#110 What It Takes to Get to the Top with German National Dressage Coach, Monica Theodorescu

00:00:01: In this episode, we're talking with German National Dressage Coach Monica Teodorescu.

00:00:07: I really have a great job!

00:00:23: Welcome to the Equestrian Connection podcast from WeHorse.

00:00:26: My name is Danielle Kroll and I'm usually your host, however for this episode we're giving you another one of our translated German episodes from The WeHorst Podcast.

00:00:35: During her competitive career Monika Teodoroscu won three Olympic gold medals and claimed world and European championship titles with a German team.

00:00:45: She has served as the national dressage coach since twenty twelve And For Her it Is A Dream Job.

00:00:51: Although she sometimes misses competing herself, She finds it incredibly rewarding to work with the country's top riders and guide young horses as they make their way into elite-level sport.

00:01:03: In this episode Monica speaks with WeHorse CEO Christian Krober about her role a German national coach, animal welfare in competitive sports And how she successfully develops young talent for the level required from major championships.

00:01:17: Alright let us get started.

00:01:18: Enjoy!

00:01:20: Hello, Monica Theodorescu.

00:01:21: Yes hello and good morning from New Munster!

00:01:24: Yes we are sitting here.

00:01:25: if you look outside there are ten centimeters of snow that fell last night.

00:01:29: There is a World Cup tournament here.

00:01:31: You're in your capacity as the national coach for Dressage Riders.

00:01:35: What makes a good National Coach?

00:01:37: Well I think first & foremost like all sports i believe... ...you are measured by success because naturally need results on paper And that means, for us of course winning championships and also Olympic games.

00:01:51: Everything actually hinges on the Olympic Games every four years... ...that is our way of measuring time!

00:01:57: Yes we managed to win the last three Olympic Games with my presence in contribution as a team.. ..and it's very important because a lot depends upon what happens at our Federation.

00:02:08: After that, the resources meaning money.

00:02:10: The funds...the resources from the federal government are calculated.

00:02:13: That depends on success at the Olympic Games And that includes European championships and world championships Actually not quite as highly weighted Not quite as decisive But precisely the Olympic games.

00:02:26: We were able to win the team gold medal in Rio in twenty sixteen And also two individual medals silver and bronze In Tokyo.

00:02:34: twenty-twenty one team gold again, individual gold and individual silver.

00:02:38: And the same thing again albeit very narrowly but the same things in Paris two years ago a year-and-a-half ago.

00:02:44: that is just really important for our sport as a whole.

00:02:50: It's not transparent to many people.

00:02:52: these funds which come from this Olympic pot, that is... ...which are calculated based on the medals in the end.

00:02:58: Every sports federation attached to the National Olympic Committee,... ...which is the DOSB in Germany has an incredible amount at stake for a federation like the FN?

00:03:08: Yes exactly!

00:03:09: The entire promotion of young talent also arises form these funds that are earmarked for it.

00:03:15: So that is a huge construct.

00:03:17: It is, let's say not just calculated based on Olympic medals but also how the entire federation is structured and how it operates.

00:03:26: And these funds from BMI The Federal Ministry of Interior are calculated.

00:03:32: But the metal hall or the metal corridor as we always like to call it Is simply extremely important.

00:03:41: We certainly considered a niche sport But we also contributed quite decisively to the overall medal tally in equestrian sports during The Games In Paris just two years ago.

00:03:53: It really was a significant achievement for us,

00:03:56: very decisively.

00:03:57: that was really in the press.

00:03:59: it was really highlighted again That in the end I don't want to say you pulled the chestnuts out of the fire but the other athletes rather underperformed.

00:04:07: Yes well that is actually the case and i'm pleased to say that We delivered on our goals in all three disciplines.

00:04:13: It was a solid result, as they say.

00:04:16: And that is simply incredibly important for our discipline also for Dressage and for equestrian sports as a whole.

00:04:23: What does this cycle look like in concrete terms?

00:04:25: So we are now two years away from LA the next Olympic Games.

00:04:29: Now you say actually The Cycle Is Decisive For You.

00:04:32: Sure there Are European Championships & World Championships too.

00:04:35: But what Does This Cycle Look Like In Concrete Terms ?

00:04:38: Does it Begin The Moment The Last Horse is out in Paris, actually already the path to the next Olympic Games.

00:04:44: Almost yes!

00:04:46: So towards the end of Paris my thoughts were already drifting a bit toward LA.

00:04:50: We talked about location and weather And heat.

00:04:54: I had that part at the very end because we stayed at German house.

00:04:58: Dennis Piler was sitting there comfortably just chilling.

00:05:02: And then we were actually already talking a bit about LA and whether we need to go there earlier, to acclimatize or not.

00:05:08: Whether we need it stable?

00:05:09: I said well... We still have time.

00:05:11: but that's precisely when the thoughts are moving forward into next cycle looking ahead at the end of February coming up in just ten days In fact The very first webinar with the FEI which is our World Federation To discuss all necessary information schedules and other important details for LA.

00:05:31: So, there's basically a Zoom call.

00:05:33: Are all the national coaches there and then everyone gives a presentation?

00:05:37: Yes we'll find out.

00:05:38: Coaches are invited or rather every Federation can... whether it is the Secretary General or whoever else who ever is responsible for it or whoever wants to participate can take part in this webinar

00:05:50: And talk about this cycle again.

00:05:52: Sure, there are criteria now.

00:05:53: Like what's the weather like and how do we actually get there?

00:05:56: And so on... We had Frederick Wanderis here in our podcast a few months ago.

00:06:00: He explained that he plans his tournament calendar for example That he knows in January How this journey will go until December.

