Katharina Hemmer: passion, perseverance and precision

Who is Katharina Hemmer?

Katharina Hemmer, born on August 5, 1994, is an outstanding German dressage rider who has made a name for herself in international equestrian sport through her exceptional performances and deep connection to her horses. Although she does not come from a traditional horse family, she has always been passionate about horses. Her career is characterized by hard work, passion and the constant pursuit of perfection. With an impressive combination of talent and discipline, she has established herself as a permanent fixture on the dressage scene.

Katharina Hemmer's career

In an interview with ClipMyHorse.TV, Katharina Hemmer tells us everything from her beginnings to her greatest successes. Also that her time with riding master Hubertus Schmidt plays a major role in her career. Find out more about her, in the latest episode of our new video podcast "Tackroom".

Early years and the beginning of passion

Katharina Hemmer was born on August 5, 1994 into a family that had no direct connections to equestrian sports, but supported her passion. Her interest in horses was sparked at a young age and her parents gave her access to riding lessons. Her first riding instructor, an experienced rider and stablemate, quickly recognized Katharina's talent and encouraged her accordingly.

Katharina's love of horses began as a child. Her first step into equestrian sport was on school horses, followed by her first own pony. She achieved her first placement in 2007 with the then four-year-old Westphalian mare Arcada, which she trained up to medium** level. Katharina Hemmer bought the mare when the rider herself was only 11 years old. It's incredible what the two of them have achieved together at such a young age.

Arcada and the early successes

Ardada played a crucial role in Katharina's early years. With a lot of patience and commitment, she trained Arcada and managed to bring the horse up to a remarkable level of performance. Participation in local competitions and her first placings were the reward for her hard work. These successes gave Katharina the confidence she needed to take on bigger challenges and further her career.

Collaboration with Hubertus Schmidt

After graduating from high school, Katharina was given the opportunity to train as a horse trainer with Hubertus Schmidt at the Fleyenhof in Paderborn. She has remained there as a rider to this day. Katharina began her professional career after an internship at the Westphalian Studbook, which gave her a deeper insight into the breeding and training of horses. Her career took a decisive turn when she began an internship with Hubertus Schmidt, one of Germany's most renowned dressage riders and trainers. The internship with him opened up new perspectives for Katharina and brought her into contact with the international dressage scene. Hubertus Schmidt quickly recognized Katharina's potential and supported her intensively. Under his guidance, Katharina learned to refine her technique and prepare her horses optimally.

Royal Flash: A special horse

A special chapter in Katharina's career is her partnership with Royal Flash. This horse, which she was given to ride by a stable colleague, developed into a top horse under her guidance. Katharina achieved numerous successes with Royal Flash and established herself on the dressage scene. Participation in the 2011 German Junior Championships was a highlight of this partnership. Royal Flash not only brought Katharina many victories, but also important experience and recognition.

Katharina Hemmer's greatest successes

Katharina's career is rich in successes achieved through hard work and determination. One of her most significant achievements has been the development and success with her horse Royal Flash. With Royal Flash she took part in the German Junior Championships in 2011. Under her guidance, Royal Flash achieved numerous wins and placings, cementing Katharina's reputation as a talented and successful rider.

Another highlight of her career was her partnership with Don Angelo, a Grand Prix horse with whom she was successful at international level. In 2019, she was one of the finalists in the Piaff-Förderpreis with Don Angelo and came seventh in the final in Stuttgart. In the following video, Katharina Hemmer reveals how she prepares for the Piaff Prize:

Don Angelo not only brought Katharina numerous titles and awards, but also helped her to establish herself in the world of Grand Prix dressage. Her successes with Don Angelo are a testament to her skills and deep understanding of training and caring for top horses.

