Gianna Regenbrecht - Back in the Saddle with Courage and Fighting Spirit

"If you fall off a horse, you have to get right back on." This old equestrian adage applies perfectly to Gianna Regenbrecht. Her life is an impressive example of perseverance, courage and passion. In this article, we take an in-depth look at her remarkable journey and her successes in para-dressage.

Gianna Regenbrecht's Career

Gianna Regenbrecht is a rising star in para-dressage sport. The 28-year-old medical student, who is confined to a wheelchair after a serious riding accident, is tirelessly fighting her way back into life and top-level sport. With her unwavering ambition, her positive attitude and her unshakeable belief in inclusion, she has made a name for herself in the equestrian world.

The Accident Involving Gianna Regenbrecht

In February 2014, Gianna Regenbrecht had a serious fall on a friend's horse. She broke her second lumbar vertebra and suffered incomplete paraplegia. This diagnosis meant that her spinal cord was not completely severed. Since the accident, her legs have been paralyzed and she is dependent on a wheelchair. But she didn't let it get her down and fought her way back into everyday life for months.

Return to Riding

Gianna Regenbrecht quickly got back in the saddle and began to work intensively in para-dressage. She never questioned whether she would ride again. After all, it was the Norwegian My little Hero who helped her back into the saddle. In 2015, the pair even took part in their first German Para-Dressage Championships.

Training and Everyday Life

Gianna gives her riding aids mainly with weight and reins. Special stirrups secure her feet, and straps hold her hips and legs to the saddle. She is also largely independent in everyday life and uses a car with hand throttle to stay mobile. She has also been studying medicine since 2016.

The up-and-coming athlete shares her journey with the public on Instagram at @gianna.regenbrecht. She is present in equestrian magazines, daily newspapers, on television and at events such as the CHIO Aachen and Equitana. The rider commutes daily between Warendorf and Münster, combining her studies with riding. Or vice versa, if you want to be precise. Regenbrecht trains in Warendorf at the German Olympic Equestrian Committee (DOKR). Her horses are stabled in the same stables where many four-legged Olympic champions were or are stabled.

What can we learn from para-dressage riders? Gianna Regenbrecht and Christoph Hess explain what we can learn from para riders, even without a handicap:

Gianna Regenbrecht's Horses

Selma Stromberg

One year after her show debut, Gianna bought the mare Selma. This partnership proved to be extremely successful. Together they took part in numerous squad courses and competed at various tournaments, including the Maimarkt tournament in Mannheim and the German Championships.

Prince Sinclair

Gianna Regenbrecht has also had a partner with championship experience at her side since 2022: Fürst Sinclair. The Oldenburg black stallion has already celebrated several medal successes at the Paralympics, World and European Championships with his owner Elke Philipp. Gianna Regenbrecht has now been in his saddle since 2022, with the aim of building on these successes. After Elke Philipp, she is the second rider to be based at the DOKR national base with her horses.

Big Ben Bansky

Gianna has been training the young horse Big B since July 2021 and is training him to become a para-horse. The Hanoverian gelding by Belissimo M is the perfect addition to Regenbrecht's team.

Tomorrowland

The Tomahawk son Tomorrowland has also been part of Team Regenbrecht since mid-2023. They are training the Oldenburg to become a para-horse with a great deal of calm and love. She revealed on Instagram that she fell in love with the gelding straight away during the test. We are excited to see how the two of them develop together. But we think we'll be seeing more of Gianna and Tommy in the future.

Successes in Para-Dressage

2019 was a particularly successful year for Gianna and Selma. They achieved several podium places and were accepted into the national junior para-dressage squad. Today, Gianna is the reigning German vice-champion in her Grade II competition class.

The First International Successes

Gianna and Fürst Sinclair made their first appearance together in the big ring at Equitana in 2022. The pair improved their results from time to time at four international shows - with plenty of potential for improvement. They took the runner-up title in Grade II at the German Championships in Munich in 2022. Gianna opted for rock classics for her freestyle music: from AC/DC to Status Quo, Guns N' Roses and Metallica.

Participation in the World Championship

Following the last-minute withdrawal of Martina Benzinger and Nautika, Gianna and Fürst Sinclair joined the team for the World Championships in Herning. The pair finished their first appearance in the stadium in sixth place with 71.061 percent. "The feeling of riding here is indescribable. I think the arena is incredibly beautiful. I was totally blown away when Fürst Sinclair stood in front of me so fully prepared. I've only been riding him since January and he's already developed so well in the last six months that I'm lost for words," said Gianna, adding: "And although it was already so cool, I know that there's still a lot of room for improvement."

Gianna Regenbrecht and the Paralympics

Gianna aspires to take part in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris. Her tireless work and commitment make her a strong candidate for this prestigious event.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Gianna Regenbrecht?

‍GiannaRegenbrecht is a German para-dressage rider who has achieved impressive success in para-dressage following a serious riding accident.

2 What happened in Gianna Regenbrecht's accident?

‍InFebruary 2014, Gianna broke her second lumbar vertebra in a riding accident and suffered incomplete paraplegia.

3. What successes has Gianna Regenbrecht achieved?

‍Giannais the reigning German vice-champion in her Grade II competition class and was accepted into the national junior dressage squad for para-dressage riders.

4. Which horses does Gianna Regenbrecht ride?

‍Giannarides with her horses Selma, Big B and Fürst, with Selma being her main partner in competition. A new addition is the Tomahawk offspring, Tomorrowland, bred by Segatz-Bunte.

5 What are Gianna Regenbrecht's goals?

‍Gianna is aiming to take part in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris and be successful there.

6. How does Gianna support her riding ability despite her paralysis?

‍Giannauses special stirrups, straps and two whips to compensate for her leg aids and is largely independent in everyday life.

Conclusion

Gianna Regenbrecht is a shining example of courage, determination and sporting success. Her impressive journey from serious accident to successful para-dressage rider inspires many people and shows that almost anything is possible with willpower and hard work. We wish her continued success on her journey to the 2024 Paralympics and beyond.