00:06:07: Is it similar to what a tournament rider does at the end of the year Just over four years then?

00:06:13: Yes something like that I mean..we naturally have a championship every year.

00:06:17: This year too It is well known A big one in Arkan.

00:06:20: At the moment, the focus is entirely on Aachen and World Championships.

00:06:24: It's obviously something special to be in your own country but it's actually like that every year.

00:06:29: my planning starts from the championship and works backwards.

00:06:33: so The Championship is usually sometime in August And then goes backwards From there.

00:06:38: What are the intervals between tournaments & training camps?

00:06:41: When, where how long before etc.

00:06:44: That repeats itself of course.

00:06:46: Its also a certain routine Every Year.

00:06:49: The German championships are in Balve.

00:06:50: That is now a fixed location for us and it actually always fits, In terms of timing And we have actually managed that very well every year... ...that's of course routine process somewhere But still It starts from the championship and works backwards.

00:07:05: When is World Cup final?

00:07:06: Is the World Cup Final too close To tournaments then start up again in outdoor season i.e on grass.

00:07:13: You always do in April, right?

00:07:15: Usually it starts up again at the end of April In Hagen At Horses and Dreams.

00:07:19: Yes that's how you're already thinking about It.

00:07:21: This year The World Cup Final is in Texas.

00:07:24: Certainly no horses That would compete in the world championships And Arkan will be starting there!

00:07:30: At least thats not the plan so far... You never know Of course but maybe one from the World Cup final Will slip through afterwards Or make a clean sweep.

00:07:37: But basically..The horses that are in the Olympic squad And the riders who are preparing with their horses for the outdoor season, and specifically for world championships or first German championships.

00:07:50: And then World Championships do not have the World Cup final in Texas on those plans of those horses.

00:07:56: Do all nations actually do it that way?

00:07:58: Because Germany is very focused where you say we're setting Horses carefully with a clear plan towards the championship.

00:08:05: But I could imagine.

00:08:06: now there are smaller nations that say, come on we're happy to have a rider at the World Cup final and take them along toward the world championships as well?

00:08:14: Yes it's certainly possible.

00:08:16: or they might also be horses for which is good... ...or they may do so in the WorldCup Final.

00:08:22: The horse-rider pair is secure until the World Championships.

00:08:28: But everyone has to decide that for themselves and every nation too.

00:08:32: Decide, what is best for whom?

00:08:34: And which pair?

00:08:36: For anyone who isn't so closely involved in tournament sports why it's actually necessary use them in such a measured way?

00:08:43: Why do these breaks have to happen?

00:08:45: If you look at soccer now the good teams Borussia Dortmund plays every three days!

00:08:50: In horse riding there must be this bigger plan behind.

00:08:53: when I go where how long each break is due to individuality of horses?

00:08:58: Well, I mean if you draw a comparison to soccer now... ...I can't judge that very well.

00:09:02: but even there.

00:09:03: There are players who have breaks.

00:09:05: it's not always the same eleven-eleven.

00:09:08: So its perhaps often i don't know some play alot or are very fit But then eventually need break too.

00:09:14: And of course let say The welfare of horse comes first anyway.

00:09:18: Horses also needs regenerate and horses also need to recover in between and have light exercise.

00:09:23: You dont'always demand the tension and performance like at a tournament, instead you just go for casual ride in countryside sometimes.

00:09:32: Horses also go out to pasture or more on paddock if that's possible at all.

00:09:38: You always have balance it very well too.

00:09:41: There are horses fully trained even at an advanced age but don't constantly practice tournaments with them.

00:09:49: spare them a bit so that they have their peak in the summer.

00:09:52: But of course, the horses even the older ones also need certain rhythm but just not every week or certainly at this level... ...but still needs tournament routine and those who know it like going to tournaments because then are taken care of all day long And they are the top priority, so they're fully in focus of their whole team.

00:10:15: Most tournament horses that do well care for and treat them very well.

00:10:19: They like going to tournaments when they see a truck or already know it's being packed... ...or I was just talking about it with Rafael Nets.

00:10:29: So his Camelot, who was just in third place at the Grand Prix performed very well but also a bit nervous.

00:10:36: He said they clipped him again last week and from then on he knew it would be time to go for another tournament.

00:10:42: They know that exactly!

00:10:43: And like doing so...they want too.

00:10:45: A few weeks ago, Frankus Luthark was sitting in your spot and he reported on a situation where he won the Grand Prix of Oslo.

00:10:52: And he had the feeling that the horse were so proud and so happy to be able to win this Grand Prix!

00:10:57: So it is...and we have to emphasize this again and again especially in the tournament landscape.

00:11:02: these horses enjoy doing it.

00:11:04: Yes when things are going well too They sense that and they're really proud.

00:11:08: I mean there's some people who are shy And oh god, now there are so many people.

00:11:14: Then can I do this?

00:11:16: Will i make it?

00:11:17: if you encourage them and really give them confidence?

00:11:20: As a professional or as a rider You should be able to sense that and also be able To encourage a horse That might still be a bit younger and shyer And others, they come in and say I'm here now.

00:11:31: Everyone look at

00:11:32: me.".

00:11:32: They come with their chest puffed out.

00:11:34: somehow.

00:11:35: When horses have done well over the weekend when things are going well... ...they know it , they feel it.. ..and tell their colleagues about that too.

00:11:43: That is really often to be observed.

00:11:45: When they came home on Sundays or so back into the stable.

00:11:49: there's a commotion.

00:11:50: It was great experience.

00:11:53: You've

00:11:53: been national coach since twenty twelve fourteen years.

