Five minutes with Israeli equestrian rider Yonatan Dresler

During the offseason Yonatan Dresler talks about his sport as the momentum quickly begins to build for Rio 2016. 23 Oct 2013
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Yonatan Dresler

Israeli rider Yonatan Dresler, who finished 10th at London 2012 and won the special judges award at the 2013 European Championships, is starting to gain momentum on the road to Rio 2016.

ⒸFEI
By Rob Howell | For the IPC

Until now, the highlights were definitely competing at the London 2012 Paralympic Games in Greenwich Park, and finishing 10th and also taking sixth place at the 2010 Alltech FEI World EquestrianGames in Kentucky.

At this summer’s JYSK FEI European Para-Dressage Championships in Herning, Denmark, Israeli Rider Yonatan Dresler won the special judges award for his professionalism, sportsmanship and positive attitude.

The IPC caught up with the Grade III rider rider recently for updates on his para-dressage story.

Paralympic.org: How did you start in para-dressage?

Yonatan Dresler: I was born with cerebral palsy, and started therapeutic riding in Israel when I was eight. As time passed I became a better rider and my body got stronger and, when I was 10, I started competing in competitions.

How many international competitions have you taken part in?

I have been competing internationally since the age of 18. The first one was in (the Netherlands) and I think, until now, I have taken part in about 40 international competitions all around the world.

What do you most enjoy about your sport?

I absolutely love horses, they fascinate me and I love to watch and ride them. I also like the challenges I have to face while training the horses and the feeling I get after a good ride on the horse.

What are the biggest challenges that you face in competition?

The biggest challenge in a competition is myself, keeping my concentration, being focused and reacting very fast during my performance on my horse and feeling him.

To meet these challenges, I must be determined and get a lot of experience as a rider.

How would you describe the state of para-dressage in Israel?

It’s not developed compared with Europe. We do not have many para-dressage riders and, because of that not a lot of competitions are organised. Our competitions in Israel take place together with dressage and we have our own category for the para-riders.

What have been your career highlights so far?

Until now, the highlights were definitely competing at the London 2012 Paralympic Games in Greenwich Park, and finishing 10th and also taking sixth place at the 2010 Alltech FEI World EquestrianGames in Kentucky.

How did you feel about winning that award in Herning?

It was a great feeling and a big honour. I was surprised when I heard my name. I think that as an athlete and a professional rider we must set an example for the young riders and represent equestrian sport with honour, and show the world the good sides of our beautiful sport.

Finally, what support do you get from your family, friends, and National Federation?

My family and friends have stood beside me from the very beginning and always support me, no matter what I decide to do. My national federation, the Israeli Equestrian Federation and the Israeli Paralympic Committee help me financially and I’ve also received a lot of support during the past few years from my stables in Israel, DBS Horses, for which I’m very grateful.

But I’d especially like to thank my two coaches. My Israeli coach, Dror Ben-Shaul, trains me, leads me to the top, and teaches me how to be a better horse rider and never to give up. He is one of the reasons for my success.