Berlin, Germany – October 20, 2026 – Four major victories, three exceptional horses and a rise to World No. 12. As she competes with the Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames in Cairo this week, Iron Dame Sophie Hinners reflects on an extraordinary few months, the moments behind her success and the opportunities that made it possible.

The Moments Behind the Victories
By Sophie Hinners

When I look back at the last few weeks, it’s hard to put into words just how much we’ve achieved and what it all means to me.

Becoming World Champion with Germany in Aachen was already more than I could have hoped for. Then came another Nations’ Cup victory at Spruce Meadows, my first Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix win in Vienna, and finally, winning the Longines League of Nations Final in Barcelona with Germany. One incredible moment after another, and hardly any time to take it all in.

What makes it even more special is that these victories came with three different horses: Iron Dames Singclair, Iron Dames My Prins and Iron Dames Combella.  They all have such different characters, and each one teaches me something different as a rider. I think growing together and building that connection is one of the most rewarding parts of this sport.

Less than a year ago, Aachen was still a dream. I knew I wanted to be there, but I couldn’t be sure it would happen. To ride into that arena at a World Championship, at home in Germany, with Singclair was already something I will never forget. And then to win team gold, I still don’t really have the words. There was a lot of pressure, of course. Every round counted, not just for me but for the whole team. I tried to keep things simple: prepare as usual, stay focused and trust my horse. Singclair was amazing. We’ve been working together for a few years now, and I know him so well. I felt I could really trust him, and he gave me everything when it mattered.

Just three weeks later, we were at Spruce Meadows. Riding My Prins, producing the only double clear in the Nations’ Cup and winning again with Germany was another moment I felt incredibly proud of.

And then came Vienna, this time with Combella. The jump-off was intense, and we had to adjust our plan slightly during the round. But Combella was right there with me, giving everything until the very last fence. When we crossed the finish line and I realized we’d won my first LGCT Grand Prix, I could hardly believe it! And having the Iron Dames family there to share that moment made it even more special.

And just when I thought these weeks couldn’t get much better, we won the Longines League of Nations Final in Barcelona with Germany, with My Prins back alongside me.

What I love about these team victories is that you really share the emotions. And I get that same feeling when I’m competing alongside the other Iron Dames with Cannes Stars. Show jumping might look like an individual sport, but you never achieve these things alone. Your horses, your teammates, everyone working behind the scenes, they all play a part.

I also know how quickly things can change in our sport. You can have an amazing weekend and then a difficult one. That’s why I really want to enjoy these moments, because I know how much work has gone into them. For a long time, my focus was on developing young horses and trying to find my way to the highest level. I certainly didn’t imagine I would one day be competing at World Championships and winning five-star Grands Prix.

I also know that I wouldn’t be where I am today without Deborah Mayer and Iron Dames. She believed in me, gave me the chance to ride these amazing horses and trusted me to make the most of those opportunities. For a female rider, that kind of support can be a real game changer. I can’t thank her enough.

And if these results can make a young girl watching us think, “Maybe I could do that too”, then that’s something really special. But first, we have to perform. That’s how we open doors for others, and that’s what being an Iron Dame means to me.

I’m incredibly proud of these victories, but there is still so much I want to achieve. So many things to learn, horses to develop and competitions to look forward to.

For now, I’m trying to enjoy it all. And then, of course, it’s back to work!

Source: Press Release from Iron Dames

Photo: © Iron Dames

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