00:11:56: what drives you this job?

00:11:58: What do you enjoy most about this job?

00:12:00: Almost everything.

00:12:02: No, well I really have a great job or a great occupation.

00:12:05: This motivation comes from the horses and riders and also with the best horses, to always help develop next-best horses as well.

00:12:17: And that is incredibly exciting interesting and positive.

00:12:21: you learn every day... ...and also the exchange of riders with their teams.. ..with the grooms.

00:12:27: everything goes along with it.

00:12:29: That's totally my thing.

00:12:31: I live this way myself being in a stable horse as a rider since I was a child and being apart of it, developing that.

00:12:40: And when that eventually culminates in great grand prix or great freestyle then honestly there is nothing better.

00:12:47: Looking back... Was it difficult for you to step into the new role?

00:12:52: Because It's quite different from doing one yourself before.

00:12:55: You are a three-time Olympic champion and can look back on an extremely successful riding career of your own, but the job as national coach is something completely different.

00:13:04: A complete change in roles?

00:13:05: Was it easy to get into?

00:13:07: Let's put this way... It wasn't easy to start with sport!

00:13:09: Getting into it was not that difficult… But no putting on boots anymore – That was.

00:13:14: and at the tournament.

00:13:15: Going straight to The Stable, To The Horse.

00:13:17: that was a case for first few years.

00:13:19: I missed it little bit.

00:13:20: i really did miss that.

00:13:22: And not working together with riders or standing on sidelines That is just as nice when you can contribute.

00:13:29: But there were maybe still are today but especially in the first few year Really again moments where thought would love get into saddle right now Would like too then push aside But still, when you really take a step back and look at my life as whole it is of course A truly great continuation Of being a fairly successful competitive athlete And now I am finding ways to continue that success in this new chapter As well.

00:13:58: What i have learned along the way and also what I deeply learned In my younger formative years from My parents especially From my father has shaped who I'm today.

00:14:09: How I approach everything.

00:14:11: And to pass on the knowledge that I have received and learned from so many other riders, trainers is of course also a truly great task.

00:14:19: It's a responsibility i take very seriously.

00:14:22: Looking

00:14:22: back would you like continue riding actively just as much?

00:14:26: Yes!

00:14:27: Well let us put it this way... This position came not for me.. So its wasn't part my life plan where at some point I want do that too or end up.

00:14:40: It happened the other way around.

00:14:41: I mean, i was still riding in the olympic squad In twenty twelve... ...I Was also still a reserve for London.

00:14:47: So The request actually came A year earlier from our Federation.

00:14:52: How does that work then?

00:14:53: Does the secretary general or someone From the federation call and say hello dear monica Would you like to become the national coach?

00:15:00: Or

00:15:01: so what

00:15:01: is That Work?

00:15:02: Something Like That?

00:15:03: Well, there were a few conversations or various discussions basically from the Federation side.

00:15:09: Can we have a chat?

00:15:10: And somehow it just happened little by little.

00:15:13: It's also not, something like that isn't a quick chat decision.

00:15:17: I mean neither from the Federation nor me Like.

00:15:19: i'll just apply and if position opens up then...

00:15:22: I'd be ready!

00:15:22: I would do it.

00:15:23: That is how works at all.

00:15:25: Let us say Not a position or role where you will give it.

00:15:30: try to see what happens If doesn t work out after few months.

00:15:34: there s huge responsibility involved.

00:15:37: There are lot riding on so really have think through.

00:15:40: You have to think it over.

00:15:42: At that time, I also still had a stable... ...a tournament-stable and training-stables….

00:15:46: …I tried to keep going for years as a training-Stable on smaller scale but then gradually downsized more and more And at some point we sold the Lindenhof facility

00:15:58: near Warnauf Fugtorf Exactly!

00:16:02: We sold that too.

00:16:03: I'm just traveling way too much and it didn't make sense anymore to try to maintain, manage a riding stable or facility... It wasn't possible at all.

00:16:13: in any case All of this was discussed and considered bit by bit in advance for some time And i also did it together with my husband.

00:16:20: He has to be okay With me being away quite a lot So far he is

00:16:25: still on board.

00:16:26: Yes

00:16:27: so far everything's fine.

00:16:29: Is the Olympic cycle secure?

00:16:31: It is secured, yes it's secure.

00:16:34: But of course a different life even though I was already travelling to tournaments before.

00:16:40: but then you are sometimes traveling together and not as much now where i am only at the tournament also constantly away in between with training courses and rider visits meetings what else?

00:16:54: Everything.

00:16:55: so its just twelve tournaments per year.

00:16:57: how many days a year on road can roughly estimate that?

00:17:01: Well, I'd say it's a good two hundred.

00:17:03: So actually just home to change suitcases?

00:17:05: More often than not i would have to say yes that is definitely the case

00:17:09: when you back then.

00:17:10: You just described That you were also in The olympic squad before London twenty twelve.

00:17:14: Then they changed into this new role.

00:17:16: Do their colleagues accept something like that immediately and understand Okay This Is A Longer Process.

00:17:21: This Isn't Something That Happens At Hawk Because it is indeed this different role that you just described.

00:17:26: It's not just that your suddenly standing on the sidelines, but in the end You are also The decision maker for important championship squad spots where ultimately every rider who was competing at That level wants to get to exactly that point.

00:17:40: Is this change of roles?

00:17:42: Also difficult especially with regard To Your colleagues?

00:17:44: I imagine that to be particularly Difficult.

00:17:46: yes i mean i didn't Just slide into This completely new.

00:17:50: i Mean.

00:17:50: i've known the dressage seen my whole life And as a writer, I was also an active spokesperson on the Dressage Committee for many years.

