ROAD TO ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL: Christian Kukuk

CHRISTIAN KUKUK (GER) - 4/3/1990

HORSE: JUST BE GENTLE

Christian Kukuk, the reigning Olympic champion, made his debut in style among the riders of the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final 2024. He and Checker 47 were the protagonists of an excellent third place in the Rolex Grand Prix of the CHI in Geneva. And it was precisely this performance that made him realise that he would choose Checker 47 for the Olympic Games.

As a teenager, Christian's dream was to become a professional football player, but life had other plans for him. His parents' passion brought him closer to the highest levels of equestrianism. As a son of horse-riding enthusiasts, from a very young age he started to travel with his father to various competitions. This instilled in him a passion for the equestrian world, particularly show jumping, and his talent for horse riding was immediately clear.

After completing his studies, Christian moved to Riesenbeck and joined the Beerbaum team. One of Christian's strengths is his ability to work with different types of horses. His tireless work ethic has earned him many successes and the respect of his colleagues.

From the 'Goldene Reitabzeichen' title he won in Germany in 2015 to the Olympic gold medal in Paris, it was a short but memorable journey, enriched by many successes such as the silver medal at the European Championships in Riesenbeck in 2021, the Rome Global Champions Tour Grand Prix in 2022 with Mumbai, the resounding success with the Beerbaum stable in Prague in 2022 with the Berlin Eagles and the Rolex GP CSI5* in the Wellington Final in 2024 with Checker 47.

Chat on the sidelines

Christian, you’re entering the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final for the second time. What are your feelings about this competition?

In general, I feel proud to compete in the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final because it means that I had good performances through the year. It is, first of all, not easy to get into the Top 10, but it's also very difficult to stay in the top ten. I'm proud of myself that I made that happen, that it's my second year now in the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final and I'm excited for the class. It's really a special class. It's one of the most prestigious classes we have in the year, so I'm very excited.

What were the highlights of your 2025 season?

Highlights were the Grand Prix win in London, the Grand Prix win in Wellington in March, the bronze medal at the Europeans. Those were basically the three highlights.

What is your programme for the 2026 season? What is your goal?

Well, next season will mark a kind of a milestone in my career. There will be some important changes in my life. I will start my own business next year. I will go to America, to Wellington from January to April and then I will come back to Europe next year. So, my goal is first of all to set up my business as soon as possible.

In Wellington?

My headquarters will still be in Germany, but as it has happened this year, I will compete in the circuit in Wellington and I really want to set up everything correctly. That's my goal. It's very exciting. Of course my goal is to stay in the Top 10 again and maybe be part of the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final again next year. Also, the World Championship in Aachen is one of my main goals for the 2026 season….

Which horse will you ride in the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final 2025?

I honestly have not decided yet. I have four horses who would be able to jump the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final and some more shows… I haven’t decided my horse yet.

@IJRC