From pony to Paralympic dream:
the journey of Demi Haerkens
“My big dream is to participate in the Paralympic Games. And when I have something in mind, I do everything I can to make it happen.”
The Beginning: Demi's First Steps in Equestrian Sports
Demi Haerkens' passion for equestrian sports started at a young age. At the age of five, she received her first pony from her grandfather. It was love at first sight. Not only did she enjoy the fun she had while riding, but it also had a positive impact on her disability. Thanks to her perseverance and determination to ride, despite her muscle-nerve disease HMSN, she soon discovered that horse riding had a beneficial effect on her strength, balance, coordination and motor skills. Since then, Demi's love for equestrian sports has not only helped her overcome her physical challenges, but has also led her on the path of professional para dressage.
The impact of HMSN disease on Demi's life
At a young age, Demi was diagnosed with the muscle-nerve disease HMSN, a hereditary disease that she inherited from her mother and grandmother. The disease causes muscles to become increasingly weak, which can eventually lead to paralysis. As a result, Demi has much less strength in her body than others, especially in her arms and legs. She tires quickly and often suffers from muscle pain. Despite these challenges, Demi has never given up. She has turned her illness into something positive and uses horse riding as a means to improve her physical condition. She is convinced that with a good dose of perseverance you can achieve anything, as long as you enjoy it and continue to believe in yourself.
“My big dream is to participate in the Paralympic Games. And when I have something in mind, I do everything I can to make it happen.”
The Beginning: Demi's First Steps in Equestrian Sports
Demi Haerkens' passion for equestrian sports started at a young age. At the age of five, she received her first pony from her grandfather. It was love at first sight. Not only did she enjoy the fun she had while riding, but it also had a positive impact on her disability. Thanks to her perseverance and determination to ride, despite her muscle-nerve disease HMSN, she soon discovered that horse riding had a beneficial effect on her strength, balance, coordination and motor skills. Since then, Demi's love for equestrian sports has not only helped her overcome her physical challenges, but has also led her on the path of professional para dressage.
The impact of HMSN disease on Demi's life
At a young age, Demi was diagnosed with the muscle-nerve disease HMSN, a hereditary disease that she inherited from her mother and grandmother. The disease causes muscles to become increasingly weak, which can eventually lead to paralysis. As a result, Demi has much less strength in her body than others, especially in her arms and legs. She tires quickly and often suffers from muscle pain. Despite these challenges, Demi has never given up. She has turned her illness into something positive and uses horse riding as a means to improve her physical condition. She is convinced that with a good dose of perseverance you can achieve anything, as long as you enjoy it and continue to believe in yourself.
“My big dream is to participate in the Paralympic Games. And when I have something in mind, I do everything I can to make it happen.”
The Beginning: Demi's First Steps in Equestrian Sports
Demi Haerkens' passion for equestrian sports started at a young age. At the age of five, she received her first pony from her grandfather. It was love at first sight. Not only did she enjoy the fun she had while riding, but it also had a positive impact on her disability. Thanks to her perseverance and determination to ride, despite her muscle-nerve disease HMSN, she soon discovered that horse riding had a beneficial effect on her strength, balance, coordination and motor skills. Since then, Demi's love for equestrian sports has not only helped her overcome her physical challenges, but has also led her on the path of professional para dressage.
The impact of HMSN disease on Demi's life
At a young age, Demi was diagnosed with the muscle-nerve disease HMSN, a hereditary disease that she inherited from her mother and grandmother. The disease causes muscles to become increasingly weak, which can eventually lead to paralysis. As a result, Demi has much less strength in her body than others, especially in her arms and legs. She tires quickly and often suffers from muscle pain. Despite these challenges, Demi has never given up. She has turned her illness into something positive and uses horse riding as a means to improve her physical condition. She is convinced that with a good dose of perseverance you can achieve anything, as long as you enjoy it and continue to believe in yourself.
“My big dream is to participate in the Paralympic Games. And when I have something in mind, I do everything I can to make it happen.”
The Beginning: Demi's First Steps in Equestrian Sports
Demi Haerkens' passion for equestrian sports started at a young age. At the age of five, she received her first pony from her grandfather. It was love at first sight. Not only did she enjoy the fun she had while riding, but it also had a positive impact on her disability. Thanks to her perseverance and determination to ride, despite her muscle-nerve disease HMSN, she soon discovered that horse riding had a beneficial effect on her strength, balance, coordination and motor skills. Since then, Demi's love for equestrian sports has not only helped her overcome her physical challenges, but has also led her on the path of professional para dressage.
The impact of HMSN disease on Demi's life
At a young age, Demi was diagnosed with the muscle-nerve disease HMSN, a hereditary disease that she inherited from her mother and grandmother. The disease causes muscles to become increasingly weak, which can eventually lead to paralysis. As a result, Demi has much less strength in her body than others, especially in her arms and legs. She tires quickly and often suffers from muscle pain. Despite these challenges, Demi has never given up. She has turned her illness into something positive and uses horse riding as a means to improve her physical condition. She is convinced that with a good dose of perseverance you can achieve anything, as long as you enjoy it and continue to believe in yourself.
