Isabell Werth

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Isabell Werth is the most decorated dressage rider in history, with an Olympic medal record unmatched in equestrian sport: eight golds and six silvers across seven Olympic Games, winning at least one gold at every Games she has contested. She has also earned nine World Championship medals, 21 European Championship golds, and five World Cup titles, solidifying her place as a legend of the sport.

Born on 21 July 1969 in Sevelen, Germany, Isabell began riding under the guidance of Dr Uwe Schulten-Baumer at age 17. Their partnership led to her breakthrough with Gigolo, who carried her to four Olympic gold medals between 1992 and 2000, as well as multiple world and European titles. Gigolo remained her primary partner throughout the 1990s, with the exception of the 1999 European Championships, where she rode Anthony FRH.

After Gigolo’s retirement, Isabell’s winning streak continued with a series of top horses. She won the 2007 World Cup Final on Warum Nicht FRH. She also partnered Satchmo 78 to double World Championship gold, individual European gold, and team Olympic gold at the 2008 Beijing Games, before his retirement in 2011.

Her next major star was Weihegold OLD, who helped Germany secure team gold and individual silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and delivered three consecutive World Cup titles. She also formed a hugely successful partnership with her “dream horse” Bella Rose 2, earning individual silver at the Tokyo Olympics and dominating European competition.

In July 2024, Isabell was selected for her seventh Olympic Games, partnering Wendy to another team gold and extending an extraordinary Olympic record spanning over 30 years.

Beyond competition, Isabell Werth is an influential voice in the sport, elected president of the International Dressage Riders’ Club in 2020. She continues to compete at the highest level while also shaping the future of dressage through her leadership and experience.