The international equestrian community has had to say goodbye to a legendary rider: Peter Luther. The German show jumper, known for his impressive achievements with his Holstein horse Livius, passed away at the age of 85. Luther was not only a successful rider at the highest level, but also a modest and passionate horse man who always remained true to his Holstein roots.
Born in low-lying Wilster, in the Steinburg region, Luther was known for his preference to stay out of the limelight, despite his enormous sporting successes. He experienced his greatest triumphs with Livius, a descendant of the famous stallion Lord. Together they formed an unbeatable duo in the jumping world in the 1980s. Their victory in the prestigious German Jumping Derby in Hamburg in 1980 was a turning point in his career. Two years later, they added a silver medal at the World Championships in Dublin. The highlight followed at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, where Luther and Livius contributed to the bronze medal for the German team.
In addition to this Olympic achievement, Luther collected several medals with the German team at the European Championships, including gold in 1981 and bronze in 1985. His partnership with Livius is considered by many to be one of the most iconic combinations in the history of Holstein show jumping.
Training young horses and passing on knowledge
After his active career, Luther became a respected trainer and mentor for many riders at home and abroad. For a long time he was involved in the training of show jumpers and young stallions at the Holstein Verband. His own family was also closely involved in his work. His sons, Thieß and Hauke, followed in his footsteps in equestrian sports, and Luther remained involved in the training of his grandchildren, Jesse and Jarka, until the very end.
Commitment to Holsteiner Verband
Luther's influence extended beyond the sport. From 1997 to 2009 he was part of the Holsteiner Körkommission, where he was the first sports representative to help decide on the admission of top stallions such as Casall and Clarimo to breeding. For his achievements, he received several prestigious awards, including the Golden Nadel of the Holstein Verband and the Fritz-Thiedemann Medal, both recognitions for his dedication, modesty and exceptional contribution to the sport of show jumping.
Peter Luther was an icon in equestrian sports, but to his family and friends, above all, a dedicated and humble man.
Born in low-lying Wilster, in the Steinburg region, Luther was known for his preference to stay out of the limelight, despite his enormous sporting successes. He experienced his greatest triumphs with Livius, a descendant of the famous stallion Lord. Together they formed an unbeatable duo in the jumping world in the 1980s. Their victory in the prestigious German Jumping Derby in Hamburg in 1980 was a turning point in his career. Two years later, they added a silver medal at the World Championships in Dublin. The highlight followed at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, where Luther and Livius contributed to the bronze medal for the German team.
In addition to this Olympic achievement, Luther collected several medals with the German team at the European Championships, including gold in 1981 and bronze in 1985. His partnership with Livius is considered by many to be one of the most iconic combinations in the history of Holstein show jumping.
Training young horses and passing on knowledge
After his active career, Luther became a respected trainer and mentor for many riders at home and abroad. For a long time he was involved in the training of show jumpers and young stallions at the Holstein Verband. His own family was also closely involved in his work. His sons, Thieß and Hauke, followed in his footsteps in equestrian sports, and Luther remained involved in the training of his grandchildren, Jesse and Jarka, until the very end.
Commitment to Holsteiner Verband
Luther's influence extended beyond the sport. From 1997 to 2009 he was part of the Holsteiner Körkommission, where he was the first sports representative to help decide on the admission of top stallions such as Casall and Clarimo to breeding. For his achievements, he received several prestigious awards, including the Golden Nadel of the Holstein Verband and the Fritz-Thiedemann Medal, both recognitions for his dedication, modesty and exceptional contribution to the sport of show jumping.
Peter Luther was an icon in equestrian sports, but to his family and friends, above all, a dedicated and humble man.