All About Rixt

Have you missed our All About Newsletters?

Well! Fear not... They are back and today we would love for you to meet Rixt Van Der Horst, a very talented para-dressage rider from the Netherlands. 

Find out more about Rixt in today's article and her wonderful journey to becoming a multi-medal winning rider.

Rixt, please can you tell us a bit about yourself, what do you do, where are you from?  

Hi! My name is Rixt van der Horst, and I am a para-dressage rider from the Netherlands. Horses have always been my passion, and I have dedicated my career to competing at the highest level in para-dressage. I’ve had the privilege of representing my country at multiple international championships, including the Paralympics, World, and European Championships. Alongside my equestrian career, I‘m aiming to graduate this year with a degree in Communication. Balancing my studies with top-level sports is very challenging, but I love learning new skills that I can apply both inside and outside the equestrian world. 

How did you get into riding and where did your love of horses come from?  

I was introduced to horses at a young age, and it was love at first sight. There is something so special about the bond between horse and rider. Riding gives me a sense of freedom and connection. I started riding when I was five years old as a form of physical therapy, but it quickly became so much more. When I was 12, I began competing in regular dressage with my own pony. Then, at 16, I discovered the world of para-dressage, and that’s when my dream, to compete at the Paralympics, really came to life. From that moment on, I dedicated myself to the sport and worked hard to reach the top. 

You have some fantastic achievements against your name - 8 times Paralympic Medalist and 5x World and 3x European Championships. All amazing achievements, has there been one stand out moment for you so far?  

My first gold medal at the World Championships in 2014 (my first-ever international medal) was incredibly special and something I will never forget. It was the moment I truly realized what was possible and how far I could go in this sport. But the most recent Paralympics in Paris were also very memorable, winning three silver medals. The long journey full of challenges, the hard work leading up to that moment and the incredible support from my team and my horse. It was a dream come true and led to a lot of emotions throughout this competition. That feeling of standing on the podium, knowing what we achieved together, is something I’ll never forget. 

What are your competing aspirations for the 2025 season?  

My main goal for 2025 is to work towards the European Para-Dressage Championships in Ermelo this September. Competing on home soil makes it even more special! Beyond that, I want to continue developing my sport more broadly, be an inspiration for others, and keep pushing myself to improve every day. Most importantly, I want to keep building an even stronger partnership with my horse, Eisma’s Royal Fonq N.O.P., so we can perform at our absolute best together.  

Which do you prefer: Freestyle to Music Dressage or the Individual competitions? 

I love both, but Freestyle to Music holds a special place in my heart. It allows me to express creativity and really show the harmony between me and my horse. The combination of precision, emotion, and music makes it such an incredible experience to ride. 

How do you choose the music that you use in your competitions? 

Choosing the right music is really a process. At first it has to match my horse’s movement and rhythm, but also my own personality. I work with professionals to create something unique and making sure the music complements every step of my freestyle routine. We want to create an emotional connection with the audience and judges. 

Is there a certain kind of horse that you look for when looking for a Para Dressage partner? 

Absolutely! A para-dressage horse needs to have a great temperament, sensitivity, and a willingness to work with the rider. They also need expressive and correct movements to stand out in the tests. For me, the quality of the walk and trot is very important. But most of all, there has to be a strong connection between horse and rider. Because that’s what makes a true partnership. 

For a photoshoot styled outfit, what is your go to Hiho piece from the Hiho Silver collection and why?  

I love elegant yet practical pieces, and the ‘Hiho Silver & 18ct Gold Plate Sterling Cherry Roller Snaffle Ring’ is my favourite, because I can wear it day and night, both casual and during training or competitions. But as soon as I can, I pair the ring with my matching 'Exclusive Sterling Silver & 18ct Gold Plate Cherry Roller Snaffle Earrings,' a treasured gift from a dear friend and perfect for a night out! Love the matching combination. It’s stylish, equestrian-inspired, and adds a beautiful finishing touch to any outfit. 

What do you do in your spare time when you’re not competing? 

I always try to find a balance between my sports and my personal life. In my free time, I enjoy simple things like spending time with my family and friends or a quiet moment with my horses. I also love being outdoors, whether it’s walking/ ‘rolling’ (wheelchair) in nature or just enjoying a quiet moment at the stables or at home in the garden.  

And finally - what is the best piece of advice you have received when it comes to getting involved with Para Sports? 

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is: "Focus on what you can do, not on what you can't." Para sports are about pushing boundaries and finding new ways to achieve your goals. With the right mindset, support, and dedication, you can go further than you ever imagined! 

You can find Rixt on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rixthorst