Hubertus Schmidt: A portrait of the riding master

Who is Hubertus Schmidt?

Hubertus Schmidt is a renowned German dressage rider and trainer, born on October 8, 1959 in Haaren, Germany. He has had an impressive career in dressage, which includes numerous national and international successes, including team gold at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens and gold medals at the 2005 European Championships and the 2006 World Equestrian Games. Schmidt runs the Fleyenhof in Borchen-Etteln, where he trains young talents and horses up to the highest level. He was honored with the title "Reitmeister" in 2004 and has brought around 70 horses into international Grand Prix sport over the course of his career

Early years and education

Hubertus Schmidt was born on October 8, 1959 in Haaren, Germany. His passion for horses and riding was evident from an early age. At the age of nine, he had his first riding lesson with August Runge at the Schloss Hamborn riding school. He also trained on a meadow in Etteln on his own broodmares "Winni" and "Rubia".

When the farm was relocated in 1972 due to the flooding in 1965, the decision was made to build a riding facility. This marked the beginning of more intensive training for Hubertus Schmidt, which was led by his father Hubert Schmidt senior. This was later followed by Britta Buschmeyer and Klaus Langer, who worked as riders at Fleyenhof.

From 1976 to 1977, Schmidt completed an apprenticeship as a rider at the Fleyenhof, which he successfully completed with a rider's examination at the Bielefeld Riding and Driving Club under Hans Gerlach from 1977 to 1978.

Despite his many successes, Hubertus Schmidt frequently took part in courses at the German Riding School in Warendorf and trained diligently for the master's examination, which he successfully passed in 1983 with the special "Stensbeck Plaque" award.

Rise to the national top

This was followed a year later by his first advanced dressage victory with "Pacifik" and, at the age of 28, his first Grand Prix placing with the horse "Playboy". During these years, Schmidt was also successful in show jumping competitions up to advanced (S) level. At the same time, he took advantage of training courses with Siegfried Peilike, Jean Bemelmanns, Dr. Reiner Klimke, Harry Boldt, Albert Stecken and Rudolf Zeilinger to develop his talent and become better and better. He was then mentored by national coaches Klaus Balkenhol and Holger Schmezer.

International successes and Olympic Games

With his legendary Hanoverian mare Wansuela Suerte, the riding champion celebrated one of his greatest successes in 2004: team gold and fifth place individually at the Olympic Games in Athens. This was followed in 2005 by another team title and individual silver at the European Championships as well as team gold at the 2006 World Equestrian Games. The Paderborn rider also won two German championship titles in 2005 and 2007. He was also awarded the title of riding champion in 2004.

A few years later, Hubertus Schmidt drew attention to himself again with the Trakehner stallion Imperio. After strong fourth places in the Special and Freestyle at the 2015 German Championships in Balve, they were named to the Nations Cup team for the CDIO in Hagen a.T.W., where they were part of the winning team. In 2016, the pair were back in full attack in the race for the Olympic starting places and were always placed in the top four at the end of the indoor season in Dortmund as well as at the outdoor season opener in Hagen a.T.W and at the World Dressage Masters in Wiesbaden. At the CHIO Aachen 2016, they won the Grand Prix of the CDI4* Tour and thus secured their ticket as a reserve pair for Rio.

Hubertus Schmidt's greatest successes

Training and philosophy

In addition to his success as a rider, Hubertus Schmidt is also highly regarded as a trainer and instructor. He runs a successful riding stable in Borchen-Etteln, where he promotes young talent and trains horses up to the highest level. His training philosophy is based on patience, trust and close cooperation between rider and horse.

Schmidt places great importance on training horses in a stress-free environment and ensuring that the training is tailored to the individual needs of each horse. He is known for his calm and sensitive way of working with horses and has trained a large number of riders and horses to the highest level. In the following video, Hubertus Schmidt explains how he trains and works with his top horses:

He follows the principles of classical dressage and emphasizes the importance of solid basic training. His method aims to develop the horse's natural abilities while ensuring its well-being. This has earned him a reputation as not only a technically skilled trainer, but also a very horse-friendly one.

