She made her debut at the European Para-Dressage Championships and how! Demi Haerkens (25) from Helmond won three gold medals in Germany and even broke the world record during the country test. “I’m never really emotional, but after the record I shed a tear.”
The bond with her horse is close. Demi does everything she can to train and care for EHL Daule NOP as best as possible. The animal is therefore regularly treated by the physiotherapist. But she also definitely does not forget about her own health. The Helmond resident suffers from a muscular nerve disease. “I maintain my body as best as possible through strength training, for example. I also think it is important to feel good mentally.”
Her illness makes her tired more quickly. “For example, I also have less muscle strength and less balance. Horse riding is the ideal sport for me.” Physical benefits for Demi are balance, coordination and motor skills.
“You can set a bomb off next to me, I won’t hear it.”
She prefers not to talk about her illness, but only about participating in top sports. “I have been riding horses since I was 5 and that love has never disappeared. I’m happy when I’m on a horse. During a match I am focused and I don’t hear it yet if you set off a bomb next to me. But I really enjoy driving. When I feel my horse so relaxed in harmony and expression, that is wonderful.”
The hat trick at the European Para Dressage Championships is a reward for enormous time investments. “My whole life has been dedicated to the love for my horse and the sport. Last year I came in second individually at the World Championships, but this year I succeeded. And the fact that I eventually won gold with the team and during the freestyle was great.”
“I always strive for improvement.”
According to the rider, to win it is important to gather the right people around her. “Arthur Verbroekken has been my trainer for more than ten years. EHL Horses purchased my horse especially for me. But I also mention, for example, a sports dietician and the physio for me and my horse. We do everything we can to perform as optimally as possible. I always strive for improvement. Our next goal is to qualify for the Paralympic Games in Paris, where I would like to perform.”