DressageHub | Trained By Jessica Von Bredow Werdnl - Rising Star Rapheal Netz & Lacoste - Grand Prix Freestyle @DressageHub | Uploaded September 2021 | Updated October 2024, 8 hours ago.
Raphael Netz, 22, has trained under Jessica for five years and stood atop the podium himself earlier this month when he and partner Elastico took Team and Grand Prix gold at the FEI Dressage European U25 Championships in Hagen.
The Grand Prix silver medal went to Semmieke Rothenberger, the latest in that family’s dynasty of Dressage stars. However, like his mentor Jessica, Raphael was not born into an equestrian lifestyle.
It seems that whatever their background, German talents find their way to the top!
“Indeed, I am the first generation in our family that loves to work with horses,” Raphael says. “My parents tell me that when I was a toddler I was already yelling to get to the horses when we were walking past the fields with me in the buggy.
“I don't remember that time but I think I annoyed my parents long enough that by the end of my fourth year my parents made it possible for me to ride a lunged pony twice a week.”
Raphael was lunged by a coach for more than a year as he perfected his position on a horse. His parents told him that if he still loved practising after a year then he would be allowed to continue and get more serious. Young Raphael and his family were very much welcomed into the equestrian community.
“In Germany, there is at least one small stable in almost every village. Especially around Wiesbaden, where I grew up,” he says.
“We found my first trainer, Karin Miles, who trained me in my very first year through a tip from another mother in my sister's toddler group. The German equestrian community is really big, and everyone who shows interest and love to horses is welcome.”
While names such as Rothenberger and Klimke have been handed down the generations, as well as Pessoa and Whitaker in other countries, the Netz family were able to map their own course thanks to young Raphael’s eagerness and his parents’ support.
They bought his first pony, a three-year-old Haflinger called Aki, straight from the field. While Raphael had no real clue what to do, his hard work and determination helped him and Aki to their first ribbons within four years!
He adds: “My family’s lack of experience in equestrian never held me back and despite the fact that no one has an equestrian background they always supported me and made a lot of the impossible possible, especially in my first years.
“My path is a different one compared to others and I am extremely grateful for all the support that I received in the family.
“But really it is that because we had no idea what we were doing and how to go about this I was compelled to find a way on my own, which eventually I did.
“If I wanted to achieve something I had to work very hard for it.”
Rapahel’s mother comes to all his shows, while his younger sister rides and his older brother is also involved in the equestrian business world.
“It’s just my Dad that didn't get on a horse,” he says. “Dad took a lesson once when I was about nine, but he always says it "didn't click". But, of course, he and all others in my family support me in everything I do.”
What would Raphael’s advice be for others?
“My advice would be: if you really love what you do and you have deep empathy for horses then try it and give it your best even if the path doesn't lead to competition riding,” he says.
“While it is fair to say that my way was different than that of many others, I can honestly say from the depth of my heart that I am very grateful and would not wish for it to have been different.”
Jessica’s influence
While Raphael’s family has guided him from the start, the guidance of double Olympic champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and her brother, Benjamin, since he was 17 years old has taken him to the next level.
“What influence has Jessica had on my career? It’s hard to answer this question in only a few words,” he says.
She discovered me and brought me into the professional equestrian world. Without her, I wouldn't be here.
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Raphael Netz, 22, has trained under Jessica for five years and stood atop the podium himself earlier this month when he and partner Elastico took Team and Grand Prix gold at the FEI Dressage European U25 Championships in Hagen.
The Grand Prix silver medal went to Semmieke Rothenberger, the latest in that family’s dynasty of Dressage stars. However, like his mentor Jessica, Raphael was not born into an equestrian lifestyle.
It seems that whatever their background, German talents find their way to the top!
“Indeed, I am the first generation in our family that loves to work with horses,” Raphael says. “My parents tell me that when I was a toddler I was already yelling to get to the horses when we were walking past the fields with me in the buggy.
“I don't remember that time but I think I annoyed my parents long enough that by the end of my fourth year my parents made it possible for me to ride a lunged pony twice a week.”
Raphael was lunged by a coach for more than a year as he perfected his position on a horse. His parents told him that if he still loved practising after a year then he would be allowed to continue and get more serious. Young Raphael and his family were very much welcomed into the equestrian community.
“In Germany, there is at least one small stable in almost every village. Especially around Wiesbaden, where I grew up,” he says.
“We found my first trainer, Karin Miles, who trained me in my very first year through a tip from another mother in my sister's toddler group. The German equestrian community is really big, and everyone who shows interest and love to horses is welcome.”
While names such as Rothenberger and Klimke have been handed down the generations, as well as Pessoa and Whitaker in other countries, the Netz family were able to map their own course thanks to young Raphael’s eagerness and his parents’ support.
They bought his first pony, a three-year-old Haflinger called Aki, straight from the field. While Raphael had no real clue what to do, his hard work and determination helped him and Aki to their first ribbons within four years!
He adds: “My family’s lack of experience in equestrian never held me back and despite the fact that no one has an equestrian background they always supported me and made a lot of the impossible possible, especially in my first years.
“My path is a different one compared to others and I am extremely grateful for all the support that I received in the family.
“But really it is that because we had no idea what we were doing and how to go about this I was compelled to find a way on my own, which eventually I did.
“If I wanted to achieve something I had to work very hard for it.”
Rapahel’s mother comes to all his shows, while his younger sister rides and his older brother is also involved in the equestrian business world.
“It’s just my Dad that didn't get on a horse,” he says. “Dad took a lesson once when I was about nine, but he always says it "didn't click". But, of course, he and all others in my family support me in everything I do.”
What would Raphael’s advice be for others?
“My advice would be: if you really love what you do and you have deep empathy for horses then try it and give it your best even if the path doesn't lead to competition riding,” he says.
“While it is fair to say that my way was different than that of many others, I can honestly say from the depth of my heart that I am very grateful and would not wish for it to have been different.”
Jessica’s influence
While Raphael’s family has guided him from the start, the guidance of double Olympic champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and her brother, Benjamin, since he was 17 years old has taken him to the next level.
“What influence has Jessica had on my career? It’s hard to answer this question in only a few words,” he says.
She discovered me and brought me into the professional equestrian world. Without her, I wouldn't be here.
For access to more awesome videos, subscribe to Dressage Hub on Patreon patreon.com/user?u=2722353 Check out our Amazon store for awesome things for equestrians! amazon.com/shop/dressagehub
For more great videos on keeping your horse safe, happy and healthy, subscribe to Dressage Hub.
youtube.com/dressagehub
Connect with us: facebook.com/dressagehub
Twitter @dressagehub
Instagram @dressagehub
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