“I am a survivor, I am not gonna give up“ – the lyrics from the song called “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child rang out through Stadium 3 at the Allianz Park as Rixt van der Horst and her impressive chestnut stallion, Eisma’s Royal Fonq N.O.P., performed their Freestyle routine. The Dutch rider had chosen the song because she had gone through difficult times herself, and her horse had come a long way, too. Now, the pair were set to “shine” together. And that is exactly what they did: The 34-year-old and her stallion danced through the arena – perfectly in sync with the music and performing a challenging choreography. The reward for this impressive performance was a score of 83.120 percent – a personal best and the Dutch rider’s second gold medal at these FEI World Championships. “It is incredible,” said Rixt van der Horst after her successful ride, beaming with joy. At the same time, she admitted that she hadn’t let the pressure of expectations get to her: “I just tried to stay focused and do everything exactly the same way I usually do. That plan worked out.” Denmark’s Tobias Thorning Joergensen was delighted to claim the silver medal. Riding the Oldenburg stallion, Blue Hors Zackorado, he scored 79.940 percent. Close at his heels, number one in the world rankings, Francesca Salvadè from Italy made it onto the podium once again. The 37-year-old scored 79.587 percent with her nine-year-old gelding, Escari.

Fiona Howard wins Gold in Grade II

In Grade II, the moment of triumph arrived for the three-time Paralympic Champion, Fiona Howard. The American rider, who lives with a neuromuscular condition, performed a Freestyle test of exceptional harmony in the saddle of her gelding, Diamond Dunes. Set to music from the film, Avatar, the 27-year-old convinced with unique lines in the Aachen arena, while her horse moved with consistent smoothness, rhythm and poise throughout. Scoring 81.866 percent, the experienced pair secured their second gold medal in Aachen, following their Team World Championship title. “This win is simply the cherry on top,” said a visibly moved Fiona Howard after her ride. “Above all, I am infinitely grateful to my horse. He gives me the freedom my body doesn’t have.” The silver medal went to Britain’s Jemima Green riding Fantabulous, an eight-year-old son of Foundation. The 37-year-old, who has physical impairments resulting from a severe traffic accident, scored 80.933 percent in her World Championship debut and claiming her second individual medal. Heidemarie Dresing was delighted to win Bronze. With a beautifully choreographed Freestyle and lovely musical accents, she showcased her expressive mare, Poesie, in a lovely, steady frame. The pair scored 80.807 percent – a result that made the 71-year-old “mega proud.”

Third gold medal for Marie Vonderheyden in Grade I

Three gold medals – that is the impressive track record of Marie Vonderheyden’s World Championship debut. The American rider, who sustained severe impairments in a serious riding accident eleven years ago, once again convincingly prevailed over the international competition in Grade I on today’s concluding day. She thus crowned her first championship appearance by winning a third title. “I have had a really great time here,” said the 36-year-old after her ride with her Oldenburg gelding, Fan Tastico H. The judges awarded the American pair a score of 80.540 percent for their harmonious performance. Vonderheyden particularly impressed with the finely tuned communication with her horse, the high precision of the movements performed and a cohesive Freestyle routine that was well-interpreted musically. Sara Morganti secured herself the silver medal. The experienced Italian rider was competing with Bond Girl – a seven-year-old daughter of Bon Coeur – for the first time at these championships. Despite the partnership still being in its infancy, the pair scored 78.767 percent for their performance. The bronze medallist, Rihards Snikus from Latvia, presented the youngest horse on the podium. His gelding, Rise and Shine, is only six years old. The pair improved day by day throughout the tournament and also confirmed this positive trend in the Freestyle. With a score of 75.420 percent, the 38-year-old and Rise and Shine secured the bronze medal.

Triple gold for Kate Shoemaker in Grade IV

“Are there even words for this?” asked a visibly moved Kate Shoemaker after winning her third gold medal. In the saddle of her successful mare Vianne, the American rider scored 83.305 percent in the Freestyle test. “This horse is simply incredible,” said the 39-year-old, looking for an explanation for her current dominance in Grade IV.  Set to music from the film, Forrest Gump, the pair performed a beautifully choreographed Freestyle routine, stringing together one technical highlight after another. Three gold medals – it doesn’t get any better than that! France’s Alexia Pittier was delighted to take Silver, riding her Hanoverian gelding Sultan, she scored 78.645 percent. Followed closely by Helen Brandt, who made it onto the podium in her very first championship appearance. With her Westphalian gelding Vulkan Vegas IB – who is only eight years old – the German rider fulfilled a “childhood dream” by winning the bronze medal.

Lena Malmström wins gold in Grade V

“It’s my son’s birthday today,” said a visibly moved Lena Malmström. “I promised him this morning that I would win a medal for him.” The fact that the medal turned out to be Gold – after scoring 79.675 percent – left the Swedish rider deeply emotional. “It is incredible – and not just for me, but for the Para-sport as a whole in Sweden,” said the 57-year-old, who actually bred and trained her equine partner, Fabulous Fidelie, herself. Germany’s Regine Mispelkamp was delighted to win Silver, scoring 78.185 percent with her reliable partner, Highlander Delight’s. The day’s final Freestyle test brought another highly emotional moment: Britney de Jong from the Netherlands turned the closing stages of her performance into a tribute to her long-time partner, Caramba N.O.P. It was the final competition of the 19-year-old gelding’s career. “This is not a goodbye, this is a thank you for everything,” rang out from the speakers as de Jong headed toward the final centreline – promising to keep the memories of their time together in her heart forever. Tears of gratitude followed and surely tears of joy, too, after winning the bronze medal on a score of 77.440 percent.