Sicily's Under-21 equestrian team sharpens skills with elite mental and nutritional training

Sicily's Under-21 equestrian team sharpens skills with elite mental and nutritional training

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Sicily's Under-21 equestrian team sharpens skills with elite mental and nutritional training

The Sicilian Regional Committee of the Italian Equestrian Federation (FISE) is boosting its Under-21 Regional Grand Prix team with a bespoke preparation programme. Five senior riders—Melania Milazzo, Sara Guarino, Stefano Fisichella, Gabriele Polizzi, and Marco Crimi—are now undergoing expert-led training to refine both mental and physical performance ahead of key competitions like Fieracavalli and ArenaFise.

The programme brings together sports psychologist Dr. Elisa Frassinetti and wellness coach Dr. Giada Morales to guide the athletes. Their first session with Dr. Frassinetti covered emotional control, breathing exercises, and visualisation techniques. Riders also practised self-talk strategies to sharpen focus and resilience under pressure.

Nutritional preparation forms another pillar of the initiative. Dr. Morales is advising the team on tailored diets, safe supplementation, and adherence to CONI guidelines for precision sports. While no official Sicilian FISE protocols exist yet, her approach likely prioritises low-calorie, cognitive-enhancing nutrition—balancing focus, recovery, and anti-doping rules.

The riders will enter the Verona competitions with greater confidence and self-awareness. This structured support aims to elevate their performance in high-stakes events, building on their existing skills with expert-backed refinement.

The Sicilian team's investment in specialised training marks a shift toward holistic athlete development. By combining mental conditioning with precision nutrition, the programme prepares riders for the demands of elite equestrian competition. Their upcoming performances will test the impact of this targeted approach.

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