This year, Richard Vogel didn't repeat his victory in the Rolex Grand Prix of Geneva. Nevertheless, the German show jumper looks back on a successful year! "I still get goosebumps when I think back on all the achievements of the past year! It's been fantastic..." Vogel revealed.
"What have I learned throughout the years? Never give up on your dreams, but also realize that success isn't handed to you. Hard work is important and there also needs to be a smart plan behind it. You have to discover for yourself where you stand and clearly decide where you want to go. And then you have to make a good plan to get there. A structured plan, determination and an unconditional will are the key."
Is Richard Vogel now the best horse in the world?
"He has changed my life and my career in show jumping. We are very proud of his progress and we are still trying to constantly improve. For example, on Friday evening he jumped brilliantly in the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final, but it was me who made the mistakes - which we can learn from. In this sport it's all about the partnership, and if we both continue to learn and gain new experiences, we can always get better. I wouldn't claim that we are the best pair in the world, but I think we are definitely competitive when it comes to winning one of the best and most difficult classes in the world, and we will try to do that again on Sunday during the Rolex Grand Prix here at the CHI Geneva."
"If I have to describe United Touch? Then I say 'Unique'! He is incomparable! A very special story!"
How important is Felicia, United Touch's groom?
"Very important! United Touch and I have a strong bond, but his bond with Felicia is even stronger. He is the horse that has really made us known, and thanks to him we have experienced so much. Felicia is always by his side; they are the perfect team, and I am grateful to be a part of it!"
"What have I learned throughout the years? Never give up on your dreams, but also realize that success isn't handed to you. Hard work is important and there also needs to be a smart plan behind it. You have to discover for yourself where you stand and clearly decide where you want to go. And then you have to make a good plan to get there. A structured plan, determination and an unconditional will are the key."
Is Richard Vogel now the best horse in the world?
"He has changed my life and my career in show jumping. We are very proud of his progress and we are still trying to constantly improve. For example, on Friday evening he jumped brilliantly in the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final, but it was me who made the mistakes - which we can learn from. In this sport it's all about the partnership, and if we both continue to learn and gain new experiences, we can always get better. I wouldn't claim that we are the best pair in the world, but I think we are definitely competitive when it comes to winning one of the best and most difficult classes in the world, and we will try to do that again on Sunday during the Rolex Grand Prix here at the CHI Geneva."
"If I have to describe United Touch? Then I say 'Unique'! He is incomparable! A very special story!"
How important is Felicia, United Touch's groom?
"Very important! United Touch and I have a strong bond, but his bond with Felicia is even stronger. He is the horse that has really made us known, and thanks to him we have experienced so much. Felicia is always by his side; they are the perfect team, and I am grateful to be a part of it!"