A True Force in Equestrian Sport
From her German Championships debut at just 12 years old to a Grand Prix win in Aachen in 2011, Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann has built an extraordinary career.
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She represented Germany at the London 2012 Olympics and continues to compete at the highest level, with recent CSI4* victories in Hagen and Münster.
We Got the Chance to Sit Down with Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann - A Candid Q&A
1. What does a typical day of training look like for you – both in and out of the saddle?
During a normal week I have an online personal trainer with whom I train three times a week. That’s how I like to start my day and after that I get into the saddle. I like to ride until the early afternoon and then I try to have a little bit of time with my son, Friedrich. After riding the horses I also take the time to do some office work and sometimes I give riding lessons or on some days I just ride a bit longer.
2. You ride for Iron Dames – what does being part of this team mean to you personally and professionally?
Personally itw as something that took me right away. I love the idea of supporting women and also being an inspiration for the next generation, to give hope and give young people the example how it is to live your dream. Sport wise it was a real game-changer because I had the possibility to ride on the best shows in the world and really make a good plan together with the team. It also gave me the chance to step up in the world rankings. The whole team is super supportive and so we try to be really competitive, but we also take care of our horses. I have a bigger string of horses, which makes it possible to give some of the horses a bit of a rest between the competitions and we can focus on the important competitions.
3. How do you balance performance and life when competing?
It’s always quite challenging to combine. We try to travel together as a family and my son and husband mostly come with me to the shows, which for me is super supportive and at the same time also a chance to spend the most time together as possible. It does need a lot of organising.
4. If you could give your younger self one piece of advice as a rider – what would it be?
Be patient and keep on working.
5. What’s one thing your horse does that always makes you laugh?
Many of my horses sometimes make me laugh. I have big joy spending time with my horses but what I personally find very funny is for example Messi. He is a very scared of other horses in the warm-up and he is very shy. You would almost not believe how good he jumped the biggest courses in the world when he comes into the ring. He really is so shy and then he turns out to be a superstar in the ring when it counts.
6. What’s your guilty pleasure after a long day at the show?
I like to relax after a long day at the show. I like to have dinner with my family and friends and then every once in a while I like to order a gin tonic, a nice drink to finish the day.