Influence on dressage sport

In his career to date, Schmidt has brought around 70 horses into international Grand Prix sport, most recently including the Westphalian stallion Escolar. He trains several foreign riders who have taken part in European and World Championships as well as the Olympic Games. 

Hubertus Schmidt has trained numerous successful riders over the course of his career. Some of the best-known riders who were trained by him or trained with him are:

Dorothee Schneider: The German dressage rider, multiple Olympic and world champion, has benefited from Hubertus Schmidt's extensive knowledge and training.

Anabel Balkenhol: Daughter of the successful dressage rider and trainer Klaus Balkenhol. Anabel honed her skills with Hubertus Schmidt and achieved numerous national and international successes.

Emma Kanerva: The Finnish dressage rider has represented her country at numerous international competitions, including the European Championships and World Championships.

Marcus Hermes: Marcus Hermes is an outstanding professional rider who impresses with his extraordinary relationship with horses and numerous successes in international equestrian sport. After his training with Hubertus Schmidt, he worked at Freiberger Hof and Gestüt Düvelskotten, where he trained many horses and riders, establishing a philosophy of respect and trust.

Katharina Hemmer: She completed her training as a horse trainer with a focus on riding with Hubertus Schmidt and now works as a rider. Hemmer competes successfully in advanced (S) level dressage competitions and has also gained Grand Prix experience.

Kathrin Meyer zu Strohen: Another talented rider who trained with Hubertus Schmidt and has gained great recognition on the dressage scene.

Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein: The Danish princess and Olympic rider has also trained under the guidance of Hubertus Schmidt and celebrated great successes.

Fiona Bigwood: The British dressage rider, who has taken part in several international competitions, including the Olympic Games, has benefited from Hubertus Schmidt's training methods.

These riders are just a few examples of the many talents who have benefited from Hubertus Schmidt's experience and training. His influence extends across many countries and has produced numerous riders at the highest level.

Through his work, he has helped to raise standards in dressage sport and further develop training methods. Many of his students have gone on to successful careers in dressage themselves and carry on his legacy. Schmidt's influence extends far beyond his direct students, with many trainers and riders adopting his methods and philosophies.

Dressage national coach Monica Theodorescu said of Hubertus Schmidt that he was a horse person in all areas, an outstanding representative of classical riding theory and an invaluable colleague. She explained that they had been companions for a long time and had competed together for many years, both together and against each other. SchmiDrdt has always been a very fair and respected colleague and, above all, an excellent trainer - both for horses and riders. Being in a team with Hubertus or traveling with him was always a lot of fun. She also emphasized that he and his wife Doris had a great sense of humor, which was always good for everyone.

Personal life

Despite his numerous successes, Hubertus Schmidt remains modest and down-to-earth. He lives with his family on his riding farm and is passionate about training horses and riders. His love of horses and his commitment to the sport are undiminished, and he will continue to play an important role in dressage.

His wife and children share his passion for horses, and the family business runs as a harmonious unit in which all members make a contribution. This family support has certainly contributed to his continued success and tireless motivation.

Retirement from active sport and future goals

Hubertus Schmidt announced the end of his sporting career at the beginning of 2023. However, he will continue to train horses and riders at the Fleyenhof in Borchen-Etteln. Hubertus Schmidt will remain a key player in dressage sport in the future. He plans to continue to promote young talent and pass on his expertise. His vision is to preserve the classic principles of dressage while integrating new developments in equestrian sport.

Hubertus Schmidt is also committed to animal welfare and the species-appropriate keeping of horses. He is working to raise awareness of horse welfare and improve standards in horse husbandry.

Conclusion

Hubertus Schmidt is undoubtedly a legend in the sport of dressage. His exceptional skills as a rider, trainer and instructor have earned him worldwide recognition and respect. With his calm and empathetic manner, he has guided numerous horses and riders to top performances and has left a lasting mark on the sport of dressage. His life and career are an inspiring example of passion, dedication and excellence in dressage. His enduring presence and contribution to the development of the sport make him an unforgettable figure in the history of dressage.