2024 was a year of highs and lows for Richard Vogel. In Paris, he narrowly missed his chance. In an interview, he shared that he peaked too early with United Touch 'S' during the year—an error he doesn’t intend to repeat. “In 2025, I’ll start the year in the United States of America,” the German showjumper stated.
“To succeed in this sport, it’s important to have proper guidance. I’ve always had great mentors by my side. My first mentor was my mother, followed by my uncle. I also had the privilege of riding for my idol, Ludger Beerbaum. Since going independent, I’ve learned a lot from Hugo Simon—and also from McLain Ward!” Vogel recounted.
“When I first competed in Wellington, I thought to myself: it would be amazing if someone could teach me the American riding style. Mainly because I truly appreciate the style, but also because I wanted to get closer to the system of my potential clients. So, I simply approached McLain Ward and asked him…”
“You have to understand—I was still a U25 rider at the time and not performing at a high level. Fortunately, he was open to it. Only later did I find out that training with him can cost up to a million dollars a year… I got lucky!” the German rider laughed. “He realized I wasn’t going to be his next big client. Still, he agreed. He told me himself: the more I surround myself with young people, the younger I stay. In the first year, it was very casual; I went to him a few times. It was always incredibly educational. I’d take one horse with me, and he would take twenty relaxed minutes. We’d jump a few fences, ride a course, and it was incredibly insightful—especially because his approach is often so different from ours in Europe.”
Europeans are striving to be more like Americans!
“An American rides lighter in the saddle. That’s something we’re also gravitating toward more in Europe now. But if you look at the classic German riding style, I don’t think it aligns with how I ride. I’ve already been influenced by the American style, riding with shorter reins, for instance. Some European riders do the same, like Henrik von Eckermann.”
“The way courses are walked is also different. I never used to walk the jump-off, for example. That’s something I really learned from him, and it has been incredibly helpful with a horse like United Touch because it allows for much better planning.
Another major difference is that Americans are very well-staffed when it comes to personnel. They have relatively few horses per groom. I used to think that was almost wasteful, but it allows you to focus on so many more details because you have the time.”
It’s important to make our voices heard!
“Besides my activity as a top rider, I’m also actively involved in the IJRC board. I think that’s important. Ideally, we as riders should feel that the FEI supports us and wants to help improve the sport. Unfortunately, it often feels like the FEI is just making things harder for riders, organizers, stewards, and everyone involved.”
“I think the issue is that the FEI lacks expertise. Sometimes it seems as if they believe riders have ill intentions toward their horses, when in reality…”
“To succeed in this sport, it’s important to have proper guidance. I’ve always had great mentors by my side. My first mentor was my mother, followed by my uncle. I also had the privilege of riding for my idol, Ludger Beerbaum. Since going independent, I’ve learned a lot from Hugo Simon—and also from McLain Ward!” Vogel recounted.
“When I first competed in Wellington, I thought to myself: it would be amazing if someone could teach me the American riding style. Mainly because I truly appreciate the style, but also because I wanted to get closer to the system of my potential clients. So, I simply approached McLain Ward and asked him…”
“You have to understand—I was still a U25 rider at the time and not performing at a high level. Fortunately, he was open to it. Only later did I find out that training with him can cost up to a million dollars a year… I got lucky!” the German rider laughed. “He realized I wasn’t going to be his next big client. Still, he agreed. He told me himself: the more I surround myself with young people, the younger I stay. In the first year, it was very casual; I went to him a few times. It was always incredibly educational. I’d take one horse with me, and he would take twenty relaxed minutes. We’d jump a few fences, ride a course, and it was incredibly insightful—especially because his approach is often so different from ours in Europe.”
Europeans are striving to be more like Americans!
“An American rides lighter in the saddle. That’s something we’re also gravitating toward more in Europe now. But if you look at the classic German riding style, I don’t think it aligns with how I ride. I’ve already been influenced by the American style, riding with shorter reins, for instance. Some European riders do the same, like Henrik von Eckermann.”
“The way courses are walked is also different. I never used to walk the jump-off, for example. That’s something I really learned from him, and it has been incredibly helpful with a horse like United Touch because it allows for much better planning.
Another major difference is that Americans are very well-staffed when it comes to personnel. They have relatively few horses per groom. I used to think that was almost wasteful, but it allows you to focus on so many more details because you have the time.”
It’s important to make our voices heard!
“Besides my activity as a top rider, I’m also actively involved in the IJRC board. I think that’s important. Ideally, we as riders should feel that the FEI supports us and wants to help improve the sport. Unfortunately, it often feels like the FEI is just making things harder for riders, organizers, stewards, and everyone involved.”
“I think the issue is that the FEI lacks expertise. Sometimes it seems as if they believe riders have ill intentions toward their horses, when in reality…”