A serious athlete since she was eight years old, Charlotte Sophia Hachmeister (GER) was a Pentathlon competitor until she was 16. This sport combines 60m hurdles, high jump, shot put, long jump and an 800m race. Her first experience with horses began around the same time and she was training to be an Equestrian vaulter. She transitioned to Eventing a little later than most at the age of 16. However, her athleticism, competitive spirit and dedication contributed to a break out success in the sport. In just five years, she danced, galloped and jumped her way to the top of the podium winning gold at the 2014 Eventing European Young Rider Championships. A true champion and well-rounded athlete, she is one of the world’s Top 30 Under 30.

Charlotte high jumping when she was as a Pentathalon competitor.

Germany’s golden girl
Charlotte was not chosen for the German team for this year’s Eventing European Young Rider Championships. Rather, she competed as an individual. (The Irish are not regretting that decision.) She was second after dressage; first after cross-country; and despite two rails, she won the gold medal.

“It took me a while to digest that I had won the gold medal. I had received the congratulations but it did not seem real to me. Then a little voice echoed through my head that said, ‘Charlotte you just won the gold medal’. Then I could not wipe the grin off my face. I’m still feeling so proud of my horse,” said Charlotte.

Charlotte was not raised in a family with horses. Her parents have been supportive and are currently renting part of a stable 20 km from her home where she keeps her team, consisting of:

• Kassio 10: 2* – Gold medal winning partner at 2014 European Young Rider Championships (10 years old)
• Cara Feliz: 2* – Huge potential but is off with an injury right now so she will have a foal next year (10 years old)
• Sunny Row W: 1* – Bundeschampion (National young event horse champion) of Germany in 2012 with Jens Hoffrogge. He has the potential to excel in any discipline (8 years old).

Charlotte jumping Kassio

Father knows best
Her Dad is the one that takes her to most of the competitions and her lessons. He bought her Kassio as a five-year old from Andreas Dibowski. Developing him from such a young age, she worked with dressage trainers Gerd Schmitz and Martina Bold and for show jumping with John McCormack and Gerd Demme.

She credits her Dad for having the sense to know what type of horse she needed, because at the time she did not want Kassio. Her opinion has since changed about her beloved best friend. Charlotte says,

“Kassio is always in a good mood. He loves to cuddle and gives his best at every competition. He has the ability to think for himself, which was helpful on the cross-country at Young Riders with that severe thunderstorm. He has never miscalculated a fence. He has always been a quick learner in all three phases. It is fair to say that he is one of a kind and I am so happy for having him! I think if he were human, he would be my best friend. He makes me laugh when I am down and he looks out for me. Life is fun with him.”

Don’t let the good looks fool you, Charlotte is a dedicated athlete.

What’s next
She is currently a student of agriculture in Bonn. She has Kassio and Sunny with her at school and when not studying she is riding. With her busy life she doesn’t even have time for dating (sorry boys). She does not want to be a professional rider and is planning employment in the agricultural field. She is not giving up riding and has big plans for the future. “I plan to compete at the Advanced level and get some experience. I would like to compete at a three-star next year and it might be Wiesbaden in Germany. I want to compete at Boekelo and Luhmühlen in the coming years. My goal is to represent Germany at the Olympics some day.” Considering she only started Eventing at 16 and in five short years was the European Young Rider Champion …we can’t wait to see her fast track to that Olympic podium in Charlotte fashion.

All photos courtesy of Charlotte Sophia Hachmeister

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