Uta Gräf: The cheerful dressage rider and her unique philosophy

Who is Uta Gräf?

Uta Gräf is one of Germany's best-known dressage riders, who has made a name for herself with her horse-friendly approach and innovative philosophy. Her passion for horses began early and led her to a remarkable career characterized by dedication, talent and unconventional ideas.

Curriculum vitae

• Date and place of birth:
  UtaGräf was born in Ludwigsburg on May 16, 1970. Although she does not come from a family of riders, she discovered her love of horses at an early age and started riding at the age of seven.
• Education:
  After graduating from high school, Uta Gräf initially wanted to study social education. However, a delay in starting her studies led her to pursue her passion for riding more intensively. At the age of 24, she decided to make riding her profession. She completed an apprenticeship as an equestrian with a focus on riding and graduated with the prestigious Stensbeck award - a sign of special achievement in equestrianism. A scholarship from the professional riders led her to the Olympic medal winner Ellen Bontje and the renowned trainer Conrad Schumacher.
• Life path:
  From her first steps in the riding school to international Grand Prix successes, Uta Gräf's career was characterized by a deep passion for equestrian sport. The path was not always straightforward, but her dedication and horse-friendly approach brought her to the top of the dressage sport.

Rothenkircherhof Estate

• Location:
  Since 1999, Uta Gräf has lived and worked together with her partner Stefan Schneider on the idyllic Rothenkircherhof estate in Kirchheimbolanden, Rhineland-Palatinate. The estate is not only a training center, but also a home for their horses and an example of species-appropriate husbandry.
• Concept:
  The heart of her philosophy is reflected in the way she keeps her horses. At Gut Rothenkircherhof, the animals are kept in herds in a species-appropriate manner and spend a lot of time on extensive pastures. This close-to-nature husbandry promotes the physical and mental well-being of the horses and makes a decisive contribution to their motivation and willingness to perform.

Uta Gräf combines tradition and innovation with her way of life: while she rides at the highest sporting level, she attaches great importance to the individual needs of each horse and proves that success and horse-friendly handling can go hand in hand.

Uta Gräf's philosophy: The happy dressage

➡️ Video tip: In this video speaks Uta Gräfthe well-known German dressage rider, talks about her philosophy of "happy dressage". Find out why the well-being of the horses is at the center of her work, how species-appropriate husbandry and varied training promote motivation and how she creates a harmonious partnership between rider and horse. An inspiring perspective for everyone who appreciates horse-friendly riding!

Uta Gräf 's philosophy has had a lasting impact on the sport of dressage. The focus is on the well-being and enjoyment of both rider and horse. With her approach, which she herself describes as "happy dressage", she clearly differs from the conventional methods of many professional riders. She relies on patience, understanding and fine communication to create a harmonious partnership between human and horse.

Central values of cheerful dressage

1. Riding should be fun - for both rider and horse:
   UtaGräf emphasizes that having fun while riding is essential in order to build a real connection with the horse. Long-term cooperation at the highest level can only work if both sides enjoy the training.
2. Individual training for every horse:
   Every horse is unique and its training should be based on its strengths, weaknesses and needs. Uta Gräf takes a sensitive approach to each horse 's personality rather than applying a rigid method.
3. Integrating ground work and trail rides into training:
   In addition to traditional dressage training, Uta Gräf focuses on varied elements such as ground work and trail rides. These not only promote the physical, but also the mental balance of the horses and contribute to their motivation.

Species-appropriate husbandry as the basis

An essential part of her philosophy is the species-appropriate keeping of horses. At her Rothenkircherhof estate, she relies on open stabling and living in a herd. These natural living conditions promote the animals' balance, well-being and willingness to perform.

• Open stabling:
  The horses can move freely and remain mentally balanced as they are not kept isolated in boxes.
• Herd association:
  Living in a group enables horses to meet their social needs, which has a positive effect on their health and behavior.

