Exclusive Interview with Otto Becker: A Journey from Show Jumping Star to Chef d’Équipe

(c) Mackenzie Clark

In the world of show jumping, few names carry the weight and prestige of Otto Becker. A former rider of international renown and, for the past 16 years, the Chef d’Équipe for the German national team, Becker has shaped not only his own career but also the future of equestrian sport in Germany. We caught up with him during the recent competition in Barcelona to reflect on his journey from the show ring to leading one of the most successful teams in the world.

Becker’s breakthrough came in 1990 at the World Championships in Stockholm, where he rode the exceptional mare, Pamina. This was a pivotal moment in his career, marking his arrival on the world stage as he secured a silver medal with the German team and placed fifth individually. Reflecting on that moment, Becker recalls, “It was just my third show at that level with her . Pamina was an amazing horse, and winning a team silver medal was a milestone for me.”

However, Pamina’s story continued after Becker’s success. In 1992, she was sold to Italian rider Valerio Sozzi, who rode her in the Barcelona Olympics, achieving remarkable results in numerous Grand Prix events and Nations Cups while representing Italy. “It was unlucky for me to lose her just before the Barcelona Olympics,” Becker admits, “but she continued to excel under Valerio, which was great to see.”

Learning from a Master

Becker’s career took a major turn in 1989 when he moved to the stable of German show jumping legend Paul Schockemöhle. It was here that Becker refined his skills and immersed himself in an environment of top-level competition. “I came from South Germany and had ridden in some Nations Cups, but this was a completely different world,” Becker recalls. “Paul was still riding when I arrived, and riders like Franke Sloothaak and Dirk Hafemeister were also there. The quality was unmatched, and I learned so much from how they worked and rode.”

It was during his time at Schockemöhle’s stable that Becker became familiar with the dedication and focus required at the highest level. “I rode quite naturally before, but working with these top riders taught me the importance of precision and consistency.”

Cento: The Horse of a Lifetime

Becker is quick to acknowledge that while Pamina was a significant horse early in his career, Dobel’s Cento, a stallion he rode for over a decade, became the horse of a lifetime. “After Pamina, Cento was the horse of my life, no question,” he says. Cento carried Becker to major victories, including a gold medal in the team competition at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, as well as a bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Initially, Germany had won team gold in Athens, but due to a doping case involving one of the team’s horses, the gold medal was revoked, and Germany was awarded the bronze. Despite this setback, Cento continued to shine, helping Becker claim victory in prestigious events like the Grand Prix of Aachen, the Calgary Grand Prix, and the World Cup Final in Leipzig.

“Cento had all the qualities you could wish for in a horse—he was clever, careful, and a fighter in the ring,” Becker explains. “He always knew when it was important and gave everything he had. I was lucky to ride him for 11 years at the top level.”

Becker’s partnership with Cento came to an emotional end in 2006, when they officially retired the horse during the World Championships in Aachen. “It was a very special moment,” Becker reflects, “with 40,000 people watching. Saying farewell to him in such a way was unforgettable.”

Patience and the Evolving Sport

Throughout his career, Becker has emphasized the importance of patience, especially when working with young horses. “It’s all about building them up step by step,” he says. “You have to believe in the horse, take your time, and trust your feeling. Sometimes, it means losing a year to get it right, but it’s worth it in the long run.”

The sport itself has changed significantly since Becker’s early years. “The courses today are more technical, and the horses are lighter, with more blood,” he notes. “The breeding has changed, and you need a different style of riding. This suits me because I’ve always preferred that type of horse.”

Transition to Team Leader

After the 2008 Olympics, Becker transitioned from being a rider to Chef d’Équipe for the German national show jumping team. His leadership began during a challenging period. Following the Athens doping case, Germany faced further difficulties even after the 2008 Olympics in Hong Kong, which led to 1.5 years of intense media scrutiny and pressure on the team. “It was a very difficult time,” Becker admits. “For about a year and a half, there was constant pressure from the press, and every show brought a new story. It wasn’t until we won the World Championships in Kentucky in 2010 that things started to settle down.”

As Chef d’Équipe, Becker sees himself more as a manager than a trainer for Germany’s top riders. “We have so many top riders in Germany who know what they need to do. My job is to give advice when needed, manage the team, and make sure everyone is on the same page,” he explains. “I’ve been in their shoes, so I understand the challenges they face—whether it’s dealing with sponsors, owners, or planning the right competitions.”

Supporting Young Riders

Becker is also deeply involved in nurturing young talent in Germany. “We have a very good system in place, from local competitions to national clinics, where we can identify and support promising riders,” he says. One of his key contributions has been the establishment of a series for riders under 25, which helps bridge the gap between junior riders and senior-level competition. “It’s a tough transition, but we’ve created a pathway where they can compete in qualifiers, and the final is held in Aachen, which motivates them to work hard,” he says.

Germany’s current pool of riders, both experienced veterans and emerging stars, gives Becker confidence for the future. “We’re fortunate to have a strong mix of top riders like Marcus Ehning, Daniel Deusser, and Christian Ahlmann, but also younger talents like Christian Kukuk, Richard Vogel, and Jana Wargers,” Becker says. “This bodes well for the future.”

The Road Ahead

As Becker reflects on his 16 years as Chef d’Équipe, he emphasizes that success in the sport is about more than just victories. “Winning is important, of course, but it’s not everything. We want to show fair sport and be good horsemen,” he says. “This has become even more important to me as I’ve gone along.”

Looking to the future, Becker is considering whether to continue in his role. “We’re currently discussing with the federation whether I’ll keep going or finish. There’s still a lot to achieve—World Championships in Aachen in two years and the Olympics in the USA in four years—but we’ll see,” he says.

In the meantime, Becker continues to pursue his other passion—winemaking. “I’ve always loved winemaking, and now I’ve been able to turn that hobby into something more,” he says with a smile. “But regardless of what comes next, I’ll always love working with horses and being part of this incredible sport.”

For now, the equestrian world can only hope that Becker’s tenure continues, as his experience, leadership, and passion for the sport have been instrumental in shaping the future of German show jumping.

Valentina Sozzi Senn

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