Behind the Camera – “Growing Together” with Katrin Eckermann

In Rising Above: Episode 7 “Growing Together” presented by Longines, we hear the emotional story of top German rider Katrin Eckermann. Eckermann opens up about when she lost her star horse Firth of Lorne and how she overcame that to return stronger and more determined than ever. We sat down with the German rider to talk more about her journey and what drives her in the sport.

To succeed in the highest levels of the sport, one must have a strong love of the sport at even the most fundamental level. Katrin Eckermann explained to us that her love of the horses is the foundation of her passion for show jumping, saying, “I always enjoy time with the horses. It’s not only about riding for me. It’s for example to bring them out to the field by myself and to have a few minutes for them there.” She went on to tell us that she enjoys bringing up a horse from the beginning and really building the connection between horse and rider. “For me it’s always a great feeling to grow with the horses. I really enjoy the time with the horses to get to the next level. It's why I am doing it.” 

“I have a really good connection with the horse,” says Eckermann. “And just to take the horse away was really hard for me,” recounting the pain of losing Firth of Lorne when he was taken away by the owner after a fall in competition. However, Eckermann refused to let the heartbreak of losing her star horse hold her back from the sport she loves so much. “In the end, it was a good experience for me. For sure it was not nice, and I would not wish it on anyone, but it made me a lot stronger and I learned a lot from it.”

Despite losing her star horse and trusted partner, Eckermann returned to the sport more determined and with the same unwavering love of horses that was always the core of her passion for the sport. With new mounts, Eckermann has risen to the top of the sport, claiming victory after victory. When talking to us, Eckermann mentioned her niece and how “when she sees a horse her eyes light up.” That same wonder and love of horses was evident in Eckermann who positively beamed when talking about her beloved horses Cala Mandia and Chao Lee. “I think there is a big connection over so many years and this makes me really proud to get there with a horse. For example, Cala Mandia and Chao Lee. Chao Lee I have had since she was five years old and It makes me really proud to say that now she is a Grand Prix horse.” 

Through it all, Eckermann has never lost her love of the sport and uniquely strong connection to her horses, as we learned in “Growing Together”, now available to stream on all of LGCT’s social channels. 

Next week, we sit down with Belgian rider Niels Bruynseels to learn about his journey to the top of the sport despite a fear of horses in the final episode of the series, Rising Above: Episode 8 “Overcoming Fears.” This eight-episode series has proved a must-watch for equestrian enthusiasts and sports fans alike, offering an intimate look at the lives and careers of the top show jumpers in the world.

Rising Above: Episode 8 “Overcoming Fears” presented by Longines premieres September 24^th at 8pm CET.