos: I trust my preparation, my horse, and my own abilities. We worked together towards this moment, and our trust in each other has grown. I believe that. I make sure there are as few distractions as possible and focus on what needs to be done. I retreat into my own bubble with my groom, the vet, and the head trainer. Depending on the starting order, we have breakfast together in the morning and do some dressage work. If time allows, I like to be able to see some riders in the saddle. But the order is not known in advance, so have to adapt to what we’re given. The trick is not to get distracted by all the peripheral issues, but to focus on the course that lies ahead. Just before we’re on, I do some relaxed work with my horse and we jump some fences in the warm-up area

How will you convey your experience to the team so that they can peak together? The same applies to the team. I steer towards composure and trust through regular training together. We stick to our plan, and we don’t suddenly go and do something different. As a coach, there is little you can do once the rider enters the arena. Then it’s all up to that pair. Of course we follow up with a thorough evaluation to learn what we can do better next time. It ensures that they will keep becoming stronger as riders. Any points for improvement will be part of the planning for the next competition. What tips do you have for riders who struggle to peak at that one special moment? Jos: Nerves do strange things to people. I have seen a rider forget his name when entering the ring, that is not the problem. The problem is inexperience. The more experience you have, the better you can handle the tension. Good preparation is the key to success at any level. Stick to your schedule and do not deviate from it. There is always still room for improvement when it comes to a foundation in dressage; I think that is very important. But I see some (young) riders who are too casual about it. You must be able to correctly use your hand, seat, and leg aids to ride transitions well. Being able to ride the horse with a good, calm contact. By feeling, and not by force. You’ll never win by forcing, only through feeling and intelligence. That is the most important thing in getting a horse to jump well.

Jos Lansink made his definitive breakthrough as a rider in 1988, when he won the Grand Prix of Twente and the CHIO in Rotterdam. That same year, he qualified for the Summer Olympic Games in Seoul, where he and his horse Felix took seventh individually and fifth with their national team. Countless victories followed and Jos has proven time after time to be able to peak at the right moment.

HIGH PERFORMANCE

Top performance requires top support. That’s why we have a special line of High Performance supplements for top athletes. A healthy and balanced diet is essential, and so Cavalor has created a range especially for high-performance horses to provide our top athletes with optimum support at peak times. These supplements meet the increased needs of sport horses at critical peak times. Although horses have enormous athletic ability and are capable of extremely hard work, the physical impact can be enormous. Curious about the products in our high performance range? You can recognise them by their silver look and very effective function.

IS THIS DOPING?

It’s complicated, partly because some national federations have their own doping regulations (such as Germany, Scandinavian countries, and the USA). That’s unfortunate, because we think it would be better if everyone adhered to FEI rules. Some of the national federation rules are absurd: waiting periods for electrolytes or tryptophan, for example. We find this bizarre, because tryptophan is an amino acid found in all kinds of feed and forage, even pasture grass. You can rest assured that Cavalor products will never result in a positive doping test. How do we know? Because they are formulated in such a way that, when used correctly and in the proper dosage, they are always within the permitted amount. They are based on FEI and IFHA (International Federation of Horseracing Authorities) regulations. Moreover, every Cavalor product is rigorously tested and subjected to an extensive doping test (at an accredited laboratory) before it enters the market. Cavalor does this so you can pursue your ambition without taking any risks.

NEW: CLEANING SPRAY

This instant stain remover is an absolute must-have for last-minute stains. It removes the most stubborn stains without water. Practical to have along on shows. Cavalor Bianco Spray contains several high-quality silicones that loosen dirt from your horse’s coat – just wipe off with a cloth. Naturally, Cavalor Bianco Spray is pH neutral, so it won’t damage the natural sebum layer.

RECOVERY

Cavalor Peak Performance is a balanced blend of essential oils and herbal extracts that improves equine alertness and performance. It acts on blood circulation and lymphatic system, allowing horses to recover more quickly and keep going longer. It ensures more energy and faster recovery times.

