Julia Krajewski: From Nordhorn via Tokyo to Paris

NEWS: Krajewski leaves Warendorf

Julia Krajewski leaves Warendorf and ventures a new start in Italy

The Olympic champion from Tokyo, Julia Krajewski, has announced that she is leaving Warendorf after 17 years to start a new chapter in her life in Italy. She is moving with her eleven horses to live with her partner, Italian event rider Pietro Roman, near Rome over the winter. There she will train at Pietro's family's facility. The family has an impressive Olympic history: Pietro's father Federico won individual gold and team silver in eventing in Moscow in 1980.

Training opportunities in Italy

Krajewski describes the training conditions in Italy as excellent. The facility, which is located on a hill, offers ideal opportunities for winter training, including hilly terrain, an indoor arena, three outdoor arenas and plenty of space for the horses. The peace and quiet and proximity to the horses directly behind their house are particularly positive.

Tournament planning and season preparation

Italy offers a wide range of competitions, even in winter. Especially around Rome, there are opportunities to take part in show jumping, eventing or dressage competitions almost every weekend. The milder winter temperatures allow for continuous outdoor training. Krajewski plans to return to Germany for the main season, as the summers in the Rome region get very hot.

Role as a trainer

Julia Krajewski will continue to be active as a trainer. Her new facility in Italy offers space for students and horses who want to spend the winter in the south. Demand is high, as capacity is already fully booked for this winter. She will continue to offer courses, but on a private basis, as she has not taken on any new national trainer commitments.

New quality of life in the south

One of the main reasons for the move is the more pleasant winter in Italy. Krajewski is looking forward to milder temperatures, fewer gray days and the Italian way of life. The relaxed atmosphere and family togetherness in her new surroundings promise a pleasant change from the hectic everyday life in Warendorf.

Language challenges and future plans

Although Julia Krajewski describes her Italian as being in need of improvement, she is motivated to improve her language skills quickly. Where exactly her base will be for the summer months in Germany is still undecided.

We wish Julia Krajewski a successful new start in Italy!

Who is Julia Krajewski?

➡️ Video tip: Find out more about Julia Krajewski! 🎥
In this exclusive interview, Olympic champion Olympic champion Julia Krajewski gives unique insights into her career, her horses and her path to the top of eventing. Discover exciting stories about her greatest successes, her partnership with extraordinary horses like Chipmunk and Mandy, and how she is preparing for future challenges.

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‍JuliaKrajewski, born on October 22, 1988 in Langenhagen, Lower Saxony, is one of the most successful German eventing riders. In a sport in which women and men compete on an equal footing, she has made a name for herself with her exceptional ambition and talent.

Early years and rise in equestrian sport

Julia was born as the first child of Christina and Paul Krajewski and grew up with two younger sisters in Klausheide near Nordhorn. Unlike many other successful eventing riders, she did not have an "inherited network" to fall back on. Instead, she had to work everything out for herself. Her connection to equestrian sport came from her own enthusiasm and that of her siblings. Julia learned to ride her own horse, the Dartmoor mix Tibo, at the age of five. At the age of seven, she achieved her first competition placings and began to discover her passion for eventing.

After graduating from the Georgianum grammar school in Lingen, she completed her training as a horse manager with a focus on riding and graduated at the top of her class in 2009. This was followed in 2012 by the examination to become a master of equine management in the field of riding training. Parallel to her active career, she studied for three years at the DOSB Trainer Academy in Cologne and has been a qualified equestrian trainer since 2015.

Career as a trainer

Julia gained practical experience as a trainer early on and has regularly supported the junior national coaches at courses and championships since 2010. Since November 2016, she has been working as a junior national coach for eventing juniors at the German Equestrian Federation. From 2017 to the end of 2021, she was national coach for the juniors and took over the training of the U25 age group and the eventing perspective group from 2022.

