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Isabell Werth: Why It Is Much More Difficult for Aspiring Young Dressage Riders Compared to Show Jumpers
Isabell Werth was 23 years old when she won her first Olympic medals–team gold and individual silver on Gigolo at Barcelona in 1992. Now at the age of 52, she has grown the tally of Olympic medals to 12, equal seventh of all Olympic athletes in history and the most of any equestrian. Team gold and individual silver on Bella Rose at Tokyo was the fourth different horse on which she has earned Olympic gold.
Isabell spoke at the Aachen Dressage Youngstars at the CHIO Aachen CAMPUS’ Program of Excellence. Dozens of riders in ponies, children, junior and young rider divisions from 14 nations across Europe competed in The Youngstars. Isabell’s remarks are reprinted here courtesy of CHIO Aachen
Question: What is the situation in Germany regarding aspiring young dressage talents?
Isabell: We have some very good horse and rider combinations. The decisive factor is how well they can also be integrated into senior-level sport. For example, in the scope of U25 competitions and the Piaffe Prize, we can make sure the riders are well-prepared, but the decisive stage is introducing them to the adult circuit as the next step.
