"A horse doesn’t give you wings, but legs"

As part of an internship project by students from Vives University of Applied Sciences, we had the opportunity to speak with none other than Michèle George. The students are helping to organize the traditional Saturday evening BBQ, which this year celebrates Belgian culture and the country’s proud equestrian heritage.

Michèle George, multiple Paralympic gold medallist and proud ambassador of this year’s edition, is more than a sports icon. She’s a woman with a mission, a story of resilience, and a powerful voice for anyone who has ever faced adversity. What followed was an inspiring conversation about dreams, perseverance, and the deep connection between rider and horse.

“Keep dreaming. Trust your instincts. Don’t give up. There is always a way. Always.”

With these words, Michèle powerfully expresses her life philosophy. She speaks not only to young riders, but to anyone who is chasing a dream.

She is living proof that giving up is not the only option. After a serious accident, Michèle suddenly found herself in a wheelchair. Once an active, sporty mother of two, she had to rebuild her life from scratch. But when she was able to get back on a horse for the first time, something magical happened.

“A horse doesn’t give you wings, but legs. The moment I could ride again, I felt free, as if I could go anywhere a non-disabled rider could.”

Much of the effort behind her success remains unseen. “We put in a great deal of effort every day, physically, mentally, and financially. And it’s not just me. The entire team is essential.”

Michèle emphasizes the importance of support: her team, her environment, and especially her horse. “Without that bond of trust, performance is not possible.”

When asked to choose a moment in her career she would relive, she admits it’s impossible to pick just one.

1. London 2012 – Her first Paralympic Games, where she took home two gold medals.“No one expected it. It was a complete surprise. My first experience with top-level international competition changed everything.”
2. Rio 2016 – Her final freestyle test with Rainman, where she earned another gold and a silver medal.“I knew it would be our last competition together. It was deeply emotional, especially since my daughter later rode him at junior championships.”

Paris 2024 – With her mare Best of 8.“From double European champion to double world champion, and again double gold at the Paralympics. What more could I ask for? She gave me everything.”

Michèle is someone who values loyalty deeply. From the very beginning, she has been closely connected to her club Quadrille, which has been organizing competitions since 1981 and is now celebrating its 44th edition. Adeps also plays an important role in her story.“Every victory is dedicated to them. Without their support from the very start, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” For Michèle, Quadrille is not just a club, it is family.

“I hope people leave feeling touched and inspired. That they can sense the passion and drive, even if they know nothing about equestrian sport. I hope they understand what this sport means to those who practice it.”

“And above all, I hope people realize that whatever challenges or limitations life brings, it is essential to find joy. We all started riding because it was fun, not because it was a means to an end. That should never be forgotten.”

Our conversation with Michèle George left a deep impression, not just because of her impressive achievements but because of her warmth, authenticity, and unshakable determination. Her story is a celebration of connection — between human and horse, between athlete and team, between dreams and the will to pursue them.

Let yourself be moved this weekend at Quadrille by the passion, emotion, and magic of equestrian sport. And always remember:

“Whatever comes your way, keep feeling, keep dreaming. There is always a way.”

Interview conducted by David Coussens, student at Vives University of Applied Sciences, as part of an internship project.