<p></p><p>In the middle of the season, our Paralympic Dressage Amazon, Carla Onrubia, was proclaimed at just 15 years old, Spanish Champion of Paralympic Dressage Grade III. </p><p><strong>Just a few months later, the RFHE selected him to participate in the European Championship to be held in Riesenbeck (Germany) from September 3 to 10. On this occasion, the team will have, only, three pairs: <ul><li>Felix Gómez and Merlín (Grade II) <li>Carmen López and Bribón de Ymas (Grade III) Carla Onrubia and Fuerstenau (Grade III)</li></li> <li>We talk to Carla, who tells us how she received the news and</li></ul> <p>how her journey has been so far: You can tell us a little about yourself and how you left<p></p></p> start Paralympic dressage?</strong></p> <p>When I was two and a half years old, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor called medulloblastoma, which had to be operated on and I had to receive chemotherapy treatment for a few years... because of all this I have sequelae, which affect me motor, strength and balance especially on the left side. Laia Barranco, my coach, was the one who advised us to enter this discipline, since until that moment I was competing in dressage, at first I did not take it very enthusiastically, but she explained to me that I was not competing on equal terms with the others, and that no matter how hard I tried, it would always be like this, because the sequelae that the tumor left me, They would not be in the same condition. On the other hand, in Paralympic dressage he would be with riders and Amazons on an equal footing. Today I am so glad that I made this decision, I think it is one of the best</p> I have ever made. <p><strong>What inspired you to get started in equestrian sport?</strong></p> <p>My mother's passion led us to the world of horses. She liked them since she was little and when I finished the chemotherapy treatment, we both started in this world and now it has also become my passion.</p> <p><strong>Congratulations on being selected for the European Paralympic Dressage Championship! How do you feel representing Spain and the Catalan Equestrian Federation in such a prestigious competition?</strong></p> <p>Thank you very much!! The truth is, it was a dream since I was little and it is an honor and a tremendous illusion to be able to represent where I live and where I am. I am very happy to have arrived here</p>. <p><strong>What are your expectations and goals for the upcoming championships?</strong></p> <p>Mainly, enjoy and do it as well as possible and try to always be among the best. Could you</p> <p><strong>share some details about your training and preparation before the event?</strong></p> <p>I always try to do stretching, mobility and strength exercises at home, which I complement with horse riding training with Fusti (Fuerstenau) Can you tell us your journey</p> <p><strong>so far in the world of horse riding? What have been the most significant moments or achievements so far?</strong></p> <p>I started riding at the age of 4, going on to compete in classical dressage at the territorial level and it was in 2020 that I started with Paralympic dressage, where I participate nationally and internationally. The most emotional moment for me, was 6 years ago in my first competition and I did it at home, Equestrian Barranco. My most important achievements have been: being the first classified in the territorial league of the Catalan Federation level AP-Ponis 2019, being champion of Spain in Criterium 2021, Champion of Spain for two consecutive years (2022 and 2023) and Champion of Catalonia 2022. I was also very excited, to have broken the record of a Paralympic Spaniard in an international with a 74'025% in Beloura (Portugal) in 2022. What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome</p> <p><strong>them to get here?</strong></p> <p>I have faced many challenges throughout my life, but my biggest challenge was overcoming a brain tumor. These, I have overcome them, thanks to my effort, by not stopping giving up and by overcoming myself day by day without stopping fighting. Can</p> <p><strong>you describe your relationship with your horse? What makes this relationship special?</strong></p> <p>Fuerstenau and I, we connect from the first moment we met and we have an incredibly great bond; we know what you want from each other and we respect each other a lot. The two of us have overcome things and now together we are stronger, very good companions, we feel comfortable and eager.</p> <p><strong>How do you prepare your horse for an important competition like the European Championship</strong></p>? <p>We make a calendar, where Laia plans the days that she rides it and the days that I ride it. In these trainings, we intersperse exercises of the replays and as the competition approaches, we practice the retakes. Becoming part of a national team is a joint effort</p><strong>. Could you tell us about your coach and support network that have contributed</strong></p> to this success? <p>My relationship with Laia Barranco, my coach, is very good, both personally and professionally, she knows me very well, since I was very young and knows how much she can demand of me, as well as Fuerstenau and I fully trust her, I could not have a better coach. The other great support, of course, are my parents. Thanks to all of them, I have come to where I am.</p> <p><strong>What advice would you give to young riders who aspire to achieve success in Paralympic dressage or other equestrian disciplines?</strong></p> <p>That the impossible does not exist, that they do not give up their dreams and that they never look back, always forward.</p> <p><strong>Beyond the European Championship, what are your long-term goals in this discipline?</strong></p> <p>My long-term goals are: to go to a Paralympic Games or a world championship.</p>

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