Katrin Eckermann shares her emotional journey in the seventh episode of “Rising Above”

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18/09/2024

“Can you imagine the pain of a horse being taken away from you?”
— Katrin Eckermann

In the latest powerful installment of the series Rising Above, presented by Longines, the seventh episode, titled Growing Together, delves into the deeply personal and emotional story of German show jumper Katrin Eckermann. This episode sheds light on her resilience, her unique connection with horses, and the challenges she faced on her path to success.

With tears in her eyes, Eckermann opens up about one of the most painful moments in her career. “Can you imagine the pain of having a horse you are deeply connected to being taken away from you?” she asks, her voice heavy with emotion. For the first time, she shares the full extent of her recovery from this heartbreaking experience, taking viewers on a journey through both triumph and loss.

Eckermann’s bond with horses began at an early age, and it is a relationship that has defined her life. “Before I could even walk, I sat on a horse,” she recalls. “Even if I wasn’t with the horse, I tried to imitate them, showing off in the garden.” This connection, built over years, would eventually shape not only her career but also her identity.

A key figure in her equestrian life has always been her father, who introduced her to horses. “I looked up to my dad. We always had this connection to the horses,” she says. Growing up alongside horses, Eckermann speaks about the unique joy of spending time with them, whether in the stable or the field. The episode highlights her belief in the special bond that riders share with their horses, one that transcends the sport itself and becomes something almost familial. “Horses are a family for me. It’s something special. You can’t buy it. You just feel it from inside.”

However, Eckermann’s journey has not been without its trials. In 2014, a pivotal year in her career, she experienced both a great triumph and a profound heartbreak. After winning the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix in Hamburg with her cherished horse, Firth of Lorne, she soon faced a devastating blow. Just two months later, at another competition, she suffered two consecutive falls at the same open water jump with Firth of Lorne. “I shouldn’t have continued after the first fall, but the pressure was intense,” Eckermann admits.

This decision would lead to one of her most crushing moments—the owners of Firth of Lorne decided to take the horse away from her and assign it to another rider. “My shoulder was injured, but losing Firth of Lorne was even more painful. My heart was broken,” she reflects, unable to hold back her emotions. The loss of her beloved horse was a deeply personal wound, one that took time to heal.

Growing Together captures Eckermann’s path to recovery and renewal. Despite the immense emotional toll, she learned to channel her energy into rebuilding her career and focusing on training her own horses. “At one point, I think you have to go through such experiences to become the strong woman I am today,” she says, her strength and determination evident. “I learned from this experience to focus more on riding my own horses.”

This episode of Rising Above not only reveals the unbreakable bond between rider and horse but also serves as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience. Eckermann’s story is a powerful reminder that true strength often comes from overcoming the hardest of losses.

The Rising Above series, free and presented by Longines, continues to offer a unique glimpse into the lives of top equestrian athletes, highlighting both their personal and professional struggles. To witness Katrin Eckermann’s emotional journey, watch the full episode on the Longines Global Champions Tour channels.