Lis Hartel had a couple of things in common with many of us at SERT: she loved horses, and she had help up into the saddle.

Who was Lis Hartel? She was a world-class equestrian from Denmark whose accomplishments earned her a place in the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Her riding career was well underway in 1945 when she was struck with the life-threatening disease polio, still common at the time, while carrying her second child.

She survived the disease but was left crippled, and no one thought she would ride again — certainly not at her competitive level.

With the help of trainer Gunnar Andersen she again took the reins. It just so happened that the 1952 Helsinki Olympics were the first that permitted women in equestrian events. Lis, as a polio stricken competitor, made an even more spectacular mark when, after being helped onto her beloved horse Jubilee by her trainer, she rode her way into the history books to win a silver medal.

At the Olympic Games four years later, Lis again mounted Jubilee with the assistance of her trainer and won another silver.

Lis Hartel’s competitive career continued for another decade. Her love of horses and her work for disabled riders lasted for the rest of her life. She passed away in 2009.

It is Lis Hartel’s achievements that are regarded as the impetus for formation of therapeutic riding centers in Europe. Those centers led to the establishment of NARHA, which changes and enriches lives by promoting excellence in equine assisted activities through the United States and Canada.

Connie oversees NARHA certified instructors, as well as experienced and dedicated volunteers, at SERT.

Inside the arena or out — we could hardly be more inspired than by the example of Lis Hartel.

We consider her a SERTain
kind of equestrian.

- By David Tandet