Equestrianism is a sport requiring a multitude of skills. Mastering them all can make you a great rider, like Ludger Beerbaum, who showed exceptional promise from a young age while taking his first steps with donkeys. Recommended by a trainer, he decided to start horse riding at just 10 years old.
By 18, he secured his first victory at the German Junior Championships. This marked the beginning of Ludger Beerbaum's brilliant career—the prelude to a future star. In 1988, he competed in his first Olympic Games (out of four to date), making an immediate impact by winning team Gold aboard The Freak.
From Seoul '88 onwards, Ludger's trophy haul began: World Cup Champion, World Team Champion, Individual Gold at Barcelona '92 with Classic Touch, and a lengthy list of titles that would fill countless pages.
At the Sydney 2000 Olympics, he claimed his fourth Gold medal across four separate Games—a feat matched by very few athletes in any sport. And he wasn’t done yet, arriving at Athens 2004 determined to break more records.
Currently ranked FEI World No.1, anything less would be unthinkable for a champion like Ludger, for whom second place leaves a bittersweet taste.
His Career
- 1981. 1st participation in the German Junior Championships (Wetteifernde)
- 1982. Competes in the same championship.
- 1984. Team participation in the European Junior Championships (Wetteifernde), finishing 3rd individually and with the team.
- 1988. Team Gold at the Seoul Olympics with The Freak.
- 1990. World Team Champion with Gazelle.
- 1992. Individual Gold at the Barcelona Olympics with Classic Touch.
- 1993. World Cup Champion with Ratina Z.
- 1994. World Team Champion with Ratina Z.
- 1996. Team Gold at the Atlanta Olympics with Ratina Z.
- 1997. European Team Champion with Ratina Z.
- 1998. World Team Champion with Priamos.
- 1999. European Team Champion with Champion du Lys.
- 2000. Team Gold at the Sydney Olympics with Goldfever.
- 2001. European Individual Champion and 3rd with the team.
- Sets a record by becoming German Champion for the 7th time and is named Rider of the Year.
- 2002. 1st in the Zurich Grand Prix with Goldfever
- 1st in the Bremen Grand Prix with Figaro's Boy
- 1st in the FEI World Cup with Goldfever
- 1st at CHIO Aachen
With these results, who could deny he’s a horse riding champion?
