Sanne Voets

Started: She began riding at age eight and competed in non-Para dressage events until her accident in 2001. In 2009 she took up Para dressage. Her second tournament was a Dutch national championships where she won a bronze medal, after which she was selected for the national team. (sannevoets.com, 28 Feb 2021; Athlete, 08 Aug 2012) Reason: She became enthusiastic about horse riding following a visit to a Dutch theme park called Land van Ooit when she was a young girl. (paralympisch.nl, 01 Sep 2012) Ambition: To win gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (peelbergen.eu, 15 Jun 2023) Awards: In 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018 she was named Sportswoman of the Year in Oss, Netherlands. (LinkedIn profile, 01 Aug 2021; bd.nl, 01 Feb 2018; desleuteloss.nl, 16 Feb 2017) In 2016 she was named Rider of the Year by the Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation [KNHS], becoming the first Para athlete to win the award. She won the award again for 2022. (horses.nl, 03 Mar 2023; LinkedIn profile, 01 Aug 2021; knhs.nl, 16 Jan 2017) In 2016 she was named Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau in the Netherlands, in recognition of her gold medal at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. (LinkedIn profile, 01 Aug 2021) In 2016 she received the Medal of Honour from the municipality of Oss in the Netherlands. (LinkedIn profile, 01 Aug 2021) In 2014 she received the Dressage Stables Van Baalen [DVB] Foundation Award. (cobyvanbaalen.nl, 24 Jan 2014) Additional Info: NEW MUSIC Ahead of the 2024 season she prepared a new freestyle to music routine alongside producer Joost Peters. She used music by Dutch pop group Son Mieux. "Joost knows better than anyone how to translate music to horse and rider and can forge a unity of dressage and music. Son Mieux celebrates life, in all its aspects. That felt like a perfect fit for my approach to Paris [the 2024 Paralympic Games]. The music of Son Mieux really adds something special to my preparation. The music is danceable and festive and brings exactly the atmosphere that I want to convey during our performance at the Games. With such a top band and top producer, it can only be really cool. I can't wait to feel that energy, soon in the magical Versailles [at the 2024 Paralympic Games]." (thedutchmasters.com, 21 Dec 2023) FRESH APPROACH In 2022 she added new elements to her training and preparation, including breathwork and meditation, as well as time spent studying human and equine biomechanics. "The essence of our sport is really the connection with your horse as a rider. And I feel that if you want to improve that connection, you first have to improve the connection with yourself. So that meant that over the last year or so [speaking in September 2023], we have really invested time and effort in breathwork and meditation and also physical fitness - diving into studying biomechanics of the horse and of me and how we influence each other. It's a case of trying to connect better with myself and trying to get to know my horse better." (horseandhound.co.uk, 09 Sep 2023) OCCUPATION She has done writing and speaking work for her own company, Sanne Voets Texts and Inspirations. "In addition to my intensive programme as a top athlete, I write, correct and rewrite all kinds of texts for various clients, give speeches at various types of organisations and make original, inspiring contributions to events, because sport can serve as a metaphor almost anywhere! I am available to tell teams and companies about trial and error, making a difference by staying true to yourself, guarding your comfort zone and how teamwork helps everyone progress." She has also worked as a freelance reporter covering dressage competitions, and as editor-in-chief of various special interest magazines. (LinkedIn profile, 30 Jun 2023; sannevoets.com, 28 Feb 2021) FURTHER EDUCATION She has studied for a master's degree in communications at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. (LinkedIn profile, 25 Jul 2022; Athlete, 29 Aug 2021) OTHER ACTIVITIES She was an ambassador for the 2019 European Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (kliknieuws.nl, 16 Apr 2020; fei.org, 13 Aug 2019)