Reigning Champion: "I've had incredible luck in my life"

Reigning world champion Henrik von Eckermann expressed gratitude for a career filled with fortunate opportunities, acknowledging the crucial support from horse owners and others who believed in him. "When I see this list, I am struck by the incredible luck I have had in my life to have had the opportunity to ride so many fine horses," he stated. "I am reminded that I am in debt of gratitude to all the horse owners who have believed in me, and other people who have supported me in various ways. Because you never do this alone."

The World Championships in Aachen are set to begin, with the horses arriving and passing veterinary inspections. The extreme heat that affected Germany has subsided, with temperatures expected to reach a maximum of 22 degrees Celsius during the competition, accompanied by rain that the course footing can handle. This cooler weather is a welcome change for the equine athletes.

Von Eckermann, 45, recalled his first championship, the 2009 European Championships in Windsor with Montender, a horse he rode while working for German rider Ludger Beerbaum. He later rode Coupe de Coeur in the 2011 European Championships in Madrid, narrowly missing gold. His Olympic debut in London 2012 was with Allerdings after Coupe de Coeur was deemed unfit.

His career continued with horses like Gotha, with whom he won his first major Grand Prix competitions, and Yajamila, his 2016 Olympic mount, known for her incredible will and mentality. After the Rio Olympics, von Eckermann established his own training business, allowing him to manage his career and horses more independently. He noted the significant role of Mary Lou, with whom he won team silver medals at the World and European Championships, during this formative period of his independent career.

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When I see this list, I am struck by the incredible luck I have had in my life to have had the opportunity to ride so many fine horses. I am reminded that I am in debt of gratitude to all the horse owners who have believed in me, and other people who have supported me in various ways. Because you never do this alone.