ShowBiz: Where were you born and when did you come to the US? Why?
Soehnke: I was born in Altena, Germany on the 4th of February, 1983. I had my first experience in the US after high school working at a sales barn in 2001- 2002 in Florida. I was eager to experience the American sys- tem of show jumping and I wanted to really experience the famous American culture that I grew up watching in films and TV. I then came back to the US in the end of 2007 to work for El Campeon Farms. My best friend, Christian Siemers, sold Carlsson vom Dach to El Campeon Farms, and introduced me to Will Simp- son. Will needed help at home while he was in Florida competing in the Olympic trials, and I was hired to work with Eva Gonda and the rest of the El Campeon horses.
ShowBiz: A short bit about your show history.....work history.
Soehnke: My education began on my family’s farm in Dortmund Germany where I helped my parents oper- ate a large breeding and training facility. I received my degree in Horse Management from one of the top agricultural schools in Germany, Fachhochschule Sud- Ost Westfalen. I also participated in internships in the United States at show jumping farms and with German Nations Cup Rider, Thomas Schepers. I have competed all over Europe and the US and am now partnering with El Campeon Farms and building a training business, fo- cusing on developing horse and rider talent at all levels.
ShowBiz: Work at El Campeon, what are you duties and how does that work?
Soehnke: I work as their trainer. My duties are to devel- op the farm and client horses to their greatest potential, create and fulfill individual training plans for our clients based on their personal abilities and goals, and help to oversee all of the activities in the barn. I am lucky to have access to great working students from Germany, and we have several who come throughout the year to help us at home - their skill level and horsemanship are extremely high so we all benefit from it.
ShowBiz: Best part of being in the USA?
Soehnke: Living in So Cal !!! People are very open minded and willing to try different things. Germans are a bit regimented, so I’ve really enjoyed the free spirit that exists here.
Opposite Page: Soehnke on Carlotta. Inset: Soehnke in the victory gallop riding All Star. This Page(Top): Soehnke and Johnny Cash
(Bottom): (Left to Right)
Soehnke, Daniel Ighane and Dennis Gruder; Soehnke and Janet Fall.
29
ShowBiz: Family... who and how many in the family. Do any of them ride?
Soehnke: My whole family rides, we have a horse business with around 100 horses in breeding and training. My father Ulrich, and my mother Dinah, both rode up to Grand Prix level dressage and show jumping. My brother Jan also rides in both disciplines up to the high- est level, mostly with horses out of our breeding pro- gram. My sister is a very successful dressage rider with victories at the CHIO Aachen, Hickstead, Hamburg Derby and many more....
ShowBiz: Favorite food? Soehnke: In and Out ShowBiz: Favorite music. Soehnke: I listen to everything. My favorite band is U2
ShowBiz: Something we don't know about you but would find interesting? Soehnke: I love the Lakers! And I hate snakes! ShowBiz: Goals and what in the future for you?
Soehnke: I always strive to learn new things everyday... Being successful with the horses, riding and the cli- ents… And, to never forget where I come from!
Photo © Rick Osteen Photography
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84