CHIO Aachen: Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum

22 June 2013

Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum is the Aachen crowd’s favourite.  In an interview, the show-jumper spoke about her victories, her family and her rather disastrous debut ride in Aachen.

Question: You rode for the team the last time in 2009 – what does being part of the team again mean to you?

Michaels-Beerbaum: I am delighted that I am able to compete in the Mercedes-Benz Prize on Thursday evening this year.  No other competition boasts such a fantastic crowd or such an amazing atmosphere.  That is an incredible stimulus.  And my horse Bella Donna is in top shape – it is going to be gripping!”

Question: The first time you rode for the USA in Aachen was at the beginning of the 90s. How did it go?

Michaels-Beerbaum: I can remember it quite clearly.  I walked into the stadium, sat down on the “Holy Grass” and was absolutely overwhelmed.  I still recall that I was totally impressed – and the same is true today incidentally.  I wasn’t particularly successful in the subsequent Nations’ Cup by the way – I seem to remember that the poles flew everywhere.  Still I did manage to reach the finish line (laughs).  I swore to myself back then that I would return to Aachen – and put in a much better performance.

Question: You will be competing on Bella Donna in Aachen. What is here current form?

Michaels-Beerbaum: I have got a very good feeling about Bella Donna, she is in top shape. We already came third last year in the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen.  I am extremely proud of her.  So, let’s wait and see what this year’s CHIO Aachen brings…

Question: You won the Rolex Grand Prix in Aachen in 2005. What did that feel like?

Michaels-Beerbaum: That was a huge dream come true for me. There were four of us in the jump-off.  The final ride decided the competition.  The runner-up was literally just a fraction of second slower than I was.  Seeing one’s own name of the winner’s board is a fantastic feeling and I asked myself: Is this true or it is just a lovely dream?

Question: The crowd in Aachen have opened up their hearts to you.  Does that help you while competing?

Michaels-Beerbaum: That motivates me incredibly and I am so proud that the crowd in Aachen supports me so strongly.  That gives me strength, motivates me even more, and helps me to concentrate even better when I ride.

Question: In 2011, you and the crowd said a very emotional good-bye to your top horse, Shutterfly.  How is he?

Michaels-Beerbaum: Shutterfly is fantastic! He is very happy at the moment, because he has fallen head over heels with a four-year-old mare.  He is still extremely popular.  After we set up a fan page on Facebook for Shutterfly, the page got 11,000 likes within just two days.

Question: Your successful horses Shutterfly, Quick Star and Checkmate are the patrons of the new Mercedes-Benz “CHIO Aachen exclusive” special edition models, which are on sale at the subsidiary in Aachen.  That must be something very special for you?

Michaels-Beerbaum: This idea is unbelievable! I have heard that several cars from this series have already been sold. I am very proud that the names of my horses are being used for these elegant vehicles.

Question: You have been very successful in the equestrian sport for many years.  Is there a secret to your success?

Michaels-Beerbaum: Luck was always on my side, because I always got good, young horses to ride, with whom I was able to establish a good relationship from the very start.  After all the most important thing is to win the horses‘ trust.  It is the same as in a partnership – trust is the be all and end all of a well-coordinated team.

Question: Your family offers you great support, I’m sure…

Michaels-Beerbaum: Of course!  My daughter Brianne Victoria is the joy of my life and my absolute lucky-charm at competitions.  My daughter and my husband try to accompany me to as many shows as possible.  That always a fantastic feeling for me.

www.michaels-beerbaum.de

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Source: CHIO Aachen