00:17:58: As national coach i don't decide anything all by myself either.

00:18:01: so of course... ...I set a direction and have many conversations about how imagine things.. ..and how they could be if I see development somewhere or path that one can take And I naturally discuss that internally with the members of The Dressage Committee.

00:18:17: First and foremost, that is Klaus Russer as Chairman Of The Dressing Committee who has also already been doing it a bit longer than i have in this role.

00:18:26: So when was riding That Was Already The Case.

00:18:28: Then Our Team Veterinarian.

00:18:30: That Has Changed At Times But Those Are Actually People Along With My Assistant Coach Who My Work Very, Very Closely And until a year ago, it was Johnny Hilbereth

00:18:40: who unfortunately passed away then quite suddenly too.

00:18:43: Yes and we worked very closely together and constantly exchanged ideas so that one always well.

00:18:50: I always actively seek out the diverse opinions and unique perspectives of our entire team as well before We are I come to a decision?

00:19:06: regarding how we want to do things and see things.

00:19:11: How horses should be ridden, training done or presenting ourselves externally at tournaments and championships.

00:19:19: We work very closely together on that To keep the team including around them And keeping everything nice and compact Including with association staff.

00:19:30: I believe we have succeeded quite well in this over last few years.

00:19:34: How difficult was it for you that your co-trainer, Johnny Hilbrad passed away relatively suddenly?

00:19:39: Yes.

00:19:39: That was of course a huge turning point.

00:19:42: well I knew a little bit about the background.

00:19:44: he been ill for awhile.

00:19:47: yes He always had to take breaks where he was then also alone at The tournament or looked after the riders alone and that Was not a problem either.

00:19:54: but in that It took us still very very sudden we saw each other For the very last time at this tournament exactly one year ago And that was very bitter.

00:20:04: Also, personally we had a very friendly relationship as well.

00:20:07: That was also very sad.

00:20:09: Well... As national coach you sit together in the evenings.

00:20:12: Beyond professional and factual topics You are also closer team.

00:20:16: Yes!

00:20:16: We just have lots of trips together Traveled

00:20:19: around the world

00:20:20: The championships and Olympic games.

00:20:24: Looking back those were indeed many trips that took over years And yes, we always got along remarkably well.

00:20:34: That was never a problem for us.

00:20:36: Yes it really quite a very friendly relationship and It is also good truly trusting exchange between us Always from the beginning to end.

00:20:45: It was a special time.

00:20:47: What was confidential remained confidential.

00:20:49: if you look now, You have a successor Hendrik Loctova.

00:20:52: How do you choose?

00:20:52: A co-national coach?

00:20:54: by trying or perhaps I should say By not trying at all to replace the other person?

00:20:58: exactly one two One.

00:21:00: it is a delicate balance

00:21:01: but that's Not possible at All.

00:21:03: no That's not possible and i also think its wrong And everyone Is different.

00:21:07: Johnny Was simply there for Very very long Time and Everyone knew him.

00:21:11: he was Also very successful and well trained.

00:21:14: That is completely beyond question.

00:21:17: We were really a great team, I then also thought about it for awhile and exchanged ideas with Klaus Rosa.

00:21:23: It's really the fact that someone should fully fulfill all specific criteria required of discipline coach or assistant coach.

00:21:30: And honestly there just aren't many people out who truly fit this bill Who can fulfill that.

00:21:37: and of course we also have to think a bit about the future That it's not someone who is my age or even older, but rather Someone younger if possible.

00:21:45: And well I've known Henrik for a very long time.

00:21:48: Also his background from his family From The Westphalian region.

00:21:52: so henrik has enjoyed A Very good writing education a very correct writing education From his uncle Norbert Lochteuf and later also completed his master's degree in horse management.

00:22:04: Those are already very good prerequisites, as a trainer he can run business too.

00:22:09: He knows what it means to be professional rider.

00:22:11: He has ridden in professional rider championships and successfully trained horses And also ridden successfully at Aachen.

00:22:19: And through several stages in his life he was also in Switzerland, got to know a bit about another country and just brings a lot of experience with him.

00:22:30: Henrik is like me not involved in horse trading which I think it's very important.

00:22:34: You are trainer.

00:22:35: Of course the horses sold or brokered here there But Johnny kept that aspect private within his professional riding business And honestly, that level of involvement is actually also very limited when it comes to his work with Henrik.

00:22:50: Because it's not good if you as a trainer also sell horses yourself

00:22:54: In the end?

00:22:55: A clear conflict of interest?

00:22:56: Yes

00:22:57: That would be the problem at the end Of The Day

00:22:59: yes and in that respect It isn't easy for us To find the right person For it.

00:23:05: As I said i've known Henrik long time and know We get along well personally And so he's just been getting a taste of the job now or since last year.

00:23:13: But it's Henrik Luktov and before that, It was Johnny Hilberrath.

00:23:17: You yourself have an enormous background in riding.

00:23:21: Your father George Theodorescu competed for Romania at the Olympic Games in Stockholm Then used the Kyu-Archen at the end of the fifties to essentially flee the communist Stalinist regime In Romania and come here To Germany.

00:23:34: your mother too Was highly decorated rider.

00:23:37: Was it always clear to you that you wanted to become a writer yourself?

00:23:41: For me, yes.

00:23:42: It was totally clear for my father not quite so much.

00:23:45: I mean My Father originally had the wish That i would become a pianist and I have several years of piano lessons.

00:23:53: And wasn't even that embarrassing?

00:23:54: perhaps

00:23:55: So You Have A Talent?

