Trabert Sets Out Para- Dressage Hopes

In the latest in our series with the FEI Athletes Committee’s new members, we speak with Germany’s Dr. Angelika Trabert, who is the representative for Para-Dressage…

Trabert, who works as an anesthetist, has ridden horses since age six and has represented Germany in international Para-Dressage competition since 1991. She was also inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame and Museum earlier this year.

Her passion for horses and Para-Dressage both were readily apparent in the “letter of motivation” that each candidate submitted with their CV.

Trabert, who also won a bronze medal in the Grade III event at this year’s FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Tryon, stated: “For me, horses are my passion and the horse helps me and my fellow riders show the world that there is no ‘dis’-ability if you sit on a horse.”

Trabert speaks to us about what she hopes to bring to her new role within the sport….

What are the biggest issues currently facing Para-Dressage?

The main issue is that para-equestrian needs to be better known throughout the world. People aren’t always aware of it and we need more awareness in order to find more sponsors and supporters.

By continuing to raise awareness, and working to make para-events more attractive to spectators, and attract sponsors and supporters, we can ensure that we can maintain our current high standards and quality, while working to raise the quality and standards in countries where the sport is up-and-coming.

It’s also important to remain connected with the other disciplines for various reasons, mainly to be an example of lived inclusion.

As an athlete representative, what do you hope to do to address those issues?

I believe we need the sport to be really included, meaning that we’re part of larger horse shows, and have tests or demos ridden in the big arena.

By being part of these larger shows, my hope is that we can not only profit off of each other, but also that the media might pick up more information about para-equestrian, drawing more interest to the sport and making it more attractive to sponsors and supporters.

First, I need to get back to the athletes to get their point of view and make sure I’m speaking for a majority.

Next, we’d have to think of strategies for how we can reach our goals and handle the issues facing our sport.

One major element of the athlete representative’s role is to facilitate better communication within their discipline between the athletes and committee. Regarding that, what do you believe is currently working well, what needs improvement, and how do you hope to improve things?

I feel that I have to "wake up" the athletes to ensure I get as much input as possible.

I believe at the moment athletes are not aware enough of their voices; as their representative I can work as their voice when they’ll back me up.

As a communication medium we’re currently using a closed Facebook page to exchange thoughts and ideas, and the athletes forum will provide another platform for us to meet, exchange, and put ideas forward.