Power duo Richard Vogel and United Touch S

Last year in December, German Richard Vogel surprised by winning the Rolex Grand Prix in Geneva in spectacular fashion. He did so with the inimitable Westphalian stallion United Touch S.

His rise with United Touch S began in November 2022 when he won the World Cup competition in Stuttgart. Then he won one of the World Cup final classes in Omaha in April 2023 and won gold with the German team in the nations cup final in Barcelona. And then at the end of 2023 the victory in Geneva making him the live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

A victory that put him on the world stage. "My horse felt very good all weekend. That gave me a lot of confidence. When we walked the course, I realised: this is really going to be a challenge today! But the lines really suited United Touch S, who has a really big canter. That made me optimistic. And then the victory, that was really an indescribable feeling."

United Touch S
For his horse with the incredible canter, United Touch S, he has only words of praise. "He is actually very calm and relaxed, but he does realise when something is important. At such times he gets a bit nervous. Then it is my job to give him the necessary security and calmness. As for his jumping ability, I realised from the first meeting that he is a very special horse with no limits. He is also very brave and always has the necessary overview. He really fights and always gives just a little bit more at the decisive moment. That is really unique."

First time at The Dutch Masters
Now he is starting for the first time in the Brabanthallen and even more so as a 'live contender'. Does that create extra pressure for him? "In the first place, I see it as a great honour. I have also never competed at The Dutch Masters before, but I am sure there will be a bit more eyes on me there. I am aware of that. But I try not to let it throw me off." Asked about his expectations, he continues, "All majors of the Rolex Grand Slam guarantee very well organised events with excellent conditions for horse and rider. That is why I am really looking forward to competing at The Dutch Masters for the first time."

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Photos: RGS/Ashley Neuhof, RGS/Tiffany Van Halle