Placings in Aachen, a 5* victory in Versilia, a double clear round in the Nations Cup in St. Gallen, and second place in the Grand Prix of St. Gallen – Austrian show jumper Katharina Rhomberg is currently experiencing the most successful phase of her career. In an interview, the Vorarlberg native talks about the reasons for her success, her goals for this year's World Championships in Aachen, and why the Longines Global Champions Tour Vienna | Schönbrunn Palace is a very special tournament for her.
Katharina, things are going really well right now. What's behind these successes?
We've slowly improved over the last few years. Last season, we were already able to achieve some good results at the Global Champions Tour. We've become more and more accustomed to performing at this level and gained important experience. The harmony with my horses is just very good right now. In addition, I've been intensively focused on mental training. It's a lot of small building blocks that are now coming together perfectly.
The World Championships in Aachen are coming up. What does your preparation look like?
Aachen is an incredible setting, and I'm incredibly excited about it. My goal is to get my horses and myself in top form by then – and to maintain that form. After our recent successes, my top horses will get a short break first. After that, we'll decide together with my trainer which competitions are truly sensible for preparation. The right balance is important: the horses shouldn't do too much or too little in the final weeks before the World Championships.
Do you already have a horse in mind for the World Championship?
It's pretty certain it will be Colestus. I've already competed in three championships with Cuma, and he was always great. Colestus, however, is a bit younger and brings a lot of blood and energy. Especially at a World Championship with multiple rounds and hot days in August, that can be a decisive advantage.
After Aachen comes the next highlight with the Longines Global Champions Tour Vienna. Will you be competing in Schönbrunn?
Yes, definitely. The LGCT Vienna is firmly in my calendar. It's incredibly cool that a tournament of this magnitude is taking place here in Austria. Riding in front of a home crowd and being cheered on by your own fans is something very special. Last year's premiere was already indescribable, and I'm convinced it will be even better this year.
What are your expectations for Vienna?
I definitely want to top last year's results. My horses ran many good rounds back then, but in the end, there was always a small mistake somewhere. We were a bit short on luck. This year, I hope everything comes together. My goal is clear: I want to be among the leaders.
What makes the stage in Vienna, in the Ehrenhof of Schönbrunn Palace, so special for you within the Global Champions Tour?
Of course, the home crowd and the atmosphere. Despite the partially bad weather, an incredible number of spectators were present last year. In addition, Schönbrunn Palace adds its imperial flair. The setting is unique. Knowing the history of the place and that horses and equestrian events played a role there many years ago makes the experience even more special.
What was it like for you to ride into the Ehrenhof for the first time?
That was actually the first time I ever rode through a castle with my horses. That alone is something very special. This moment will stay with me forever, and I'm already looking forward to experiencing it again in September.
Schönbrunn Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a former imperial summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty. It's a magnificent Baroque palace with vast gardens, a zoo, and other attractions. It offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Austrian royalty and is a significant historical and cultural landmark.
The setting, the story, the special atmosphere in the Ehrenhof, and the unique flair make the tournament exceptional. At the same time, the overall package is also impressive. The organization was excellent, the conditions for the horses were perfect, and we felt completely welcome. The tournament holds its own against international competitions.
To conclude: Katharina Rhomberg in the Word Wrap
- Your favorite tournament? Aachen – closely followed by LGCT Vienna in Schönbrunn.
- My greatest success? Victory in the 5* Grand Prix of Versilia.
- Speed Colestus is our „unicorn“ and simply a genius – he's resourceful, incredibly smart, and always gets everything right. Cuma has the biggest fighter's heart and always fights for me.
- Do your horses have nicknames? Yes, Colestus is called „Coli“ or „Unicorn“ and Cuma is „Cumi“.
- How would your horses describe you? Ambitious. It's always important to me that my horses are doing well and that we all don't lose the fun in what we're doing.
- A ritual before the course? I always give my horses a kiss and remind them that we'll get through this.
- Nations Cup: More nervous before the start or when watching your teammates? Very clearly when watching.
- Your go-to song in the truck on the way to the tournament? Stand Up for the Champions.
- Cheat meal after a successful weekend? Lasagna.
- Tournament-free week - Beach or mountains? In winter the mountains, in summer the beach.
- What barn chores do you like best? My horses are being groomed.
- And which ones not at all? Sweep up and shear horses.
- Your biggest riding fail that you can laugh about today? I was once nominated as a Young Rider for a Nations Cup in Brazil. After a fall in the first round, I was convinced I wouldn't be allowed to compete anymore. I was allowed to ride after all – but I was so upset that I got lost on the course. And I once fell off Cuma before the starting line of a 3* Grand Prix, so I wasn't allowed to start at all.
- Elegant, historic, vibrant. Indescribable. Unique. Imperial.
Gallery „Rhomberg in Conversation“. Portrait: © Christian Husar · Spring photos: © Stefano Grasso | LGCT.