“I am really proud of the fact we have increased membership, which was my goal,” she explains. “We want to make this an international organisation, with owners from all over the world.”

As Chairwoman, she has attended key meetings with the FEI, representing owners and sharing what she learns with the wider community. She has also worked hard to make shows more accessible for owners.

“We try to give owners an education about what to do when they arrive at a horse show. It is not always straightforward. From accreditation to seating and access, we try to guide them so they can really enjoy supporting their horses.”

For her, the message is clear. Owners are not just welcome, they are essential. “They are the horses’ biggest fans.”

From Spectator to Owner

Her own journey into ownership evolved as her horses began competing at higher levels.

“The journey develops when your horses start to move up in competition, especially at five-star shows. This is when you realize it is a high-stakes game and a top-level sport,” she reflects.

What captivated her most was the mix of strategy, breeding, and performance at the highest level. It drew her deeper into ownership, which she views as a role of responsibility as well as privilege. Owners must ensure the right shows are chosen, support travel, and above all safeguard horse welfare.

The Key to a Strong Rider–Owner Partnership

When asked what makes a successful relationship between rider and owner, her answer is simple: communication and effort.

“It is about trying to get riders to talk to you. Owners can find out the basics themselves, but the most important conversations are about strategy, about goals, and about understanding the rider’s perspective.”

She believes that making an effort beyond the arena matters. Spending time in the stables, feeding horses carrots, or sharing meals with the rider all help build genuine trust. “You need to have an understanding before you go into a partnership about your goals and ambitions.”

The Rolex Grand Slam: The Ultimate Goal

For her, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors represents the pinnacle of the sport.

“These are the shows that everyone should aspire to. When an owner is buying a horse, they should be asking if that horse could one day compete at a Rolex Grand Slam Major.”

Her own victories in the Rolex Grand Prix at Geneva and Aachen with Gazelle remain highlights of her career. “They are the ultimate prize in our sport,” she says with pride.

Choosing the Right Horses

The process of finding the right horses, she explains, is always a collaboration.

“You first have to understand what a rider is aiming for. If you support a young rider, it is about helping them progress through the levels. If you are working with a top-20 rider, they need horses with the quality to succeed at the very highest level.”

She makes a point of learning from breeders and trainers, listening to their views on bloodlines, temperament, and ability. “I have been fortunate to sit alongside some of the greatest professionals in the sport and ask questions out of curiosity. You learn so much that way.”

Favourite Memories and Looking Ahead

While wins are special, her fondest memories often come from simply watching her horses compete.

“The first time Blue Angel competed at Aachen, I was absolutely thrilled. Later, seeing Gazelle there was another proud moment. I still go to the winners board to see her name.”

More recently, she has been delighted by the progress of her young stallion Minute Man, ridden by Henrik von Eckermann. His clear round in the Rolex Grand Prix at La Baule was a moment of pride. “I get a thrill every time I see my horses making progress. This is a fabulous sport, and I spend a lot of time with my amazing grooms and riders.”

Her decision to dedicate herself fully to ownership has been life-changing. “I started owning horses when I was young, but it was only when a friend said, ‘you should do what you love full-time,’ that I decided to focus on it seriously. If you give it your full attention, it can make a real difference. It certainly did for me.”