Five world titles, three times European champion and eight Olympic medals. Para-dressage amazon Rixt van der Horst (33) from Someren has been in the top for years. From this Wednesday she hopes to add three medals to her honors list during the European Championships in Ermelo. But the importance of the sport goes beyond this hunt for success. The sport is very important for its health. “I really need horse riding physically,” she says.
Rixt van der Horst was born more than 33 years ago with her twin brother Bernd ten weeks early. This caused various limitations, such as a lung disease, a kidney deviation and scoliosis. “If I have to tell you what I have, then I am a whole list further,” she says. Her main limitation is spasticity due to lack of oxygen.
“I can save myself indoors, then I don’t need a wheelchair. But if I go outside, I try to find the right balance: for example, I am going to walk or with the wheelchair to the supermarket? With every decision I have to determine what is best for me. With the stables I often use a mobility scooter. There are the distances a bit longer and you have different subordinations.”
Despite the many physical discomfort, equestrian sport brings her a lot of pleasure. That love for the sport started at a very young age. “I don’t come from a horse family, but was already on the back of a horse at the age of five. I was a real penny girl. I just went on in puberty, I was often ‘in the stable’ as often as possible. I used to do jumping lessons and I drove in the forest, I wanted to do everything that the rest did. I am no longer a hero.”
“I notice that I have more pains.”
She grew into a successful para-dressage amazon. She does feel that top sport costs her more and more energy. “I am not very old at the age of 33, but I notice that I have more pains. My muscles are a bit stiffer and stiffer, I have to do more and more to stay physically as good as possible. In the summer that is a bit easier, but in the cold I feel a lot worse.”
To perform as well as possible, Van der Horst trains with her horse four times a week. “In addition, there are many physical training sessions on the program, among other things with a physiotherapist. I also regularly swim and at home I have all kinds of equipment. It is almost a day task. I hope to be able to ride for as long as possible. It is an important part for me to keep feeling good. Although there is of course a difference between normal riding or dressage at top sports level.”
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During the European Para dressage in Ermelo from 3 to 7 September, Van der Horst will go with her horse Eisma’s Royal Fonq NOP for medals in the individual test, country competition and Free Kür. “Last year the Olympic Games were great, the largest stage you are working towards. After three times silver, I hope to be able to stand on the highest step during the European Championship. I will put that pressure on myself, especially because we are driving in the tournament for which I am an ambassador.”
Her ultimate dream is to be there again in 2028 during the Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. “It is on my schedule, but I look at it per year. Is it still physically and financially to be strong?”