Legendary German show jumper Ludger Beerbaum, winner of four Olympic gold and one bronze medal (the latter at these Rio Olympics), two golds, one silver and one bronze World Championship medals, and six gold, three silver and two bronze European Championship medals, has announced his retirement from the national team. The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Finals in Barcelona, Spain, Sept. 22-25, will be his last appearance with the German squad.
Beerbaum had always planned to go out on a successful wave, and while he will continue to compete in international tournaments, he will also direct his energies into running his equestrian centre, Riesenbeck International, which opened in his hometown in 2015, offering national tournaments, clinics and seminars. “It was a tough discussion” he admits, but assures that he won’t quit completely. “I do have a lot of projects going. I will focus on my stable at home and training and selling young horses.”
As president of the Longines World Equestrian Academy, Beerbaum will support the development of the show jumping market in the Asia. “I won’t get bored,” he says. “I’m grateful that I was able to represent Germany as a rider. Now this job is for my younger colleagues.”
More from Horse Sport:
