German dressage rider Janna Gebauer-Jochheim based at Hof Bernadotte in Teltow/Ruhlsdorfin close to Berlin, has enjoyed many considerable successes in Germany including winning the small final at the Berlin Amateur Championships where she also finished second in the Final Freestyle and fourth place overall, to round off an incredible performance at the championships. Janna balances her professional career with her love for horses very successfully and looks set to continue achieving many more triumphs with her amazing horse Ti Feel The Rythem.
Tell us about you and your horse
Janna and Feine enjoyed great success at the German championship for amateurs. 4th place overall, Second in the Final Freestyle, First in small final
My name is Janna, I am twenty-eight years old and live in Germany. I studied Law and Management and now work for an insurance broker. Riding has been my absolute passion for many years. I love spending time at the stable, both on the back of the horses and everything else around it.
My mare is now 13 years old. I saw her at a competition two years ago and liked her. Fortunately, I was able to buy her, and I am happy about it every day. ‘Fiene’ is a real girl, and I really like that about her. She has her own ideas about how things should go, but then she gives everything for me. She is motivated every day, always fun to ride, and simply has a heart of gold.”
How did horses come into your life?
My parents are total ball sports enthusiasts. So, initially, I also played hockey and tennis for a long time. Only during the holidays was I allowed to go to the riding stable with my grandparents. My grandparents were riders themselves, and always had many horses. So, there was already a connection to equestrian sports, but I had to fight quite a bit with my parents. When parents have nothing to do with it, the effort, the costs, and the dangers are not always easy to understand. However, by now they are happy with me, have supported me a lot for a very long time, and are proud that I have found a sport that brings me so much joy.
When and where do you ride?
Janna and Feine enjoying a victory lap after their first victory in S-dressage
I ride at a great facility near Berlin. I usually get up early and go there before work. For me, it’s the perfect way to start the day – with the horses outdoors, in motion.”
Who do you train with?
I trained with Lena Haßmann for many years and now I am in the stable of the Voigtländer family, who support me in my training.
What are you and your horse currently working on?
My mare is super ambitious and always eager to go. So, we mainly work on her waiting for me and listening to me, doing lots of transitions. Additionally, we focus a lot on her collection in canter, as it’s a bit challenging for her.
What do you love about riding?
When I’m on horseback, I forget everything around me. I love the collaboration between human and animal, the opportunity to find our own form of communication. I’m fascinated by the fact that the interaction between two beings brings daily new challenges and teaches one to always be humble.
What would you like to be doing in the future and do you have any goals?
Riding is ‘just’ a very important hobby for me. Therefore, my biggest goal is simply to have fun and continually improve. If I collect a few ribbons in the next few years, then of course I’ll be happy. But it’s not my main goal.
Have you ever had to deal with nerves in riding?
Fortunately, I never really get nervous.
Do you have any rituals before competing?
I always take my time getting my horse ready. I prefer to do it myself as well.
It takes a team to do dressage, who is in your support team?
My family, husband and friends are incredibly helpful. I’m very grateful to have so many wonderful people around me.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
Good things take time.
Down the Centre Line
Who would be your dream horse to ride?
Valegro
Who is your equestrian hero?
For me, Isabell Werth is simply on another level when it comes to training different horses.
If you could have five people to dinner, who would they be?
My family
Favourite colour horse?
Black
Favourite horse event?
Horses & Dreams
Favourite food?
Sushi
Favourite way to relax?
Netflix and chill
Favourite film?
Notting Hill
Want More?
If you enjoyed meeting Janna you might like to view more dressage rider “chatting with” interviews here . You can keep up with Janna’s progress and check out her instagram page here
