Between course and dental practice: the success story of Philipp Schulze Topphoff

Who is Philipp Schulze Topphoff?

Philipp Schulze Topphoff is a successful German show jumper who has made a name for himself in the national and international equestrian world with his remarkable performances. Born and raised in Havixbeck, a small town in Münsterland, Philipp comes from a family deeply rooted in the horse industry. He showed great talent in equestrian sport at a young age and began competing at an early age.

His career is characterized by numerous successes, both at junior and senior level. Despite his young age, Philipp has already achieved significant victories and placings in top-class competitions, including victories in World Cup show jumping and podium places at international Grand Prix events.

In addition to his career in show jumping, Philipp also pursues professional interests outside of sport and works in a dental practice, with plans to study dentistry one day. This balance between sport and professional ambitions shows his versatility and discipline.

Philipp is known for his precise riding style, his close connection to his horses and his strategic approach to training and competitions. Despite some serious setbacks, including several riding accidents, he has always fought his way back and established himself as one of the rising stars of German show jumping.

Philipp Schulze Topphoff's career

Philipp grew up on his parents' estate in Havixbeck and showed exceptional talent in equestrian sports at an early age. He was already sitting on a horse before he could walk. In the following video, the show jumper tells us about his beginnings and which ponies and horses accompanied him:

He began his career with remarkable successes in his youth and quickly developed into one of the most promising riders in show jumping. Under the guidance of his father Bernd Schulze Topphoff, Philipp quickly made a name for himself and was able to establish himself at international level. In addition to riding, Philipp works in a dental practice and dreams of studying dentistry one day.

Philipp Schulze Topphoff's successful horses

Concordess ‍‍

Born in 2010, the gray mare by Congress is known for her strong character and independence. Philipp describes her as a mare who likes to go her own way and is very hungry. Concordess was one of the key horses in Philipp's career, especially in his victory in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup in La Coruña (Spain) in 2021 and his placing in the Grand Prix of Aachen.

Clemens de la Lande

This Westphalian, born on May 16, 2012 by Comme il faut, was bred by Renate Nixdorf and is still in her possession. Clemens de la Lande is known for his versatility and impressive performances on the international show jumping circuit.

Toxic Boy

The chestnut gelding by Toulon, born in 2012, was bred by Miriam Thormählen. Before his time with Philipp Schulze Topphoff, Toxic Boy was Toxic Boy was already internationally successful under Magnus Beeken and Kerstin Willenborg. Under Philipp Toxic Boy contributed to numerous victories.

Philipp Schulze Topphoff's greatest successes

• 2024: Victory in the championship of the horse week Hohen Wieschendorf
• 2024: 2nd place in the 5* two-phase show jumping competition of the Saut Hermès Paris on Oilily
• 2023: Victory in the Riesenbeck Grand Prix
• 2023: Award from Longines EEF for best performance
• 2023: Victory in the Bemer Riders Tour qualifier in Münster
• 2023: Victory in the time trial (1.50 m) at the CHI Classics Basel on Carla
• 2021: Victory in the World Cup show jumping competition in La Coruna
• 2021: Victory in the CSI2* show jumping competition in Riesenbeck with Toxic Boy
• 2021: Victory in the 2* Grand Prix of Herning with Carla 229
• 2021: Victory in the 2* show jumping Medium Tour (1.40 m) in Herning with Toxic Boy
• 2021: Two victories in 2* show jumping at the World Cup tournament in Herning with Carla 229 and Toxic Boy
• 2021: Nations Cup victory in Budapest
• 2021: Victory in 1.40 m jumping at Hof Waterkant with Carlotta 290
• 2021: Victory in the opening jumping competition at the Balve Optimum with Carla 229
• 2020: Second place in M** show jumping with Carlotta 290 at Holger Hetzel's CSI
• 2021: Second place in the U25 Jumping Cup at the Preis der Besten with Clemens de la Lande
• 2020: Second place in the U25 Jumping Cup of Braunschweig with Concordess NRW
• 2020: Victory in the S*** jumping competition at the Agravis Cup Münster with Concordess NRW
• 2019: European champion of the young riders

Challenges

Philipp Schulze Topphoff faced considerable challenges in 2022 when he suffered two serious riding accidents:

• First accident (April 2022): Philipp sustained injuries to his collarbone and shoulder ligaments in a training accident. This required a four-week break, followed by a cautious return to the saddle while he tried to minimize the risk.
• Second accident (July 2022): In Stockholm, Philipp suffered a serious fall in which several fractures were diagnosed in his metatarsus, tibial plateau and talus. This accident led to extensive surgery and a long period of rehabilitation, during which Philipp was partially confined to a wheelchair.

Personal values and influences

One aspect that characterizes Philipp Schulze Topphoff is his down-to-earth attitude and the strong values he has inherited from his family. Despite his success in international equestrian sport, he remains deeply connected to his home and his roots. The support of his family plays a central role in his career, and he often emphasizes how important this family bond is for his success.

Philipp is also described by those around him as very modest and determined. He is not discouraged by setbacks, but sees them as challenges that he can grow from. This attitude is also reflected in his approach to equestrian sport, where he is always striving to improve his skills and deepen his relationship with his horses.

Future prospects and long-term goals

Philipp Schulze Topphoff has already achieved impressive success at a young age, but he still has many goals he wants to achieve. In the long term, he is aiming to establish himself as one of the best show jumpers in the world. Another major goal is to take part in the Olympic Games, where he would like to represent his home country. This ambition drives him to continuously work on himself and to assert himself in an increasingly competitive environment.

In addition to his sporting goals, Philipp plans to pass on his knowledge and experience in equestrian sport to the next generation. He sees it as his responsibility to support the next generation of show jumpers and pave the way for them to become top-class riders.

FAQs

1. how did Philipp Schulze Topphoff overcome his injuries? 

Philipp fought his way back through extensive rehabilitation, strength and endurance training as well as a positive attitude and mental strength. His return to riding required patience and an adjustment to his riding technique.

2 What are Philipp Schulze Topphoff's next goals?

Philipp plans to continue his successful participation in international competitions, including the U25 Tour in Geneva and the Grand Prix of Aachen. Further Nations Cups are also on his list for the coming season.

3. how does Philipp Schulze Topphoff support his horses?

 In addition to riding, Philipp devotes a lot of time to grooming and training his horses. He also enjoys spending time with them outside of training and values a close relationship.

Conclusion

Philipp Schulze Topphoff is an outstanding example of talent, perseverance and determination in equestrian sport. Despite significant setbacks, he has fought his way back through hard work and a positive attitude. His impressive achievements, combined with a deep passion for the sport and his horses, make him an inspirational figure in show jumping. Philipp's ability to bounce back from challenges and pursue his goals underlines his significant influence and importance in international equestrian sport.