Beate Fink: Victory 35 years after a terrible riding accident in Giesenbach!

Beate Fink: Victory 35 years after a terrible riding accident in Giesenbach!

On July 14, 2025, an impressive comeback of a true fighter was celebrated in Giesenbach. Beate Fink, who suffered a near-fatal riding accident over 30 years ago, triumphed in two S* amateur dressage tests. These victories are not only sporting achievements, but also a sign of her remarkable life story. The town of Giesenbach has a special meaning for Fink because it was here, in July 1990, that she fell during a show jumping competition when her horse got stuck on a pole. This accident led to a ruptured liver, surgery and a subsequent induced coma with only a 10% chance of survival. But Fink fought her way back to life and found a new passion in dressage after giving up show jumping.

After her recovery, Fink took off in 2016 with a new horse, QC Fighting Harvard – affectionately known as Fighter. Together they have since achieved numerous victories and more than 100 placings, and she plans to continue to actively compete in tournaments until her 60th birthday, as long as her health allows. Fighter is now 15 years old and will stay by her side forever. The success in Giesenbach shows how far she has come and how much horse riding is close to her heart, even after all the adversity.

Strong competition and impressive performances

But Fink's success in Giesenbach was not the only highlight of the tournament. Lilli Purrmann and her horse Devendra CE also thrilled the spectators. Purrmann also won an S-level amateur dressage test with an impressive score of 68.770%. Her walking tour and strong trot are among the strengths of the well-rehearsed team, which has been working together for seven years. Coach Uwe Schwanz supports them in their preparation, which provides a further boost.

Another remarkable result came when Lotta Beckmanns took second place with her gelding Zarafin with 67.381% and also finished just behind Beate Fink (72.083%) in another test in which she achieved second place with 71.875%. This shows how strong the competition is in this class and how talented the riders from the region are.

Safety aspects in equestrian sport

However, the riders' successes are placed in a larger context that highlights the risks of equestrian sport. Recent studies have shown that riding accidents in urban areas, although only a small proportion of emergency room visits, often result in serious injuries. Falls and horse kicks are the most common causes, with a significant proportion of injuries affecting the upper extremities and spine. Adequate training and the use of safety equipment are therefore of utmost importance. These findings underline how important protection is in equestrian sports and how important it is to act courageously but also carefully in order to be successful like Beate Fink, who lives out her passion despite the dangers.

Beate Fink and Lilli Purrmann exemplify the strength that female riders in Germany have - in every competition and over personal hurdles. Their stories inspire and show that equestrian sport is more than just a hobby; it is a journey of life filled with challenges and triumphs.