Three-time European champion in para-dressage, Heidemarie Dresing, in an interview with the ALRV

Ms. Dresing, you’re heading to Allianz Park as the world’s No. 2-ranked para-dressage rider and even as the world’s No. 1-ranked rider in your class. What do you hope to achieve at the FEI World Championships in Aachen?

Heidemarie Dresing: Of course, I’d like to win a medal. At my first World Championships in 2022, at the 2021 Paralympics, and at the 2019 European Championships, I very often finished in fourth place. Although I was able to bring home three gold medals from last year’s European Championships in Ermelo, I’m really eager to make it onto the podium at the World Championships on home soil in Aachen. Beyond that, I also want to inspire older people and be a role model, because “nothing is impossible”! If you work hard and stay active, you can still achieve great things even in old age.

You’ll be competing with your mare, Poesie. Together, you’ve already celebrated great successes and risen to the top of the world in para-dressage. What sets your horse apart?

Poesie is just as crazy as I am. She’s a fighter and has a mind of her own—she’s just a girl (laughs). But that’s exactly what makes her so appealing. She’s a very special horse, and the two of us share an extraordinary harmony and a very subtle way of communicating.

How does your condition affect your daily life and your workouts?

I have multiple sclerosis, which means I suffer from neurological and muscular impairments such as balance problems, fatigue, and reduced muscle strength. I have difficulty walking and rely on a wheelchair, even though I can manage to walk a few meters without it. Exercise keeps me fit.

How did you get into horseback riding?

I first came into contact with horses when I was eight years old. My mother has always been a horse lover, and at some point I ended up riding a pony. Then came riding lessons at the Hagen Riding Club—the classic path with school horses and my first competitions, initially in show jumping. With my first real paycheck, I bought myself a horse, and after that, everything just took off.

What role do horses play in your life, especially since you were diagnosed with multiple sclerosis?

Horses are my life; I can’t imagine life without them. My training has changed since I got sick, of course, but I’m still absolutely thrilled by the unity and harmony we can create. Sometimes I actually get teary-eyed when I see everything the horses do for me and how considerate they are. They respond to the slightest cues and even forgive mistakes—that’s something truly special.

How did you get into para-sports?

Competition has always been a part of my life because I’m very ambitious. When I thought I wouldn’t be able to compete in tournaments anymore because of my illness, I initially wanted to quit. But then I learned from Hanne Brenner (a successful German para-dressage rider—Ed.) about the existence of para-sports, and suddenly I was able to compete again, albeit in a different way than before. Every day, the horses are my motivation; they’re the best medicine. It’s truly wonderful that we para-athletes are now part of the Aachen event. It’s great that we’re given this opportunity to showcase ourselves on the biggest stage.

If you’d like to be there when the para-dressage riders compete for medals—admission to the FEI Para Dressage World Championships in Stadium 3 is available with a same-day ticket for the Main Stadium, Stadium 2, or the Village Ticket, as long as capacity allows (unreserved seating).

Tickets are available in the online store, by calling the ticket hotline at 0241-9171111, or at the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein office.