Ms. Dresing, you are travelling to the Allianz Park as the number two in the world rankings for para dressage – and you actually top the rankings in your specific grade. What do you hope to achieve at the FEI World Championships in Aachen?

Heidemarie Dresing: Naturally, my aim is to win a medal. At my first World Championships in 2022, the 2021 Paralympics and the 2019 European Championships, I came fourth several times. While I was fortunate enough to take three gold medals home with me from last year’s European Championships in Ermelo, the desire to make it onto the podium at the home World Championships in Aachen is very strong. Beyond that, however, I also want to inspire elder people and serve as a role model, because there is no such thing as “it can’t be done”! If you exert yourself and stay active, you can achieve amazing feats  even at an advanced age.

You will be competing with your mare, Poesie. The two of you have already celebrated great victories together and risen to the top of the para dressage world as a team. Tell us a bit about your horse?

Heidemarie Dresing: Poesie is as equally crazy as I am. She is a fighter and has a mind of her own – after all, she is a girl (laughs). But that is precisely the attraction of it. She is a truly special horse and the two of us harmonise extremely well together and share a very subtle form of communication.

How does your condition affect your daily life and training?

Heidemarie Dresing: I have multiple sclerosis, which means I suffer from neurological and muscular impairments such as balance issues, fatigue and reduced muscle strength. I have mobility issues and rely on a wheelchair, whereby I can manage to walk a few metres without it. Staying active keeps me fit.

How did you become involved in equestrian sports?

Heidemarie Dresing: I first came into contact with horses at the age of eight. My mother had always loved horses, and one day I found myself sitting on a pony. That was followed by riding lessons at Reitverein Hagen – the classic route involving riding school horses and my first competitions, initially in show jumping. I bought a horse with the first real money I earned and from there on things just took their course.

Which significance do horses have in your life, especially since you were diagnosed with multiple sclerosis?

Heidemarie Dresing: Horses are my life; I can’t imagine life without them. Naturally, my training has changed since the onset of the illness, but I am still absolutely thrilled by the sense of unity and harmony we can create together. Sometimes I am moved to tears when I see everything the horses do for me and how considerate they are. They respond to the subtlest of aids and are forgiving of mistakes, too, which is something really special.

How did you find your way into para sports?

Heidemarie Dresing: Competing has always been part of my life, because I am very ambitious. When I thought my illness meant I would no longer be able to compete at shows, I initially wanted to quit. But then I learnt about para sports from Hanne Brenner (a successful German para dressage rider, editor’s note) and suddenly I was able to compete again – albeit in a different way compared to before. The horses provide fresh motivation for me every single day, they are the best medicine. It is fantastic that we para athletes are now part of the event in Aachen. It is great to have this opportunity to demonstrate our skills on such an impressive stage.

Would you like to be there in person to watch Heidemarie Dresing and her fellow para dressage riders compete for medals? Then take advantage of the special offers at the Allianz Park now: entry to the FEI Para Dressage World Championship in Stadium 3 is available with a same-day ticket for the Main Stadium, Stadium 2 or the Village Ticket, subject to capacity (unreserved seating). Secure your ticket today via the online shop, via the ticket hotline on 0241-9171111, or at the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein office.