FOUR TIPS FOR GOOD FOCUS FROM SANNE BEIJERMAN

1 When competing or training, create goals that focus on perfecting a task or performing it well. The goal itself is not what’s important, but rather the path leading to it. 2 Make sure that you are well rested. Staying focused will naturally become easier and better. 3 Create a plan and maybe even write it down. Haste and restlessness make it almost impossible to keep focused. 4 Always stay in connection with your horse – what does he need?

Does he need to be calmed down, or encouraged a bit more?

If communication with your horse is your number one goal, good concentration will come naturally.

Hormonal fluctuations can make mares restless. Their fertility cycle is complex. This can be annoying for you as a rider, but also for the mare herself. Cavalor Venus helps to keep cycles regular. More peace and regularity means a happier mare.

AGAINST STRESS

Feed can help make a difference in nervous horses. Cavalor Pianissimo is one of our most popular feeds for horses that are sensitive to stress and horses that need rest (stable confinement). Pianissimo also contains no oats. This results in a more relaxed horse that won’t get hot quickly..

Diet has an enormous impact on nervousness and behaviour. However, there’s no miracle cure for stress. Exercise also helps to ease tension. Cavalor Calm reduces stress in nervous horses that overreact to unfamiliar circumstances. It ensures better concentration.

RELAX

TAKE IT EASY

At Cavalor, we believe in the power of the combination. That’s why our products never just contain single ingredients, but often blends of herbal extracts. They always contain the same controllable dose of active ingredient per serving. The following calming ingredients can be found in our feeds and supplements:

Magnesium

Helps to regulate heart rhythm and blood pressure; also important for muscle tension and relaxation.

Tryptophan

An amino acid that stimulates the production of serotonin, aka the “happiness hormone”. Serotonin makes your horse feel good and relaxed. It helps with stress management. Horses need tryptophan but their bodies do not produce it.

Betula alba (birch)

Improves kidney function and slows adrenaline production.

Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice)

Stimulates the hormone cortisol, which keeps your horse alert longer. It also ensures sustained performance with healthy tension.

Allium sativum (garlic)

Lowers blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Humulus lupulus (hops)

Has relaxing effects on the nervous system.

Cananga odorata (ylang-ylang)

Lowers blood pressure for relaxation Horses that are anxious or stressed are not themselves. Cavalor Take It Easy & Take It Easy Forte form a multifaceted approach to keeping your horse calm in stressful situations like transport or competition. They contain ingredients that calm nerves and support the respiratory and circulatory systems. Like Cavalor Take It Easy, Cavalor Take It Easy Forte also contains a high dose of L-tryptophan, which, in combination with vitamin B1, can be absorbed quickly and efficiently by the body. Tryptophan stimulates the production of serotonin, a substance that is naturally present in the body and which acts as a natural defence against stress. Vitamin B1 assists in impulse transfer to the nerves, supports the adrenal glands, and brings calming effects. Cavalor Take It Easy Forte contains magnesium citrate. Magnesium helps to relax muscles. Cavalor Take It Easy Forte also contains an additional blend of essential oils, each working to combat stress differently (breathing, circulation, anxiety, etc.).

WHAT TO CHOOSE?

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PRODUCT IS NOT EASY. WE’RE HAPPY TO HELP YOU FIND YOUR WAY.

Both products contain:

• • • L-tryptophan (for calming effects) B vitamins (to support metabolism) Magnesium (to help relax muscles)

Give your horse Take It Easy for:

• • Relieving mild stress Relaxing effects Take it Easy Forte contains added essential oils. Every horse reacts differently to stress, but these various oils help different types of horses in different situations.

Give your horse Take It Easy Forte for:

• • • • Sterke stress reductie Reducing heavy stress Making fear “disappear” Gaining focus

Patrick van der Meer De Hoeve Training Stables

“No worries about doping”

Cavalor makes good quality feeds and supplements and also offers sound advice. It is nice to have a nutritional partner seeing that our horses can deliver optimum performance in competition. And we never have to worry about doping substances. I’m a fan of Cavalor Take It Easy!