Associate Professor Bruce Mandeville competed in the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympic Games, two World Championships (1994 and 2002), and two Pan American Games (1999 and 2003) as a member of the Canadian Equestrian Team. He is an accomplished coach and dressage horse trainer. He has coached students in the North American Young Riders Championship (NAYRC) to a gold and bronze medal. At Otterbein, he teaches equine business management courses, including sustainable practices, equine center design, and equine law, among others.

Mandeville is currently cheering on the Canadian Equestrian Team at the Olympic Games in Paris, France.

As an athlete, what does it take to prepare mentally and physically for Olympic competition?

For major competitions, athletes (and the horses) try to peak at the right time, not too early or late. Physical peak is easier to monitor and attain than mental peak. Having delays of even hours or days can influence a competitor’s mental state. Having months of uncertainly would be disarming. With two team members (rider and horse), there are many more physical and mental variables to consider. Preparation takes a village, including sports psychologists, which are often part of the traveling team. 

Physically, national team members, during my years, were given physical therapy sessions to help with pains and strains. I also had a sports masseuse and osteopathist attend major competitions. Outside of competitions, my horse often got more medical attention than I did (those approaches and techniques I use today in my equine therapies classes). 

What should people know about the experience of competing in the Olympics?

The Olympics offers a unique atmosphere. The Olympic Village is often not accessible to all sports due to the various venue locations. Equestrians need land, so we rarely get to be in the village. The different countries identified by sportswear in the restaurants and gyms is memorable and exhilarating. Often, lifetime friends are made.

The Olympics also represent extreme stress — mental and physical, not only on the athlete but his/her support group. Finding a life partner or friends who understand the commitment and sacrifices poses a huge hurdle. Another stress is that just one thing could go wrong: a horse misstep in training, for example, and *poof* — that opportunity is gone.

Life after the Olympics can be tough. Athletes often suffer mentally and physically, including gaining weight from not being on the same workout regime after retiring from the sport. The bright side is that the Olympics undoubtedly change athletes’ lives, and opens doors, opportunities, and new experiences.

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