Built Different: Inside the Culture Driving Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym

The GCL Championship has never been won on paper.

Every team arrives with its own philosophy, its own structure and its own route to success. Some are built around established partnerships, others through carefully selected transfers and tactical squad rotations.

As the 2026 season enters its decisive second half, it is Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym who lead the way on 171 championship points. But with Basel Cosmopolitans powered by Les Trois Rois close behind on 156 and Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team just five points further back on 151, the title race remains wide open.

After lifting the GCL Championship trophy in 2024 before enduring a more challenging 2025 campaign, Riesenbeck have returned to the summit by staying true to the philosophy that has defined the team from the very beginning. Three consecutive stage victories earlier this season demonstrated the strength of that approach - but as team owner Ludger Beerbaum explains, success has never been built around results alone.

Finishing fourth in the 2025 championship wasn't the result Riesenbeck International had become accustomed to. Rather than chasing quick fixes, the team did what it has always done—reflect, adapt and continue building.

"We always reflect," says Beerbaum. "How can we improve? This sport is learning by doing."

That philosophy extends beyond results. Developing new horses and nurturing the next generation has become a cornerstone of the Riesenbeck International model.

One Team, One Goal

For Beerbaum, winning starts long before the first fence.

"You are only as good as your people," he says. "Without good, motivated people, nothing works."

Although he is often the face of the organisation, Beerbaum is quick to shift the spotlight elsewhere.

"It's always me in the front picture, but the full truth is there's a big group of motivated young people behind it all. They push me a little bit at the same time."

That collective mentality has become one of Riesenbeck International's defining strengths. Unlike many GCL teams, the riders aren't simply teammates at competitions - they are part of the same daily environment, training, working and developing together.

"Our team is a little different," explains Philipp Weishaupt. "We're all under one roof, more or less. We all have the same interests and the same goal - to make Team Riesenbeck number one. Nobody is looking after their own interests."

It creates a culture built on trust, where every member is working towards the same objective.

"You always need one strong leader," Weishaupt adds. "Having someone like Ludger means a lot. Everybody follows because of the knowledge and experience he brings."

Building for Tomorrow

Finishing fourth in the 2025 championship wasn't the result Riesenbeck International had become accustomed to.

Rather than chasing quick fixes, the team did what it has always done—reflect, adapt and continue building.

"We always reflect," says Beerbaum. "How can we improve? This sport is learning by doing."

That philosophy extends beyond championship standings. Developing new horses and nurturing emerging talent has long been central to the Riesenbeck model, ensuring the team is always evolving rather than standing still.

The addition of Philipp Schulze Topphoff during this season's mid-season transfer window is the latest example, strengthening an already formidable squad while continuing to invest in the future.

"We have to make sure we develop new horses every year," Beerbaum says.

For Weishaupt, the progress made throughout the season has been clear to see.

"The horses have really come along over the last couple of months," he says. "If we all stay fit, I think we have a very good chance this year."

The Next Generation

For Irish rider Ciaran Nallon, becoming part of Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym has been the realisation of an ambition that began long before he ever wore the team colours.

Having joined Beerbaum Stables two years ago, he remembers watching the team compete and imagining what it would be like to one day be part of it himself.

"I remember watching Christian and Max riding for the team and thinking, if I could do that in three or four years' time, that would be really cool," Nallon recalls. "Twelve months later, we're back doing it. It's a bit of a pinch-me moment."

Working alongside Olympic champions and some of the sport's most experienced riders has accelerated his development, but it is the mentality that has left the biggest impression.

"It all boils down to hard work in the end," he says. "It's Ludger's mentality. Everybody in the stables has that mindset that if you give an extra inch, somehow you're going to come out the other side better."

For Nallon, the team's greatest strength isn't simply the calibre of its riders - it's the environment they have created together.

Eyes on the Championship

With six stages remaining, Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym hold the advantage in one of the closest GCL title races in recent years. Basel Cosmopolitans powered by Les Trois Rois and Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team remain firmly within striking distance, ensuring every point will matter as the championship reaches its conclusion.

Inside the Riesenbeck camp, however, the focus has never been on looking too far ahead.

"It would be fantastic, of course," says Beerbaum of winning another championship. "Especially here at home. But even if we don't win, we'll survive."

It's a response that perfectly captures the philosophy behind the team.

After experiencing both the highs of becoming 2024 GCL Champions and the disappointment of falling short in 2025, Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym haven't reinvented themselves. Instead, they have trusted the culture that has defined them for years.

Whether that philosophy delivers another championship remains to be seen. But one thing is already clear: in a title race where every team has its own path to success, Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym have shown that shared purpose, continuous development and a commitment to one another can be just as powerful as any winning formula.