Para Equestrian Digest: Rixt van der Horst
Rixt van der Horst with Eisam’s Royal Fonq N.O.P. competing at the EC Para Dressage 2025
(By Arnd Bronkhorst)
We speak to the Dutch athlete…
Para Equestrian Digest is the FEI’s online Para Sport magazine, bringing you first-person stories from athletes and the people connected to the sport. In this edition, we feature Rixt van der Horst, the Dutch athlete who won Grade III gold on day one of the FEI Para Dressage European Championship 2025 in Ermelo (NED), an event for which she is an Ambassador.
Rixt has won multiple Paralympic, World and European Championship titles. Her exceptional performances have been recognised nationally, earning her accolades which include the Friesland Province Paralympic Athlete of the Year. In this feature, Rixt talks about her partnership with her horse, Fonq, and shares what she hopes to convey to the home crowd throughout the European Championship.
She said: “Competing at the FEI Para Dressage European Championship in Ermelo this year is incredibly special. Representing the Netherlands in front of a home crowd is both exciting and a little nerve-wracking, but I’m determined to make the most of this opportunity. It’s a chance to show how much Para Dressage has grown and to share the sport I love with everyone watching.”
In the beginning
I began riding when I was five, and by 11 years old I had my first pony. I competed in able-bodied competitions for a while, and at the time I didn’t consider Para Dressage. But in 2008, I saw it at the Paralympic Games, and it completely changed my perspective. I realised this was a high-level, professional sport, and something I could aim for at the very top. That’s when the dream began: to become one of the best Para Dressage athletes in the world, and that dream has stayed with me.
Switching fully to Para Dressage wasn’t easy. I had to stop competing in able-bodied tests to focus completely, and funding is always a challenge. Competing at the highest level requires attention to every detail, including carers and support staff. But every step has been worth it.
Since committing fully to the sport, I’ve been fortunate to reach some incredible milestones. I competed in the World Equestrian Games in 2014 and 2018, winning gold in the Grade III Individual Championship both times and helping the Dutch team secure gold in 2018. At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, I earned bronze in the Grade III Individual Championship.
Teaming up with Fonq
And then at the Paralympic Games in Paris 2024, I competed with Fonq, which was our first major championship together. I wasn’t sure how he’d react to the crowd and the big stadium, but he handled it beautifully. Winning two Individual silver medals and a team silver is something I’ll forever be proud of.
It was especially rewarding considering Fonq and I had only started our partnership in December 2023. I hadn’t considered riding a stallion at first, but Fonq won me over the moment I saw him. The character of the horse is so important, and I needed to see how he would cope with my disability. I have a lot of muscle stiffness, and there’s always a question of how a horse will respond. But with Fonq, we clicked from the very first ride. Sitting on him felt natural, like we’d known each other for years. Fonq has also been incredible in how he supports me on more difficult days. He’s a horse that lifts rather than resists when I’m not feeling my best. Some horses can be more challenging when you’re not at your peak, but Fonq always tries his best, picking up the work and giving everything he can. That support is incredibly special. He’s kind, loves to cuddle, and I trusted him completely from the start. He’s also full of energy and very expressive, with a walk that’s a real highlight. He enjoys the arena and the spotlight, which makes every ride a pleasure.
This year, preparing for the European Championship, we’re focused on every detail while keeping training enjoyable. My priority is to keep Fonq happy, healthy, and confident so that we’re ready to perform at our best.
Ermelo Ambassador
Being asked to serve as Ambassador for the FEI Para Dressage European Championship 2025 in Ermelo was an immediate “yes” for me. I’m proud to contribute to the preparations and promotion of the event. It’s fantastic that the European Championships are being held in the Netherlands as a standalone event, as it is an opportunity to show just how strong Dutch Para Dressage is, and what a beautiful venue the National Equestrian Centre provides.
Ambassador Rixt van der Horst with her Horse Eisma’s Royal Fonq N.O.P. (By Sushilla Kouwen)
What makes Para Dressage so special is the deep bond between rider and horse. In the saddle, you forget your disability. The horse senses you and adapts to your limitations. On the horse, I can truly be myself.
Globally, Para Dressage is growing and professionalising. Ten years ago, the level of competition was very different. Now, both horses and riders are performing at an astonishing level. Para Dressage has given me purpose and a platform to inspire others. Fonq and I hope our performance helps the audience understand the depth and beauty of the sport.
Source: FEI