Dreams of the Olympics, young jockeys and horses - visited the equestrian sports department of the DYUSS trade unions in Volkovysk

Our correspondents visited the evening training in the department of equestrian sport of the Volkovysk children's and youth sports school of trade unions, where 18 pupils are engaged, and there are 17 horses on the balance sheet.

Characteristic hoof tapping, multi-voiced horse roaring, aroma of fresh hay and oats, creaking of shabby skin on saddles - this is a special world in which there is a place not only for romance, but also for strict unshakable rules.

Coach-teacher Victoria Karmazina gradually brings us up to date:

- For many years, I start with the same training. At the same time, I explain in detail to my girls what can be done and what can not be done. This prevents accidental injuries. The fact is that a horse can bite, kick the hoof, lean on the rider. She is afraid of sharp and loud sounds, twitches when a person makes rapid movements. Meanwhile, the weight of an adult horse can reach 500-700 kilograms. You have to make friends with a horse, and then fear, as one of the classics said, will not run ahead of the rider

Employees of the equestrian department take horses out of the stables, and meanwhile Victoria Andreevna continues her small educational program.

- We have two breeds of horses - Trakenen and Latvian. They are friendly, calm, compliant. They get along well with kids. Perfect for beginners. In general, these breeds are designed to work with beginner athletes, and with professionals who achieve high results. We currently have 18 students. All the girls! You know, sometimes guys come in, but... They don't stay long. After all, they, unfortunately, do not have such perseverance, perseverance and determination as our girls.

Loudly poking on the asphalt, the diverse trotters who felt free willingly leave the stable and levads (specially equipped paddocks for walking), substituting their heads under the dim October sun. The air is fresh and already filled with the breath of the coming cold. But they are still far away, so a comfortable temperature of 10-12 degrees is ideal for training.

Before it starts, we still manage to exchange a couple of phrases with Victoria Karmazina. By the way, one of the most talented young coaches of the Grodno region for two years in a row was a scholarship holder of the Presidential Sports Club. She has many interesting developments and, despite the age of “under thirty”, she has a lot of practical experience. She reasoned:

- We have a lot of talented girls. Some will surely become real masters, reach great heights in sports. Most of them come for daily training from Volkovysk, and some come even from neighboring areas - Mostovsky and Svislochsky. Persistent, diligent, and equestrian sports discipline even more, and pupils only add to their studies. Previously, Angelina Botvich was engaged, so she rode a bicycle for 30 kilometers from the Svisloch district. Rare character! I also want to thank the leadership of the Volkovysk District Executive Committee for their comprehensive assistance. And first of all – Chairman Dmitry Ivanovich Zakharchuk. Keeping horses isn't cheap. In a month, the department of equestrian sports requires only 5 tons of hay. After all, each horse per 100 kg of weight daily should eat at least 5 kg of feed, including hay, oats, mixed feed, bran and 2 kg of vegetables. The food is five times a day, all food is strictly controlled. Continuing the topic, I would like to note that agricultural enterprises of the district, which donate much-needed products, are also meeting us. They also have a low level of understanding. Great fellows and parents of young athletes helped to install a new multimeter modern fence of the arena.

Training begins. To begin with, young riders clean the wool - mane and tail - with special brushes, and also carefully clean the horse's hooves. Then wear a waltrap (this is a cotton or cloth blanket, which is put under the saddle). It absorbs moisture and evenly distributes the weight of the rider on the back of the horse. Also thoroughly fastened shock absorber, saddle, bridle ..

The trainer-teacher carefully examines and carefully checks whether the pupils correctly fitted the special equipment. Here we go!

The process of managing a horse is not easy. You could say it's a special art. But the young ladies in the saddle are doing well!

And the arena is the same! Mystery, Guildford, Goldie Grace, Salisbury, Gainsborough, Eastwood, Magneto, Geonica, Tavolga, Flora, Jahel, Plato, Tandem, Pact and Hof. There's a tiny Sabrina walking around. Listen, their names sound like music! It is interesting that old Hofu recently turned... 24 years. This rather frisky horse is practically a pensioner, but they are not going to write it off yet and the veteran is still in the ranks.

By the way, I have heard several times the popular opinion that old horses are sent to the meat factory. That's not true! They live their lives here in everyday care and care.

By the way, after an hour and a half of training, sb.by correspondents have already fully mastered the specific terminology and easily distinguished the allure from jigitovka, reins and a wreath, as well as (pardon!) arczak from the trenzel.

The smallest student is Lisa Panasevich. He's in third grade. It needs a special approach. She is carefully cared for by trainee Yulia Shidlovskaya, a 4th-year student at the Belarusian State University of Physical Culture. “Lizonka, hold your back straight!”, “Hands – to the sides!”, “Pick up the reins”, “Let’s take a step” – these jerky teams of a benevolent novice coach help the girl navigate the complex world of equestrian sports. Yulia Anatolyevna readily comments on what is happening:

I myself come from Grodno, I study in Minsk, and I practice and hope to continue working in Volkovysk. Soon I will graduate with a degree in “equestrian coach; physical education teacher”. The world of equestrian sports is very exciting, and it is really addictive. I really like working with children. That seems to be my calling (smiles). I try to approach each child individually. I always take into account the age, level of training, character, natural abilities, mood and morale of the pupil. It is necessary to engage young athletes, teach them to work and interact in a team and at the same time create a favorable atmosphere during training.

Meanwhile, the loud team of Victoria Karmazina “To the barrier!” sounds. Senior pupils line up in a line and alternately prepare to overcome obstacles that are evenly distributed throughout the arena. Here we go! There is a short run, acceleration and jump.

Against the general background, Anastasia Zablotskaya is noticeably distinguished by her skill. The ninth-grader of the Wolfovysk SS No. 3 and the graceful red-haired Mystery are like a single whole. An amazing rapport! Lovely to watch as nervously rattling and excitedly snoring, fiery-red Mystery rapidly gaining momentum.

Whether the young rider pushes her horse, or softly whispers some affectionate or encouraging words in her ear - the result is one: after a few moments, they confidently take the next barrier. By the way, its height is constantly growing.

For warm-up, starting with the gymnastic rows (this is a chain of relatively low barriers that follow each other at a certain distance and are designed to practice the technique of jumping), gradually Nastya and Mysteria make the hearts of a few spectators beat faster. 110 centimeters... 115. 120. 130. Finally, the well-coordinated tandem seems to stretch into a string and famously takes a record height of 40 meters. Applause!

Trainer-teacher Victoria Karmazina conducts “stepping back” (horses walk slowly, in the rhythm of free step), until the breath and pulse return to normal, and the muscles after a rich workout do not cool down. And we're literally stopping for a moment the I adult, Anastasia Zablotskaya, who has very little left to meet the Belarusian master of sports standard. It's coming soon!

The question is not original:

- Nastya, what is your main goal in sports?

The girl throws aside false modesty and answers confidently:

- I want to win the 2032 Olympic Games!

After a short pause, he adds:

- And certainly on the Mystery.

Bravo! Bees! There's just nothing to add to that.

kozyrev@sb.by