Blitz Interview with Coach Azamat Khasenov

Azamat Khasenov is a coach of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Master of Sport, multiple-time winner of national and international championships, and a prizewinner of FEI World Cup stages.

What does equestrian sport mean to you?
– It’s a part of my life. I’ve been in this sport for over 20 years.

What is the most significant moment in your career?
– Definitely victories in competitions. I invest time and effort in training every day for those moments.

Is your family involved in equestrian sport?
– My wife is actively involved. I try to instill a love for horses in our children, at least through interaction with them. My daughter has been riding since she was five. I don’t push them to become professional athletes, but they naturally show interest by watching us.

Do you ever fail to build a connection with a horse?
– Of course. But in my experience, what matters more than “chemistry” is consistent work and finding an individual approach to each horse.

What’s more important: the rider’s talent or the horse’s ability?
– Both are equally important. The rider and the horse must work together as one.

Your advice to beginner athletes?
– First and foremost: patience. Even with full dedication, not every training session will be perfect — after all, you’re working with a living being, not a machine. It’s crucial to learn to listen to the horse and build a relationship based on trust.