00:23:56: Yes Well The piano teacher always used to say, oh if only she had ten percent of the motivation for me or for the piano that she has.

00:24:04: For the horses... ...the one hundred percent or two-hundred percent that he has for the horse is.

00:24:08: but I gave up at some point off course.

00:24:10: it's on point.

00:24:10: we moved and the piano couldn't come along are at least not right away.

00:24:14: But i still have a today haven't really started again by actually still have

00:24:19: so its at home.

00:24:20: you

00:24:20: have mothballed in the attic.

00:24:22: know

00:24:22: what's at home?

00:24:23: it's a piece of furniture our house.

00:24:25: There's also a nice piece of furniture with flower vases and things like that on it.

00:24:29: But, its not really being used again yet but I don't think i could bring myself to sell it!

00:24:35: Maybe at some point maybe ill get back on track again...but my father would have wanted that too.

00:24:41: Well you're still in few olympic cycles?

00:24:43: Maybe after the last olympics cycle It just needs be tuned again.

00:24:47: Yes then it will be tuned Again.

00:24:48: Absolutely yes.

00:24:50: But you are actually also a trained interpreter, but that was never a career option.

00:24:55: No not really.

00:24:56: I mean i do use the languages on the side of course...I mean even before I became national coach I gave a lot of training courses abroad as well and I still do that from time to time And again now when time permits and languages have actually always interested me.

00:25:10: My father was also very keen on languages.

00:25:12: Which languages do you speak?

00:25:14: I speak English, French Spanish and we can manage Italian too.

00:25:17: So really at a level where you could give a training course there in Italy

00:25:21: Yes that's no problem.

00:25:23: The language of riders and horses... ...I can do it better than for slightly more sophisticated conversation.

00:25:29: i'd have to read up first and practice but after week would probably be fine.

00:25:34: But about the riding lessons because back then At the Lindenhof, there were many writers from dozens of different countries.

00:25:42: And my father spoke all that in their respective language.

00:25:45: My father spoke perfect French and perfect Italian.

00:25:49: There are also students from those countries.

00:25:52: I just picked it up like this.

00:25:54: It was ingrained at first.

00:25:57: Where did he come from?

00:25:58: He could still speak this foreign language.

00:26:00: so well

00:26:01: Well... First of all i'm talented and in Romania, or rather Bucharest back in the day I was very Francophile.

00:26:07: And my father had gone to a French school... ...and spoke French just as well as Romanian like his mother tongue.

00:26:14: He only learned German later….

00:26:15: …and English too – later on But the French was developed right from start.

00:26:20: Do you still have any connection to Romania?

00:26:22: No no Did it also back then after The Escape there wasn't really anything.

00:26:27: I mean, i know that my parents used to send packages and money to Romania back then.

00:26:31: But My father never went back there either because he had after all fled illegally right?

00:26:36: That was still before the time of The Iron Curtain but in any case that Was a one-way street...that's A One Way Ticket.

00:26:42: Yes well There were also red lists blacklists And so on.

00:26:46: He actually Never Went Back To Berlin Either Not Even To West Berlin.

00:26:50: So not even until nineteen eighty nine, we had German championships there once or twice.

00:26:55: Or rather I did a few times.

00:26:56: i wrote in german championships in berlin.

00:26:59: he never came along for that.

00:27:01: He didn't fly either out

00:27:02: of worry That if you flew over the soviet sector something might happen after all.

00:27:06: yes well?

00:27:07: It was just ingrained.

00:27:08: Yes

00:27:08: You were even honored with The Bambi Award back In nineteen ninety two.

00:27:12: it Was quite an achievement.

00:27:13: okay yes thats right but i don't remember If that was in nineteen ninety

00:27:19: Two.

00:27:19: And is that one also on the piano?

00:27:21: No, it's with other bambis.

00:27:22: I almost said... ...with other things on a very nice shelf where other honorary awards are also kept.

00:27:29: Does that show what kind of significance does your career have?

00:27:33: Yes!

00:27:34: That just naturally comes along as well.

00:27:37: Those are very beautiful experiences, very beautiful occasions.

00:27:41: Also this honor award or rather it was at that Bambi event in Cologne I believe back then and there It was wonderful.

00:27:48: he received Willie Miller Witch already well over eighty At the time The honorary bambi And i got to shake his hand!

00:27:55: I mean...I Was never really the cologne type.

00:27:58: For all carnival enthusiasts He is a demigod afterall.

00:28:01: Yes Well..He was great personality That man.

00:28:04: So yes, those are the kinds of things you got to experience sometimes.

00:28:08: Willi Milovic in Cologne at The Bambi Awards?

00:28:10: Yes tremendous!

00:28:11: If you look where Dresshage Sport stands as of twenty-twenty six Germany is certainly a very hot contender for gold medal.

00:28:18: now by the way your co trainer said here in Neumünster yesterday that we want to become world champions.

00:28:24: do you agree with that?

00:28:24: ?

00:28:25: Yes Of course We Want That !

00:28:27: Yes Sure if we didn't even want that would be bad To start With.

00:28:30: No, in any case.

00:28:31: Well we are Olympic champions We're European champions and want to become world champions again.

00:28:37: Of course we want that.

00:28:38: There has been a certain transition In the team now too.

00:28:41: Jessica von Breido Verndl for example with her championship horse With Dahlera no longer there.

00:28:46: How do you manage such A transition as national coach?

00:28:49: Do You already know beforehand?

00:28:51: Okay I have To start building up The first ones Again two or three years in advance Or scout And see who you then Bring along.

00:28:59: how does That work?

00:29:00: Yes, of course.

