Marco Kutscher speaks to HSJ a year on from his Riesenbeck exit.

HSJ’s series of interviews begins with one of the in-form riders of the moment in the form of Ludger Beerbaum’s pupil Marco Kutscher.
For the rider, it has been a very positive season which culminated in victory at the Longines Los Angeles Masters in October with Van Gogh (Numero Uno) and HSJ was keen to hear what Kutscher had to say and find out what he has in store.
HSJ: A year ago, you left Riesenbeck to form Stal Kutscher-Bitter. How has the first season gone with the new team?
“It’s all gone really well, in fact, better than we expected. Eva (Bitter) and I started our activity together after several years living apart. It was more than anything a personal decision. I have also been blessed by a good dose of fortune because I have been able to bring with me lots of horses that I had at Riesenbeck. Almost all of them are still with me… The place of work has changed, but a lot of things have remained the same with respects to Riesenbeck.“
HSJ: Riesenbeck has since undergone lots of changes. What role can it play for international equestrianism in the future?
“For several years, the Riesenbeck team have worked under the guidance of Ludger Beerbaum following a lot of the aspects that concern equestrian activities: from training to the taming of the young horses, rider training, business, breeding and other related activities. With the expansion, the structure has basically been improved along with the present activities that can host lots of events during the course of the year, from amateur to international competitions.“
HSJ: Let’s focus now on a person considered to be one of the most complete figures in the equestrian world: Ludger Beerbaum. What did you learn working with him?
“To be as fast as possible from the starting line to the finish line without making errors!“
HSJ: Definitely! As for your horses,  Balermo, Chaccorina and above all Van Gogh (Numero Uno), have stood out amongst others. What are your plans with them?
“The main objective is to take these horses to the top level or to help them reach the best of their potential.“
HSJ: Cornet Obolensky played a major role in your career and is now one of the most appreciated in the horse breeding sector and its offspring include Cornado NRW, Cornet d’Amour and Comme Il Faut. Which one resembles Cornet Obolensky the most?
“Cornado NRW“
HSJ: What is the next trophy you have your sights set on?
“Personally, I am already very satisfied, I try to work every day to improve and obtain as much success as possible.“
We thank Marco Kutscher for taking time out of his busy schedule to speak to us. Kutscher is currently ranked 17th in the FEI rankings and is currently competing at the prestigious CSI5* Stuttgart German Masters.
© Marzia Cucchetti