Veera Manninen, selected for the Olympics, is preparing in her native Pieksämäki. In the spring, a strict training and competition trip to Central Europe is ahead.
People who follow less riding got their eyes rubbed at the turn of the year. Two equestrians were selected for the Finnish Olympic team at once.
Also the dressage team, practically three horses, has made its way to Paris.
Pieksämäkeläinen Veera Manninen the selection was sealed on New Year’s Eve based on the ranking together with a familiar racing and training partner Sanna Siltakorven with.
Veera Manninen’s expectations of entering the Olympics rose already last spring, when the competitions went well. He admits that the moment was amazing when the information about the selection came.
– All autumn we were worried about whether the screens would be enough, says Veera Manninen.
The Olympics are a dream come true not only for the daughter but also for the mother, Päivi Manninen, who runs the Teittila stable, which operates on the old family farm.
– It was a great moment, for which ten years of work have been done. Finland is a small country in a sport where the competition is really tough.
According to Päivi Manninen, the selections for the Olympics show the rise of the level of equestrianism in Finland.
Top conditions at home
Manninen’s footprints for the Olympic competition at the end of July are precisely clear. Half of the time is to be spent in the domestic landscapes of Pieksämäki’s Naarajärvi, the other half in Central Europe.
– In March, we head to Poland, and there we will train and compete for seven weeks. Sometimes we go home to give feedback. Five weeks before the Olympics, we leave for Paris, says Veera Manninen.
There are absolutely excellent conditions for preparing at home. There is space for both dressage, cross-country and obstacle training.
Also the coach and Sir Gregg’s proprietary Petri Tolmusen it is easy to visit Kotka to guide his protégé.
According to Veera Manninen, even winter conditions do not hinder the preparation. Walking in the snow is also a kind of power training for the horse.
– We use it to our advantage in training, says Veera Manninen.
In equestrian, the Olympic place is shared by the rider and the horse. For example, if the other person is injured, the trip will not be made, unless there is a spare rider of a similar level.
Possibility of up to ten
The spring training and competition trip to Poland is demanding, because five horses and a lot of stuff are going with you. The truck is packed with 400 kilos of hay and another Mokoma complete feed.
– You simply cannot get as good hay from Central Europe. In addition, for a long trip, everything else, such as training, shoeing and massage for both, must be planned to the last detail.
You can also travel to Paris by road. Three horses and plenty of food for the animals are loaded into the truck.
The Olympic journey takes time, because on the way you have to train, maintain and take part in at least one preparatory competition. The stops in both Germany and France are familiar from previous years.
From Paris, Veera Manninen aims for a ranking in the top 20. More than 60 riders compete for medals in the sport.
– Of course, I am expecting a great experience and the best possible performance in the top 20.
The mother describes her daughter as a calm and cool-headed rider who always thinks of the horse’s best interests. Päivi Manninen believes in the abilities of both Finnish riders.
– If everything goes well and the horses are in good shape, they both have a chance to be in the top ten.
In cross-country riding, you compete in three different sports on consecutive days. The event opens with a dressage section, followed by cross-country riding and an obstacle course.