Julia Krajewski's greatest successes

Julia Krajewski achieved her breakthrough in international sport with the Argentinian thoroughbred After the Battle, who gave her her first senior European Championship start in 2010. However, her most important partner was the French Samourai du Thot, with whom she finished third in her CCI4* premiere in Luhmühlen in 2016. In the same year, they traveled to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro as a reserve pair, where they made a surprise appearance and won team silver. A bitter setback followed when Julia and Samourai du Thot were eliminated after three refusals in the cross-country, but still won the silver medal with the team.

After Samourai's retirement from the sport due to illness, Chipmunk FRH took his place. Julia took part in the 2018 World Championships in Tryon with Chipmunk. The French-bred mare Amande de B'Neville ("Mandy") then became her success horse. With Mandy, she secured victory in the CCI4*-L in Saumur in 2021 and the bronze medal at the German Championships in Luhmühlen. Her greatest triumph came at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, where she became the first woman to win the gold medal in eventing.

Successes at the Olympic Games:

• 2021, Tokyo/JPN, Singles, Amande de B'Neville: Gold
• 2021, Tokyo/JPN, Team, Amande de B'Neville: 4th place
• 2016, Rio de Janeiro/BRA, Team, Samourai du Thot: Silver

Successes at world championships:

• 2022, Pratoni del Vivaro/ITA, Individual, Amande de B'Neville: Silver
• 2022, Pratoni del Vivaro/ITA, Team, Amande de B'Neville: Gold
• 2018, Tryon/USA, Individual, Chipmunk FRH: 39th place
• 2018, Tryon/USA, Team, Chipmunk FRH: 5th place

Successes at European Championships:

• 2017, Strzegom/POL, Singles, Samourai du Thot: 18th place
• 2017, Strzegom/POL, Team, Samourai du Thot: Silver

Successes at German championships:

• 2024, Luhmühlen, Singles, Nickel: 6th place
• 2023, Luhmühlen, Individual, Ero de Cantraie: Gold
• 2021, Luhmühlen, Individual, Amande de B'Neville: Bronze
• 2019, Luhmühlen, individual, Samourai du Thot: Gold
• 2018, Luhmühlen, individual, Samourai du Thot: Gold
• 2017, Luhmühlen, Single, Chipmunk FRH: Winner
• 2015, Luhmühlen, Singles, Lost Prophecy: 12th place
• 2013, Schenefeld, Singles, Lost Prophecy: 12th place
• 2013, Fürstenau Lonnerbecke, Team, Lost Prophecy: Silver
• 2012, Luhmühlen, Individual, London-Return OLD: 12th place
• 2010, Hünxe, Team, Lost Prophecy: Gold

Other major successes:

• 2016, Luhmühlen, CCI 4, Samourai du Thot:* 3rd place
• 2016, Renswoude/NED, CIC 3, Samourai du Thot:* 1st place
• 2016, Wiesbaden, CIC 3, Samourai du Thot:* 4th place
• 2015, Strzegom/POL, CCI 3, Samourai du Thot:* 3rd place
• 2015, Wiesbaden, CIC 3, Samourai du Thot:* 1st place

Julia Krajewski's young horses got their chance in 2023. In Luhmühlen, she won her third German Championship title with Ero de Cantraie after 2017 and 2018. Her young horse Nickel secured the prestigious victory at CHIO Aachen in 2024.

Personal life

Julia Krajewski keeps her private life largely out of the public eye. Her parents, Christina and Paul Krajewski, and her two younger sisters are a great support to her. Her family and friends appreciate her down-to-earth attitude and commitment, both in sport and in life. 

Another exciting chapter in Julia's career is her collaboration with Carsten Sostmeier. The well-known commentator and equestrian expert has accompanied and supported Julia on her journey. This collaboration has not only led to a deeper understanding of the sport, but has also strengthened the public perception of Julia Krajewski.

