Leonie Böckmann: A Journey of Dedication, Passion, and Family Legacy

At just twenty-four years old, Leonie Böckmann has already made a significant mark on the world of show jumping. From her recent successes at the Sunshine Tour to her unwavering commitment to balancing her riding career with law school, Leonie’s journey is a testament to dedication, passion, and the importance of family support.

HSJ had the privilege of sitting down with Leonie at the Sunshine Tour, where she graciously shared insights into her career, her family’s deep-rooted involvement in the sport, and her aspirations for the future.

Balancing Academics and Riding

For Leonie, the road to success has been paved with challenges and triumphs, both in the arena and in the classroom. Despite the demands of law school, she has managed to excel in both realms, a feat that speaks volumes about her determination and time management skills.

“In February, I couldn’t ride a lot because I had exams,” Leonie explained. “I go to law school. So coming here and being able to step up like that again with them is something I’m very proud of.”

When asked about how she juggles law school with her riding career, Leonie shared her approach to time management. “I try to have all my classes in the beginning of the week to then leave Hamburg and ride,” she said. “I try to catch up from home. It’s always like, ‘Let me organize school around riding.'”

Her ability to strike a balance between academics and equestrian pursuits is a testament to her dedication and determination to excel in both areas of her life.

Family Support and Legacy

One of the most heartwarming aspects of Leonie’s journey is the unwavering support of her family. From her parents to her siblings, the Böckmann family is deeply entrenched in the world of equestrian sports, with a rich legacy that spans generations.

“My dad flew in and came back. He helped me a lot. My mom was here last week when I was third in the Grand Prix,” Leonie shared, highlighting the importance of her family’s presence during competitions.

Leonie also spoke about the role her family plays in her day-to-day life and career. “My dad rides every day. He just loves riding. I don’t think he’ll ever quit. He’ll ride as long as he can walk,” she said. “He stopped showing a few years ago but is still very interested in breeding and also riding young horses, starting from the bottom, teaching young people how to flat work properly, how to really understand your horses.”

Her connection to her family’s legacy extends beyond mere support in the stands. Leonie’s involvement in her family’s horse truck business underscores the deep-rooted ties she has to the sport.

“I work closely with them in developing new features for the trucks,” she explained. ” Currently it’s a period of very exciting change.”

The Böckmann family’s horse truck business is a cornerstone of their involvement in the equestrian world. Founded by her grandparents, the business has grown over the years, providing top-quality transportation solutions for horses across Europe. Leonie’s active role in the business reflects her commitment to preserving her family’s legacy and contributing to its continued success.

Riding to Success

Leonie’s recent successes at the Sunshine Tour serve as a testament to her talent, dedication, and the bond she shares with her equine partners. Riding six horses at the prestigious event, including four homebred youngsters, Leonie showcased her skill and determination in the arena.

Reflecting on her achievements, Leonie expressed pride in her horses’ performances. “Four of those six are actually homebred, which is very special,” she said. “They’ve all done an absolutely incredible job here. I’m so unbelievably proud of them.”

One particularly poignant moment for Leonie was her performance in the Grand Prix, where she rode a horse with sentimental value. “That horse is the son of my dad’s former Grand Prix horse,” she shared. “So it’s like I am his daughter, already the son of his best horse. It was very special.”

The Story of California

Among her horses, one holds a special place in Leonie’s heart – California. Named for the upcoming Olympics and her sire, Celes L’Oe, California represents the intersection of family history and equestrian ambition.

“Her name in the stable and at home is Paris,” Leonie shared. “But then, sinking further, Paris is this year and she’s only seven years old. So the actual Olympics she would be able to compete at, in Los Angeles. So her dad being Celes L’Oe, with the sea, she was named California.”

“California is my soulmate,” Leonie continued. “She’s so sassy and so difficult, but so lovely. I just love everything about her. I’ve known her since she’s four years old, and she’s always been special to me.”

Looking Ahead

As Leonie looks to the future, her aspirations are firmly rooted in her passion for the sport and her desire to continue growing and evolving as a rider. With dreams of competing in big shows and a steadfast commitment to her academic pursuits, Leonie’s journey is far from over.

“I hope that there can be some big shows soon,” she said. “I just try to focus on the riding and the horse and force myself to be more in the moment.”

Her dedication, resilience, and unwavering passion for horses serve as an inspiration to riders of all ages, reminding us that with hard work, determination, and the support of loved ones, anything is possible. Leonie Böckmann is not just a rider, but a shining example of what can be achieved when passion meets perseverance and family stands by your side every step of the way

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