00:29:01: Well I keep an eye on everyone not just the squad riders but also other riders and their horses as well all the up-and-coming horses that are already competing at Grand Prix level or entering Grand Prix sport.

00:29:15: we have our structure and series The Nürnberger Bergpokal and the Louis Dahl Prize series.

00:29:22: The up-and coming Grand

00:29:23: Prix Series with the final just two months ago back in Frankfurt, we were naturally keeping a close eye on all of them.

00:29:30: then We take a moment to see who is really standing out there this year And who was making a lasting impression?

00:29:36: I mean...we had great one last year Katerina Hemmer Who as still young well championship rookie.

00:29:41: i almost said

00:29:42: Newcomer

00:29:44: A newcomer to the sport or not, but at this level she wrote a great European championship.

00:29:49: She almost had a bronze medal in the special with a great ride and also significantly contributed to the victory in the European Championship To The Team Victory.

00:29:58: And so those are just.

00:30:00: we have great young riders who already Have a lot of experience In the Grand Prix and Katarina Had that too?

00:30:06: She is new comer now But she's Not inexperienced.

00:30:09: I mean, she is a professional rider.

00:30:11: She has already brought various horses into Grand Prix Sport and is implementing that fantastically as well.

00:30:17: We are very well positioned there with very good younger riders who are coming up And also showing us great sport and great riding What we never have enough of our top horses.

00:30:27: but That's the case for others too.

00:30:29: Of course we have Top Horses & Top Trained Horsies.

00:30:31: But back then in Rio we had four horses that were scoring eighty percent or more In The Grand Prix.

00:30:39: That is

00:30:40: truly amazing.

00:30:40: That was truly extraordinary.

00:30:42: I mean at the same time these four horses on one team and Cosmo was there for the first time with Sonka Rothenberger, Cosmo were still the youngest at nine years old back then And that is of course truly an exceptional situation.

00:30:55: You also have to realize that it's not the rule, that eighty percent scores are just constantly being shown one after another or these results are like that.

00:31:04: That is really very special and of course its quite a shame we do not have Delaera in this sport anymore competing with Jessica von Brito Wendel.

00:31:13: unfortunately she lost her next top horse about six weeks ago Diallo who was already settled at Stuttgart

00:31:23: which is incredibly tragic.

00:31:24: Yes, we had high hopes and a great horse!

00:31:27: And that was truly a very sad and tragic story because it really highlights just how fragile things can be... ...and how devastating it is to lose a top-tier horse so quickly.. ..and you stand there and it happens.

00:31:39: Things like this happen too.

00:31:41: A

00:31:41: topic that has certainly accompanied as national coach over the last few years….

00:31:45: …is the topic of animal welfare….

00:31:47: The debates are taking place around equestrian sports without now I think this topic has already been covered and examined five hundred times, and looked at from all sides.

00:31:57: But how do you as national coach view this complex of topics that we repeatedly find ourselves in a position where we have to explain ourselves?

00:32:05: Because individual cases be it in dressage or other disciplines keep causing us on the defensive regarding organized equestrian sports slash top level sports.

00:32:16: what is your stance as National Coach?

00:32:17: Yes, well one shouldn't actually have to explain oneself.

00:32:21: And unfortunately there are some individuals who are directly responsible for that situation and they have massively damaged our reputation by circulating such incredibly negative and harmful images of us.

00:32:32: That also has to be addressed –that is really important.

00:32:36: The debate as a whole I find it very positive or rather helps us To continue to reflect question ourselves and keep improving things.

00:32:45: then.

00:32:45: a great, great deal has already improved in the sport.

00:32:49: Of course, the entire approach to animal husbandry horse keeping has improved.

00:32:53: there are guidelines and so on which have also followed as best is possible And it's of course important that we do not point fingers at each other but rather support one another In the measures to improve things.

00:33:06: Not sweep under the rug?

00:33:08: Absolutely not.

00:33:10: If abuses come to light they must be addressed and penalized And I find that incredibly important even if one thinks, oh god something happened again.

00:33:19: Unfortunately that does exist and perhaps not everyone is always quite there yet on the right track.

00:33:24: or let's say reflective enough to start changing things within themselves because i can't just say all animal rights activists are stupid Or those who call themselves that?

00:33:35: Who also put their finger in the sore spot.

00:33:37: they have a basis for it too.

00:33:40: We do give them here-and-there bad images.

00:33:44: We really should try to change ourselves.

00:33:46: I have to start with myself first and question my self, am i always doing everything right?

00:33:51: I certainly didn't always do everything right in the past either... ...and was impatient at times too!

00:33:56: And maybe I didn't get it technically right or didn't understand how I should do things.

00:34:01: Do I do things differently

00:34:02: today?!

00:34:03: I certainly did better than before.. ..I believe we've treated our horses quite well also ensured they had turnout or also that they get outside.

00:34:13: We did a lot of trail riding, I still do that today... ...or have always done it.

00:34:17: but you can continue to improve the training and handling of the horse And Today we had such great talented horses That already bring so much with them.

00:34:26: from start You often hit breaks saying hey slow down.

00:34:30: Yes its already piaffing It's doing it But slowdown Take your time Let the horse grow let it grow into tasks And I find it incredibly important that we, each of us in all areas including tournament sports keep listening to ourselves or reflecting on what we are doing.

00:34:49: Is the music too loud in the arena?

00:34:52: is there too much commotion Or can make a bit more moderate and give horses time?

00:34:57: They also need a good night's rest to sleep.

00:35:00: Wasn't it two years ago, for example here that there was party in the arena at night on Saturday night and its great people are having fun and can party?

00:35:09: Unfortunately loudspeakers didn t turn off.