Julia Krajewski's successful horses

Julia Krajewski's successful horses have played a crucial role in her impressive career as an eventer. Each horse she has ridden brings its own story and unique skills, which together have contributed to her numerous successes. Here are some of the most notable horses that have triumphed alongside her:

Ero de Cantraie (*2014)

Breed: Selle Francaise 

Pedigree: Sire: Querlybet Hero, dam's sire: Valespoir Malebry

Owner: Prof. Dr. Bernd Heicke

This 2014-born Selle Francais gelding, owned by Prof. Dr. Bernd Heicke, has proven to be an impressive eventing horse. Ero de Cantraie is known for his strong performance in CCI4*-S competitions and his remarkable placings in 2023, including 5th place in the CCI4*-L in Montelibretti and 2nd place in the CCI4*-S in Marbach. He also became German Senior Eventing Champion in Luhmühlen in 2023.

Nickel (*2014)

Breed: Holsteiner gelding (2014)

Pedigree: Sire: Numero Uno, Dam Sire: Lorentin I

Owner: Family Rössel

A Holsteiner gelding born in 2014, owned by the Rössel family, Nickel has also established himself as a strong eventing horse. His successes in 2023 include 2nd place in the CCI4*-L in Montelibretti, 1st place in the CCI4*-S NC Arville and 2nd place in the CCI4*-S in Wiesbaden. He also won bronze at the German Senior Eventing Championships in Luhmühlen.

Great-Twist "Tommy" (*2015)

Breed: Zangersheide sport horse

Pedigree: Sire: Gemini xx (CL), dam's sire: Quidam de Revel

Owners: Prof. Dr. Bernd Heicke, Julia Krajewski

Born in 2015, this Zangersheide gelding is owned by Prof. Dr. Bernd Heicke and Julia Krajewski. Tommy has proven himself up to CCI3*-S competitions, with a win in Münster 2023 and a remarkable 2nd place in the CCI2*-S in Oudkarspel 2024. His consistent performance makes him an important part of Julia's successful stable.

Chilli Morning II "Deuce" (*2017)

Breed: British Sporthorse
Pedigree: Clone of Chilli Morning, sire: Phantomic xx, dam's sire: Kolibri
Owner: Christopher and Lisa Stone

A clone of the legendary Chilli Morning, this 2017-born British Sporthorse gelding is owned by Christopher and Lisa Stone. Deuce has already achieved significant success in CCI2* competitions, including a win in the CCI2YHin Nokere 2023 and a 6th place in the CCI2-L in Strzegom.

Rockaya (*2017)

Breed: Hanoverian

Parentage: Sire: Radisson, dam's sire: Stalypso

Owner: Katharina Köhlmoos

This 2017-born Hanoverian, owned by Katharina Köhlmoos, has excelled with victories and placings in elementary (L) level show jumping and cross-country tests. In 2024, she won the CCI1* test in Oudkarspel and took bronze at the 2023 Bundeschampionat for 6-year-old eventing horses.

Samourai du Thot "Sam" (*2006)

Breed: Selle Francais
Pedigree: Sire: Milor Landais, dam's sire: Flipper d'Elle
Successes:

• Team Silver Olympic Games 2016
• 3rd place CCI 5* Luhmühlen 2016
• 2nd place CCI 5* Luhmühlen 2017
• Gold German Championships 2018 & 2019
• 18 international victories and 40 top 5 placings

Sama Selle Francais gelding born in 2006, has been Julia's faithful partner in many of her greatest successes. With him, she won team silver at the 2016 Olympic Games, took 3rd place in the CCI5* in Luhmühlen in 2016 and won the CCI5* in Luhmühlen in 2017. Sam was German Champion in 2018 and 2019 and achieved a total of 18 international victories.

