Riding to success: the journey of Adrià  Velasco Parramon in horseball

Adrià Velasco Parramon, known simply as Dri, is a name that resonates deeply within the horseball community. A life dedicated to horses from an early age has shaped Dri into not only a formidable player but also a passionate coach, guiding the next generation towards greatness. In this exclusive interview, Dri shares his journey, the intricacies of horseball, and the joy of playing and coaching alongside his family.

A childhood bond with horses

Dri’s connection with horses began almost as soon as he could walk. “I was only three when my father would take us up the mountain on one of our two family horses. By the time I was eight, I knew horseball was my calling,” he recalls. The discovery of horseball was almost serendipitous. “I was flipping through an equestrian magazine when I saw an advertisement for a horseball exhibition. With two brothers and two friends, we already had a team ready to go,” Dri adds with a smile.

Building the perfect connection

In horseball, the relationship between rider and horse is paramount. “The bond with your horse is crucial,” Dri emphasizes. “A strong partnership adds that extra level of understanding and synchronicity, which is vital for competing at the elite level.” But such a bond doesn’t develop overnight. “It’s the result of daily work, dedication, and a lot of patience. The real work happens long before you step onto the field. By the time a match comes around, it’s all about finding that connection and ensuring both horse and rider are in the right frame of mind to compete.”

The importance of team unity

For Dri, success in horseball is as much about teamwork as it is about individual skill. “It’s essential to create a strong team, not just on the field but off it as well,” he explains. “Good relationships among teammates help you anticipate each other’s moves and make the right plays at the right moments.” Dri believes that the bonds formed outside of the game significantly influence how a team performs during matches. “During training camps, it’s not just about practicing on the field; it’s about building a sense of unity and trust off the field. A close-knit team off the field is always stronger on it.”

Memorable victories and family ties

Dri’s career has been marked by numerous victories, but two stand out in particular. “The most special moments in my career so far have been winning the European Under-16 Championship with Spain in 2019 and the Spanish Championship with Malla in 2012,” he reminisces. The European Championship holds a special place in his heart, not just because of the victory but because of how it was achieved. “Winning against France in the golden goal, with my younger brother assisting and me scoring the final goal—it was a dream come true,” Dri says, the emotion still evident in his voice. “And the 2012 Championship with Malla was unforgettable because it was a team of not just players, but brothers and lifelong friends.”

Transitioning to coaching

While Dri’s playing days continue, he has also found a deep passion for coaching. “Coaching is a completely different experience, but I enjoy it immensely,” he shares. The approach varies depending on whether he is coaching young, inexperienced players or seasoned professionals. “With younger teams, it’s about developing good technique and introducing tactical concepts. With elite teams, the focus is on refining those tactics and preparing for each match with a specific strategy.”

For Dri, coaching provides a unique satisfaction. “When working with young players, it’s less about the results and more about their development. Seeing them improve, both in horseball and in their horsemanship, is incredibly rewarding,” he says. “The greatest satisfaction comes when those players reach the elite level and surpass what I achieved as a player. That should be every coach’s goal.”

The joy of coaching at the elite level

Coaching elite teams brings a different kind of fulfillment. “Seeing everything we’ve worked on in training come to life during a match, knowing the players understand and execute the game plan—that’s the ultimate reward,” Dri explains. “When that happens, the results take care of themselves.”

As Adrià ‘Dri’ Velasco Parramon reflects on his journey, he encapsulates his philosophy simply: “In horseball, as in life, it’s about dedication, passion, and building something meaningful with the people around you.” His commitment to the sport, both as a player and coach, continues to shape the future of horseball, inspiring others to reach new heights.

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