Barbara Minneci

Started: She took up Para equestrian in 2009 at age 40 in Brussels, Belgium. She had started riding at age 16 before sustaining her impairment. (rtbf.be, 22 Aug 2019; Athlete, 06 Aug 2012) Reason: Equestrian sport was her passion before her illness, and she used it as part of her rehabilitation. (Athlete, 06 Aug 2012) Awards: In 2020 she received the Victor Boin National Trophy in Belgium. The honour is presented to Para athletes in recognition of their sporting achievements. (dhnet.be, 22 Jan 2020) Additional Info: POWER OF BABA Her horse Barilla [Baba] had a significant impact on her recovery from cancer. She competed on the horse at the Paralympic Games in 2012 and 2016. "Baba saved my life. After having been diagnosed with cancer in 1996 and having been in and out of hospital for about eight years, I really thought my life was finished. Then Baba came, she was just broken in and I thought she would be a good rehabilitation horse for me." (eurodressage.com, 20 Jan 2020)