00:35:13: Yes!

00:35:13: That is rather suboptimal.

00:35:15: There so many things come together.

00:35:17: we have to do better Because as we just said, horses like going to tournaments.

00:35:24: And if they are also treated well and receive attention and affection the horse is attentive to us.

00:35:31: so I give it affection.

00:35:32: make sure that has best possible care.

00:35:35: of course we engage in competitive sports demand performance but must not come at any price.

00:35:41: my interests must actually always take a back seat for the interest.

00:35:49: But how can it be that some riders, and we are in the year twenty-twenty six still haven't understood?

00:35:54: That at big tournaments every rider without exception has a role model function.

00:35:58: And that In The End A single wrong decision triggers something like an infection for everyone because in the end Everyone is pilloried!

00:36:06: That Is always the somewhat unfair part At the end of the day...in my opinion..that An isolated case is then Always projected onto everyone.

00:36:14: but THAT IS THE MEDIA LANDSCAPE WE HAVE.

00:36:16: We have to deal with that whether we want to or not, but that is actually.

00:36:19: it's a shame really.

00:36:21: Perhaps It's Actually Terrible That Is Still Like That?

00:36:23: Yes I mean...it Really Feels like Negative News Simply Spreads Much Faster Than Anything Else Or Rather Its Always Incredibly Popular To Read And Unfortunately It Is Constantly Being Rehashed and Recycled Everywhere You Look.

00:36:35: We Still See Today In Some TV Reports.

00:36:38: Whenever There Is A Critical Coverage Of Equestrian Sports It Always Appears Again At The Beginning in the Trailer.

00:36:46: And then that image from Tokyo of the modern pentathlete, Of The Poor Desperate Woman with The Poor Despot Horse always comes up again.

00:36:55: That gets rehashed over and over... ...and is somehow seen as a bad example for all

00:37:00: us.".

00:37:02: Which is unrelated to Dressage?

00:37:04: It has absolutely nothing to do with dressage….

00:37:06: …and it's also unfair!

00:37:14: and such images come out of desperation.

00:37:16: Some critics, of course make it easy for themselves or perhaps some media people too simply by just rehashing this image over-and-over again to generate an opinion somewhere among the general public.

00:37:31: that doesn't help us at all is in my opinion poor style.

00:37:35: but we also have to deal with negative news.

00:37:42: Everyone has a role model function, everyone is called upon to ensure that this does not happen.

00:37:48: They can always be situations where the horse gets nervous or get startled somewhere and so on... And it was exactly as you started.

00:37:56: we end up having to explain ourselves when I know the horse and why he's reacting in that way…and the rider too!

00:38:04: What is there?

00:38:05: It's loud.

00:38:06: There, I don't know what bad air... A lot of people and horses are then simply a bit restless or feel disturbed Or something like that.

00:38:16: So if we work with the situation And get the horse used to it That takes little time.

00:38:21: You can't just walk away and say Oh!

00:38:23: It doesn't work anyway.

00:38:24: No no you have to deal calmly Calm the horse, work with the horse.

00:38:28: Get the horse as we say on the aids meaning transitions riding or whatever until the horse trusts the rider.

00:38:36: if it trusts a rider then It will eventually trust the environment too.

00:38:40: but it is very important to work on that and also explain it.

00:38:44: Then If The Viewer Also Takes Time To Follow That The Horse Learns.

00:38:48: And They Have To Learn At First Two and some are like fidgety children, a bit hyperactive.

00:38:54: And others just find it all very relaxed... ...and cool!

00:38:58: So every horse is different in that regard too.

00:39:01: As a rider or also trainer you have to be able to deal with that.. ..and also communicate that to the outside world.

00:39:07: Also hold up a mirror for riders here & there Or their home trainers or whoever.

00:39:12: maybe I do experience this sometimes where people say well top level sport what they're doing isn't okay.

00:39:19: I say, look at what you're doing yourself.

00:39:22: It's also just too generalized?

00:39:24: Yes it is also to generalize.

00:39:26: Look at what your do-yourself or not?

00:39:29: Every recreational rider Even perhaps less talented riders only good for their horse But that why they are still allowed practice and learn And have a joy with the horse.

00:39:40: That must be forbidden.

00:39:42: You should be able to learn and make mistakes But it is important that you also learn and improve, keep questioning yourself.

00:39:50: Would the national coach Monica Theodorescu nominate the rider for the Olympics?

00:39:55: That's a funny question!

00:39:57: Maybe not at all times but of course depends on the horse.

00:40:00: Ultimately comes down to performance if they are right.

00:40:04: so I said yes in the beginning.

00:40:06: Olympic result.

00:40:07: So as a National Coach You're measured by results And as a competitive athlete you were also measured very clearly.

00:40:15: In the end, is that for you as a national coach?

00:40:18: The hard currency.

00:40:19: Well I mean someone who perhaps does A lot of things beautifully and Does a lot of Things right but unfortunately isn't resilient in the competition or keeps making

00:40:27: mistakes

00:40:28: And again and Again.

00:40:29: i mean even the best can be eight or nine sometimes if You know why.

00:40:34: But at the end Of day That's exactly what we have our selection Trials Or selection tournaments For And of course, the perspective also plays a role or if there's mistake somewhere and previous performances as well.

00:40:47: That is not qualification but selection process But nevertheless it counts at crucial moment.

00:40:54: At time X we need to know whether person can deliver.

00:40:58: In your view what is reason that someone like Isabel Werth for example has been able to deliver exactly what you are describing in thirty years?

00:41:06: What is the reason?

00:41:08: What distinguishes her as a rider from other riders?

