ROAD TO ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL: Richard Vogel

RICHARD VOGEL (GER) - 24/03/1977 -

The young German rider who has quickly climbed the world rankings in the past three years is making his debut in the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final in the arena that twelve months ago applauded his breathtaking win in the Rolex Grand Prix of Geneva. Vogel confirmed his place in the showjumping Olympus with a stunning performance on United Touch S, the horse that propelled him into the upper echelons of the sport.

Ever since he was a child, horses have been in his mind and heart. He was fortunate to be born into a family that allowed him to cultivate this passion. His family lived in southern Germany, about an hour from Stuttgart. His paternal grandfather had a farm where Richard, under the guidance of his mother, could realise his childhood dream of riding. He decided early on that his future lay in the equestrian world. Vogel left school at the age of 17 and took up his first job with the Herbert family, who specialise in the training of young horses. The two and a half years he spent at Ludger Beerbaum's stables in Riesenbeck were, as he himself admits, a turning point in his professional training, and attending the Young Riders Academy was also very important.

Since December 2023 Vogel is a member of the Board of the International Jumping Riders Club.

Which horse will you ride in the top ten and why?

«I will ride United Touch because he’s my best horse and I’d like to have the best chance in such an important class. We look for a good result and I hope United and I will be in good shape in order to set a good round».

What is the moment from last season that you carry in your heart and why?

«One very special moment in last season was Geneva 2023 when I won the Rolex Grand Prix. It was something very special and unforgettable. It was one of my first times in one of ‘the major’ and whoever saw he jump off can understand why it was so special for us. Even if we try another ten more times I guess it’s almost impossible to ride again a jump off like that one. We are very proud and happy for that win».

What plans do you have for 2025?

«There are a few different important aspects for us to look at when we’re talking about the future. We have many upcoming horses, young talents but they need to gain experience and they need time to learn. So it’s important for us to spend enough time with them and it doesn’t get easier as we are busy with big shows. Of course, with my older and more experienced horses there are great shows like the World Cup Final in Basel that is coming up pretty early in the season. Prior to that we will be located in Wellington with some horses for the winter circuit. To score good results there is another goal. Later in the year there will be some Nations’ Cup we would like to attend and, hopefully, be on the podium in some of them. And then the European Championships which is a natural goal for sure. But that’s far away and we hope our horses feel good until then, especially United which we hope we can have in best shape for the Championships».

What does it mean for you to ride in the Rolex IJRC Top Ten competition?

«It is something very special. It is the 23rd time they put on this class...I think it is very cool, unique and prestigious class. It brings together the best ten ranked rider in the world so what more excitement can you imagine to have… I watched it so many times and I could have never dreamt to enter this class. So now that is real it’s very cool... Almost unreal. But having said so, now that we are here, we don’t want just to be in the starting list. I hope we can also do well and be competitive. It’s very special and we would try to be able to keep up with the others».