German Equestrian Stars Sophie Hinners and Richard Vogel Split Yet Remain Teammates for Aachen World Championships

Sophie Hinners and Richard Vogel, long‑time partners in both life and sport, announced their personal separation before the 2026 World Championships in Aachen. Despite ending their relationship and moving out of their shared apartment, the duo says their professional collaboration has improved. Hinners remarked, “We understand each other super well and respect each other,” while Vogel added that they now work “almost better than before.”

Both riders continue to co‑own a sport‑and‑trade stable with David Will that operates from three locations. They will ride together for the German national team at the World Championships, forming part of a quartet that also includes Marcus Ehning and Daniel Deußer. The pair emphasized that their friendship and work relationship remain strong, aiming for a medal – ideally gold – for the host nation.

The story highlights how personal changes can coexist with high‑performance sport, with the athletes maintaining a unified front ahead of the major equestrian event in Aachen.