00:41:11: that she can demonstrate this consistency over such an incredibly long period of time?

00:41:17: Yes, A lot things come together there.

00:41:19: Well on one hand Her incredible passion for the sport For The horse and wanting to show the best again And Again.

00:41:25: That is certainly a winner's gene!

00:41:27: That exists.

00:41:28: She always pushes herself To peak performance and also keeps reinventing herself and explores what she is capable of, with which horse.

00:41:36: And she's always riding to win that is ingrained somewhere... ...and you can always rely on the fact that she doesn't want a second best result but very good results like linchivon.

00:41:48: Hopefully we could get through this without the fall?

00:41:50: No!

00:41:51: Of course not But it will happen That

00:41:53: winner's gene.

00:41:54: But it is also deeply paired with this truly great love for the horse, with this intense passion and with this unwavering dedication.

00:42:02: It's not just about mechanics of sport otherwise you could drive race cars but its simply a profound unique passion that really makes all the difference.

00:42:14: In the end, if you zoom out now and look at the athletic performance.

00:42:16: You are talking about Lindsay Vaughn?

00:42:18: The best female skier of all time.

00:42:20: Isabel worth is actually on that same level with the achievements she has accomplished in dressage over the last few decades in line With a Lindsey Vaughan with a Birgit Fischer... ...the most successful female rower of all Time.

00:42:32: these are the exceptional personalities that a sport needs.

00:42:35: Yes I think that exists in every sport perhaps also let's say the idols who.

00:42:40: We didn't just manage it once or twice, but time and again.

00:42:44: And I mean we are of course also lucky that you can ride for a long time, row for a longer time.

00:42:50: Can the sport offers this?

00:42:52: But also, let's say when we think about the true tennis idols of our time whether it is a legend like Roger Federer or a powerhouse like Rafa Nadal and I mean on clay...I don't know how many times he won Roland Garros.

00:43:05: And those are that they just still go the extra mile?

00:43:08: Or little bit more in try again-and-again.. I can do it again!

00:43:12: And i'll get it

00:43:12: again!!

00:43:13: Or ill'get it a little better no path too long to far.

00:43:16: But with Isabelle, it's also really quite clear.

00:43:19: This love and this great passion for the horse...

00:43:21: Are you interested in other sports?

00:43:24: Yes I am!

00:43:25: So what do you watch?

00:43:26: Well right now the Olympics are obviously kind of exciting

00:43:29: Winter

00:43:30: Games Olympic games in general.

00:43:32: so i actually always like to follow big events Really Big Events.

00:43:36: Then I also watched soccer sometimes And recently handball too.

00:43:40: That was also a great...

00:43:41: Class Vice European Champions?

00:43:42: yes really great class.

00:43:44: So that's something, of course.

00:43:45: That I really enjoy because i naturally also know how these major events work.

00:43:50: what happens there?

00:43:51: What can happen as well As the preparation and focus And concentration The pressure The environment The whole program?

00:44:00: I naturally Know all of it too.

00:44:02: Do you exchange ideas with national coaches from other sports?

00:44:05: Yes we rarely get together.

00:44:07: It only happens at the Olympics When you meet up in a German house.

00:44:11: Otherwise its quite rare.

00:44:13: But it's actually quite funny there too.

00:44:16: Can you learn a thing or two from one another?

00:44:18: So if you're watching the European Handball Championship, can you as a national coach take any inspiration from that?

00:44:24: Yes every now and then There is conversation like That.

00:44:27: It also interesting how they simply solve problems.

00:44:30: These are certainly not necessarily The Problems that are sport specific to the competition Or the discipline.

00:44:37: I have no idea about that just As They Have No Idea About Our Sport.

00:44:42: But when it comes to the psychological side, you can learn a lot or exchange ideas.

00:44:47: After all there is a lot of psychology involved in sports and competitive sports And that's also really highly interesting.

00:44:53: how people function even under pressure.

00:44:56: are certain situations What they need what don't need who do deal with which way so on.

00:45:02: That is very interesting here.

00:45:03: and then In team sport especially come together young people twelve or twenty guys in total.

00:45:11: That's certainly quite a chaotic mess

00:45:13: that has to be managed

00:45:14: exactly, yes

00:45:16: we always have the four classic WeHouse questions here on the podcast.

00:45:18: they are coming up for you now too and question number one is do You Have A Motto That You Live By?

00:45:24: Yes basically yes.

00:45:25: so I am positive.

00:45:27: For me The Glass Is Always Half Full And Never Half Empty Or The Bottle.

00:45:31: However You Want To See It.

00:45:32: If There Is One Person With Regards To Horses Who Has Particularly Influenced You Who Is it?

00:45:37: There are two, they're my parents.

00:45:40: Yes there's really nothing to add to that.

00:45:42: so from picking out hooves for the Olympic medal

00:45:45: The whole journey?

00:45:47: If you could give one piece of advice to riders or horse people on their way in dealing with horses what would it be?

00:45:54: Take your time

00:45:55: And then complete this sentence Horses Are For Me

00:45:57: My life period

00:45:59: Period.

00:46:00: Thank You very much for Your Time.

00:46:02: I Really Enjoyed It and i wish you a lucky hand for Arkan.

00:46:21: Thank you for listening to this episode of the Equestrian Connection podcast by WeHorse.

00:46:27: If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean the world if could leave us a rating and review as well.

00:46:33: share on social media You can find us on Instagram at WeHorse underscore USA and check out our free seven-day trial on wehorse.com, where you access over one hundred seventy five courses with top trainers from around the world in a variety of topics and disciplines.

00:46:51: until next time be kind to yourself your horses and others.