Uta Gräf is convinced that only horses that feel comfortable in their environment and are allowed to live out their natural instincts can also develop their full potential at a sporting level. With her philosophy, she has not only created a new perspective in the dressage world, but has also inspired numerous riders to rethink their relationship with their horses.

Successes in dressage sport

Uta Gräf has made a name for herself nationally and internationally through her remarkable achievements in dressage. Her successes are based not only on her talent and discipline, but also on her unique philosophy, which always focuses on the welfare of the horses.

Important milestones

• German Championships 2004:
  Uta Gräf' s breakthrough came at the German Championships for Professional Dressage Riders in 2004, when she won the bronze medal, placing behind the greats of the sport, Hubertus Schmidt and Rudolf Zeilinger. This success brought her into the limelight and underlined her exceptional ability.
• International success with Le Noir:
  With her charismatic Holstein stallion Le Noir, she achieved impressive success at Grand Prix level from 2010 onwards. Highlights include top placings at prestigious shows such as Aachen and Wiesbaden, which established her as a permanent fixture on the international dressage scene.

Partnership with Le Noir

The partnership with the licensed Holstein stallion Le Noir was a decisive turning point in Uta Gräf's career. The elegant black stallion was characterized not only by his impressive movements, but also by his expressive character. Together they formed a team that harmonized on both a sporting and emotional level.

The key to Grand Prix success:

‍WithLe Noir, Uta Gräf was able to realize her full potential at the highest level. The stallion was not only an athletic partner, but also a figurehead for her philosophy of cheerful dressage. His composure and motivation on the showground reflected the positive effect of species-appropriate husbandry and varied training.

Through her successes and her extraordinary partnership with Le Noir, Uta Gräf has proven that horse-friendly approaches and top sporting performance can go hand in hand. She is an inspiration for riders worldwide who not only strive for victories, but also put the joy of riding and the partnership with the horse in the foreground.

Courses with Uta Gräf 2025

Are you looking for courses with Uta Gräf in 2025? Here you will find an overview of planned events, information on participation and the main focus of her training methods. Find out how you can benefit from the experience of one of Germany's best-known dressage riders.

Dates and locations: Courses 2025

The exact dates and locations for courses with Uta Gräf 2025 are usually published on the official website of the Rothenkircherhof estate or via riding clubs. As Uta Gräf is often invited as a guest trainer, it is worth checking regularly for updates.

• Where do the courses take place?
  • Courses are organized by riding clubs or riding facilities throughout Germany.
  • There are also events at her Rothenkircherhof estate in Kirchheimbolanden.
• How do I get information about courses?
  • Visit the website of the Rothenkircherhof estate for current announcements.
  • Contact local riding clubs to ask about planned courses with Uta Gräf.

Tips for participation

• Contact options:
  To register for a course or to get more information, you can contact the organizers directly. You can often find the contact information on the website of the respective riding facility or club.
• Registration information:
  • Register early as places are limited.
  • Find out about the requirements that must be met for participation, e.g. the level of training of the rider and horse.

Target group of the courses

The courses with Uta Gräf are aimed at riders of all levels, regardless of whether you are a beginner, advanced rider or even an ambitious competition rider.

• For beginners: focus on basic work and horse-friendly basics.
• For advanced riders: refinement of aids and optimization of communication with the horse.
• For competition riders: improving precision and expression in demanding lessons.

Focus of the courses

1. Fine communication between rider and horse:
   Learn how to establish precise communication with minimal aids in order to develop a harmonious partnership.
2. Horse-friendly training:
   Discover techniques that focus on the well-being of the horse, promote motivation and avoid overstraining.
3. Individual approach to horse and rider:
   Uta Gräf attaches great importance to adapting the training to the individual needs and abilities of each pair.
4. Varied elements:
   Integration of ground work, rides and exercises that promote both the mental and physical balance of the horse.

Why a course with Uta Gräf?

