Stinna Kaastrup from Denmark has one of those stories that just takes your breath away! Her journey will leave you in awe with her determination to make it to the top. This Para-Dressage rider successfully competed at the FEI World Equestrian Games 2018 in Tryon. She claimed the Gold Medal while riding her horse Smarties.

Stinna was born without legs, but she didn’t let her disability stop her. She began riding horses at the age of six. Her journey to victory began with a 14.2hh gelding named Labbenhus Snoevs. Together, they competed and claimed a silver and freestyle gold. However, an unfortunate blood clot claimed the gelding’s life.

Smarties is Stinna’s current horse, though he is set to retire. She rides him in a soft, treeless saddle. Stinna carries two whips to enforce her aids. Her seat is a driving force. Smarties is a former grand prix horse, but adjusted to his new life fairly easily.

The duo has had incredible success. Their determination is inspiring to anyone who watches!