Leen Coremans, Betekom, Belgium

Since starting dressage rider training and with many hurdles and events along the way, I’ve lost 14kg so far. What’s more important though is the fact that I feel a lot stronger and more confident to tackle life. But above all, it taught me a body awareness that was part of what saved a life last year. Any program that can achieve such results, deserves a heartfelt thank you!

In my free time I volunteer at the racetrack of Spa-Francorchamps as codriver of one of their medical cars. Horsemanship training gave me the mental awareness & DRT provided the strength and coordination it took to free an injured, trapped driver after a fiery crash in July ‘17. With so much going on at once, with all the noise, the flames, the smoke,… with thick firefighter gloves on and my eyes shut for most of it because they were unprotected, a lot of my senses were unavailable to me. Yet when looking at the incident footage afterwards, I did and noticed things in the chaos I still have no clue of how I managed them. One thing I do know: it wouldn’t have been possible without the skills I developed in my journey to become a better equestrian. The mental and physical training gave me a calm and presence of being, to use all the input available and make the right split-second decisions with a well-trained ‘autopilot’ brain and body. We are both extremely grateful to have survived that day. It’s made me even more determined to be as strong as I can be, to have and give as many chances as possible to see people go home to their families if I can help it any.

I’ve struggled through last year with two pneumonias and then developed asthma from the smoke inhalation – it’s taught me to be kinder and more patient with myself, but also to never quit and keep pushing to get better. I am good enough, but I can also be better. ? It’s a bit of a contradiction of life I guess.

So next time you are in that uncomfortable yoga position, or having difficulty to finish those last few reps with good form, maybe struggling to not get frustrated with yourself, consider this (I know I do): your ‘homework’ might one day save a life. That’s worth the time and effort, right? That’s positive energy in the making.

As for the driver, he was seriously injured with many broken ribs and burns to face and arm. After a long time recovering and with permanent scars, he hesitated whether he’d be mentally able to return to racing, but decided to give it a go. And what a go it turned out to be! Together with the fab racing team that stood by him in his darkest hours, they won their class of the Spa 24h 2018, and went on to claim this year’s world title in the biggest GT endurance championship racing has to offer. Watching him on the podium felt awesome. He’s an absolute inspiration to me – never give in, never give up and give it all you’ve got. We don’t own life, but we do owe it. Love and take care of yourself and those around you, for that’s what truly gives meaning to our lives.

The freshly finished Bootcamp just gave me an entirely new layer of fitness once again, and I look forward to adding many more in the future. Very grateful to all of you, and Nicola in particular, for the support, the resources and the motivation you’ve given and continue to give me!