However, her final breakthrough to the top came with the Destano son Denoix PCH. She had already ridden the chestnut stallion as a young horse and took him back from her trainer Hubertus Schmidt at the end of 2022 when he retired from active competition for health reasons. Katharina Hemmer and Denoix PCH competed in their first show after just six weeks. The partnership was smooth right from the start, which Katharina commented on with the words "Riding Hubertus' horses is pure joy". Her career with Denoix went from strength to strength. In the summer of 2023, Hemmer and Denoix were already part of the DOKR's perspective squad and were nominated as reserves for the European Championships in Riesenbeck. At the end of the year, they won both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special in Frankfurt's Festhalle - with new personal bests. At the 2024 German Championships, Katharina Hemmer and Denoix PCH took sixth place in the Grand Prix Special and eighth place in the freestyle.

Katharina Hemmer's successful horses

Arcada (*2003)

Sex: mare
Pedigree: Abanos x Frühlingstraum II
Owner: Werner Hemmer

Arcada was the first horse with which Katharina Hemmer achieved a placing. This then four-year-old Westphalian mare was trained by Katharina up to medium** level. Arcada played a crucial role in the early years of Katharina's career, helping her to gain valuable competition experience and hone her horse training skills.

Royal Flash (*2003)

Sex: gelding
Pedigree: Roman Nature x Rheingold
Owner: Katharina Hemmer

Royal Flash was taken on by Katharina Hemmer as a young horse and developed into a top horse under her guidance. A highlight of their partnership was their participation in the 2011 German Junior Championships. Royal Flash brought Katharina numerous victories and important experience, which helped her to establish herself on the dressage scene.

Don Angelo (*2000)

Sex: Stallion
Pedigree: Don Larino x Rubinstein I
Owner: Katharina Hemmer

Don Angelo was another important horse in Katharina's career. This Grand Prix horse was already successful before their partnership, but reached new heights under Katharina's care. Don Angelo brought Katharina numerous titles and helped her to make a name for herself internationally. Her successes with Don Angelo are a testament to her skills and deep understanding of training and caring for top horses.

Denoix PCH (*2012)

Sex: Stallion
Pedigree: Destano x Pik Noir
Owner: Nancy Gooding, Niedersächsisches Landgestüt Celle
Breeder: Friedrich Kuhlmann, Neuenkirchen-Vörden

Denoix PCH is the horse with which Katharina Hemmer achieved her final breakthrough to the top of the dressage sport. She rode the chestnut stallion as a young horse and took him back from her trainer Hubertus Schmidt at the end of 2022 when he retired from active competition for health reasons. The collaboration with Denoix was very successful right from the start. In the summer of 2023, Hemmer and Denoix were already part of the DOKR's perspective squad and were nominated as reserves for the European Championships in Riesenbeck. At the end of the year, they won both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special in Frankfurt's Festhalle - with new personal bests. At the 2024 German Championships, they took sixth place in the Grand Prix Special and eighth place in the freestyle.

Training and philosophy

Katharina Hemmer's training philosophy is based on fairness and respect for the horses. She emphasizes the importance of a trusting relationship and sustainable training that responds to the individual needs of the horses. An essential part of her training is the release phase, in which the horses learn to use their bodies correctly and become permeable. Katharina attaches great importance to ensuring that the horses are not only physically fit, but also mentally fit and that the training is a positive experience.

Support and mentors

Another key to Katharina's success is the support she has received throughout her career. Her first riding instructor, the owners of Royal Flash and Don Angelo as well as Hubertus Schmidt all played a crucial role in her development. This support has enabled her to continuously improve and overcome new challenges.

Future and goals

Katharina Hemmer is optimistic about the future. She is constantly setting herself new goals and working to further refine her skills and lead her horses to peak performance. Her passion for dressage and her tireless commitment make her an inspiring figure and a role model for many young riders.

Conclusion

Katharina Hemmer is an impressive personality in dressage sport. Her career is the result of passion, hard work and a deep connection to her horses. With her talent and discipline, she has managed to carve out a permanent place for herself on the international dressage scene and celebrate numerous successes. Her story is an inspiring example of what can be achieved with dedication and determination.