HEXT Suzanna

Classification
GRADE II (FEI, 11 Jun 2020)

Origin of Impairment
Acquired (equestrianteamgbr.co.uk, 15 Aug 2017)

Impairment Details
Her impairment is the result of injuries she sustained while breaking in a young horse in 2012. The horse reared and landed on top of her, crushing her back, shoulder, and pelvis, as well as causing nerve damage that left her partially paralysed from the legs down. She also sustained a head injury that affects her vision and coordination. She underwent eight operations following the accident, and it was two years before she could ride a horse again. (Facebook page, 12 Feb 2021; equestrianteamgbr.co.uk, 15 Aug 2017)

General
MULTI TALENTED
She has competed in Para equestrian dressage and Para swimming at international level. She sees riding as her ultimate goal, but believes swimming strengthens her abilities as a rider. "Riding is always going to be the first priority but I'm aiming to fit swimming competitions around it. With riding there are lots of highs and lows, as with any sport, and swimming helps me switch off. I train with Swindon Dolphins at either 05:00 or 20:30 and it's a really good group of people to be around. I've always been extremely active and it was difficult for me after my accident not having that other side of my life. When I was eventing I used to do cross-country running but swimming gives me the same feeling and freedom, much like riding does. It's something I'm really passionate about and it's helped me in the saddle, I'm a lot stronger in the saddle with my core and stamina so it's only enhancing my performance." (horseandhound.co.uk, 24 Jan 2019)

SWIMMING IN TOKYO
She had ambitions to compete at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo in both Para equestrian dressage and Para swimming, but due to the scheduling of the events she decided to focus on swimming, with the goal of returning to riding following the Games. "This has been a hard decision as riding is my life. I talked it through with my family and both my equestrian and swimming teams, who have been very supportive, and it feels like the right thing for me at the moment, as I have had a slight lull in horsepower anyway. I am keeping my ears open for a new ride and my aim is to come back for the 2021 Europeans." (eurodressage.co, 01 Mar 2020; telegraph.co.uk, 25 Feb 2020; horseandhound.co.uk, 23 Feb 2020; swindonadvertiser.co.uk, 19 Jul 2019)

HEARING IMPAIRMENT
She has a hearing impairment and has undergone a number of operations to try and improve her hearing, including eardrum reconstruction. She particularly struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic due to people wearing masks. "Defining myself as 'deaf' has always been something I've struggled with for some reason and but with my hearing deteriorating rapidly, I've been using social media to link with other people in a similar position. I generally rely on lip reading, however in the current times with masks this is extremely difficult. I'm learning and having to be braver about addressing this subject with people, but I've still got a long way to go. When COVID hit, coupled with my hearing deteriorating this has been a struggle. If I'm honest it knocked my confidence, as I hate having to ask over and over for someone to repeat themselves." (Facebook page, 12 Feb 2021)