Amande de B'Neville "Mandy" (*2010)

Breed: Selle Francais
Pedigree: Sire: Oscar des Fontaines, Dam: Elan de la Cour
Owner: Prof. Dr. Bernd Heicke, Julia Krajewski
Successes:

• Individual Olympic gold medal Tokyo 2021
• Bronze DM Eventing 2021
• Team Gold World Championships Pratoni del Vivaro 2022
• Individual silver at the Pratoni del Vivaro 2022 World Championships
• Many more wins and placings up to CCI4*L

Mandya Selle Francais mare born in 2010, brought Julia individual gold at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo. She won team gold and individual silver at the 2022 World Championships in Pratoni del Vivaro and achieved many other top placings up to CCI4*-L.

These horses, along with many others, have not only contributed to Julia's sporting successes, but have also shaped her journey in the world of eventing. Their stories and successes are an integral part of Julia's remarkable career and are testament to her ability to develop exceptional partnerships with her horses.

Julia Krajewski: Summarized

Julia Krajewski is leaving Warendorf after 17 years to start a new chapter in her life. By moving to Italy, near Rome, she is combining personal changes with optimal conditions for her career as an eventer. Her partner Pietro Roman's facility offers excellent training conditions, while the more pleasant climate and the Italian way of life promise a new quality of life.

Her role as a coach will remain central even after the move. The demand for training opportunities at the family-owned facility in Italy is high and she plans to continue offering courses, but without the obligations of being a national trainer. In sporting terms, Italy offers ideal conditions to prepare her horses for the coming main season thanks to the mild winter climate and the wide range of competitions on offer.

Looking back on her impressive career, which has taken her to the biggest stages in eventing with horses such as Samourai du Thot, Chipmunk Krajewski and Amande de B'Neville, this step shows that Julia Krajewski is not only courageous in sport, but also personally. Despite her new home, she remains closely connected to the German equestrian scene and is planning to return to Germany in the summer to take part in the most important competitions.

Her impressive successes - including Olympic gold, world and European championship medals - have made Krajewski Julia a central figure in the sport of eventing. With her new start in Italy, she is not only creating a new center of life for herself, but also a basis for future sporting success. This step shows how flexible and future-oriented she is - both as an athlete and as a private person. Fans and companions can look forward to seeing how she shapes this new phase of her life and what other milestones she will achieve.

Julia Krajewski: The most important questions and answers

Are Julia Krajewski and Christoph Wahler still a couple?

‍JuliaKrajewski and Christoph Wahler were a couple in the past. However, Julia Krajewski is currently in a relationship with Italian event rider Pietro Roman and lives with him near Rome.

Why did Julia Krajewski have to give up Chipmunk?

‍JuliaKrajewski parted ways with Chipmunk, as the Hanoverian gelding passed to Michael Jung in 2019. The change was made because Chipmunk was to become part of the championship squad, which was made easier by a change of ownership. The decision was difficult, but necessary from a sporting perspective.

Why does Julia Krajewski no longer ride Chipmunk?

‍ChipmunkFRH was handed over to Michael Jung, who has been riding the gelding successfully at international level ever since. Following the change of ownership, Julia Krajewski no longer has the opportunity to ride Chipmunk herself.

What about Mandy from Julia Krajewski?

‍Mandy, officially Amande de B'Neville, remains one of Julia Krajewski's most successful horses. With Mandy, she won the individual gold medal at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo and secured team gold at the 2022 World Championships. Mandy will continue to be trained and ridden by Julia.

Does Julia Krajewski have children?

‍No, Julia Krajewski has no children. Her focus is on her career as an event rider and her work as a trainer.

Where does Julia Krajewski come from?

‍JuliaKrajewski comes from Klausheide near Nordhorn in Lower Saxony, Germany.

Where does Julia Krajewski live?

‍JuliaKrajewski currently lives in Italy, near Rome, at her partner Pietro Roman's facility. However, she plans to return to Germany in the summer for the tournament season.

Is Julia Krajewski still in Warendorf?

No, Julia Krajewski is no longer in Warendorf. After 17 years at the national base, she has left Warendorf and now lives near Rome, Italy. There she trains at the facility owned by the family of her partner Pietro Roman. However, she will still be present in Germany, as she plans to return in the summer for the show season.