Biography
Started: She received her first pony from her grandfather at age five. She took up Para equestrian dressage at age 19. (demihaerkens.nl, 12 Dec 2023; dehoefslag.nl, 11 Feb 2018)
Reason: Her father and her grandfather were involved in horse riding. She was encouraged by a coach to get involved in Para equestrian dressage. (Koninklijke Nederlandse Hippische Sportfederatie YouTube channel, 11 Jun 2024; dehoefslag.nl, 11 Feb 2018)
Ambition: To compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (dehoefslag.nl, 22 Apr 2022; omroepbrabant.nl, 13 Sep 2023)
Additional Info: STABLES
She co-owns DD Horses in Weert, Netherlands. The facility offers coaching for riders, and trains and sells dressage horses. (Instagram team profile, 09 Jan 2022; Facebook profile, 14 Dec 2023; Instagram profile, 13 Dec 2023)
Frequently Asked Questions
Personal Details
GenderFemale
Birth DateMay 30, 1998
Place of ResidenceHELMOND
OccupationAthlete, Business Owner, Horse Trainer, Photographer
EducationCommunications, Marketing - ROC Ter AA, Helmond, NED
Languages SpokenDutch, English
CoachJoyce van Rooijen-Heuitink [national], NED; Arthur Verbroekken [personal], from 2016
Highlights
| Rank | Event | Year | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Equestrian Games | ||||
| 1 | Team Event | 2022 | Herning, DEN | |
| 2 | Individual Event - Grade IV | 2022 | Herning, DEN | |
| 4 | Individual Freestyle Event - Grade IV | 2022 | Herning, DEN | |
| European Championships | ||||
| 1 | Individual Event - Grade IV | 2023 | Riesenbeck, GER | |
| 1 | Individual Freestyle Event - Grade IV | 2023 | Riesenbeck, GER | |
| 1 | Team Event | 2023 | Riesenbeck, GER | |
