At the age of just 24, Soshi Yoshigoe is getting ready for his second Paralympic Games, his first being in Tokyo, his home country, in 2021. Finishing in 10th in Tokyo with Hashtag (by Sir Donnerhall), can Grade II athlete Yoshigoe better his results?

Photo – Soshi Yoshigoe (FEI)

Horses Save the Day

Horses first entered Yoshigoe’s life during rehabilitation. The athlete was born with cerebral palsy and hated normal rehabilitation, in fact, it led to more than a few shed tears. But then, things started to change. “I met a horse at my brother’s pony class,” says Yoshigoe. “I fell in love with horses from the first time I rode a horse.” The first ponies to support his journey, named Marone and Cheese, soon followed, as did the relationship, as Yoshigoe explains that they weren’t just horses, they were ‘very kind friends’.

Javyro

A look at Yoshigoe’s equestrian career shows a handful of equine partners. His Paris horse, Javyro, is a 10 year old KWPN gelding by Blue Hors Zack, out of a dam by Jazz, so he most definitely has incredible breeding, which is something that comes through in competition. “He is a smart and graceful horse and I feel that he suits me very well,” says Yoshigoe. “He is a great partner.”

Proud to represent Japan

Being selected to represent one’s country is a huge accolade at any age and is something that is very special to Yoshigoe too. “I feel very proud to represent Japan,” says Yoshigoe. “My plan is to continue to compete for many years to come, and I am so grateful for the team around me, the staff that make it possible and the horses too.”

A Dream Come True

Paris is a venue that is breathtaking, with the Dressage arena in the foreground of the beautiful Palace of Versailles. This is a venue that Yoshigoe has always dreamed of, but it’s also the support that will make this Games different. “To have so many people watch me at the venue that I’ve dreamed about will be so special.”

Despite being young in years, Yoshigoe has an impressive list of achievements, with his proudest so far taking place in 2018. “The biggest highlight of my career so far has been getting sixth place in the Freestyle at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon.” Partnered with Oldenburg mare, Brown Sugar, the duo also claimed 8th place in the Individual Test (Grade II).

Mindset Matters

Preparing to trot down the center line in front of the world at the Paralympics must be nerve wracking, but Yoshigoe has a strategy for managing this. “I try and calm myself down by focusing on getting in sync with my horse,” says Yoshigoe. “I want to ride as well as I can while expressing how much I love my horse.”

Follow all the coverage of this year’s Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games on FEI.org. Check out our Paris 2024 Paralympics hub.

The Paris 2024 Paralympics run from August 28 to September 8.