A course with Uta Gräf offers you the opportunity to learn from an experienced Grand Prix rider who has revolutionized equestrian sport with her philosophy of cheerful dressage. You will receive practical tips to improve your riding style and learn how to get the best out of your relationship with your horse.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider - a course with Uta Gräf offers valuable insights into horse-friendly training, fine communication and a harmonious partnership with your horse. Register early to secure your place and find out about current dates and locations on the Gut Rothenkircherhof website.

Commitment as a trainer

In addition to her own career, Uta Gräf has also made a name for herself as a trainer. Her role as national coach for dressage riders with disabilities, including Paralympic champion Britta Näpel and world champion Dr. Angelika Trabert, is particularly noteworthy. With her specialist knowledge and empathetic manner, she has accompanied many riders with disabilities on their path to success.

Uta Gräf: Summarized

With her unique approach and her philosophy of "happy dressage", Uta Gräf has established herself as one of the most important personalities in dressage sport. She shows that sporting success and a horse-friendly attitude can go hand in hand. With her love of horses, her commitment and her unconventional thinking, she has created a movement that focuses on the well-being of horse and rider.

Her remarkable career - marked by successes at national and international competitions, such as her partnership with the Holstein stallion Le Noir - is proof that patience, sensitivity and a respectful relationship with horses can pave the way to top performance. She lives and teaches these principles on her Rothenkircherhof estate, where species-appropriate husbandry, open stable concepts and the herd association are central components of her work.

As a trainer, she not only inspires ambitious riders, but also people with special challenges, as her work as a national trainer for riders with disabilities shows. With her commitment and personality, she has made a lasting impression on the sport of dressage and motivated numerous riders to rethink their relationship with their horses.

Whether as a competition rider, trainer or equestrian philosopher - Uta Gräf is a role model for all those who value not only sporting success, but also harmony and enjoyment in equestrian sport. Her work remains an inspiration for the dressage world and beyond.

Uta Gräf: The most important questions and answers

Where is the Rothenkircherhof located?

‍UtaGräf lives and works on the Rothenkircherhof estate in Kirchheimbolanden, Rhineland-Palatinate. The farm is a training center and at the same time a prime example of species-appropriate horsekeeping.

What does "cheerful dressage" stand for?

‍Happydressage is Uta Gräf's philosophy, which focuses on the well-being of rider and horse. Through fine communication, varied training and species-appropriate husbandry, she creates a harmonious partnership.

What successes has Uta Gräf achieved?

‍UtaGräf has achieved numerous national and international successes, including top placings at competitions such as Aachen and Wiesbaden. With her Holstein stallion Le Noir, she has established herself as a permanent fixture on the dressage scene.

Does Uta Gräf offer training courses?

‍Yes, Uta Gräf regularly organizes courses. The dates and locations are usually announced on her official website or through riding clubs. Her courses are aimed at riders of all levels.

How can I take part in a training course?

‍Interestedparties can find out more and register via the official Gut Rothenkircherhof channels. Early registration is recommended, as places are often booked out quickly.

What is the focus of Uta Gräf's courses?

‍Thecourses place particular emphasis on fine communication, horse-friendly training and an individual approach to the needs of rider and horse. Elements such as ground work and rides are also often part of the training.

Are there online courses with Uta Gräf?

‍Yes, Uta Gräf offers online courses on platforms such as Wehorse in which she explains her philosophy and training methods.

What kind of gear & equipment does Uta Gräf use?

‍UtaGräf relies on the Butterfly® dressage saddle, which supports the horse's well-being thanks to its anatomical fit. She generally makes sure that the equipment is functional and horse-friendly.

How can I contact Uta Gräf?

‍Youcan find all contact details on the official Gut Rothenkircherhof website. Alternatively, you can also reach them via their social media channels.

What makes Uta Gräf special?

‍UtaGräf combines top sporting performance with an innovative, horse-friendly approach. Her successes and her philosophy have made her a pioneer of modern, harmonious dressage riding.