Katharina Offel has had a hugely successful career, and has been competing in the top of the sport for nearly two decades. Kathi has competed at two Olympic Games, three World Equestrian Games and three European Championships in addition to winning some of the most prestigious Grand Prix competitions on the circuit.
Kathi is also a specialist on developing young talented horses for the highest level of the sport – and a real challenge is what she loves the most. During her career, she has brought countless of horses up to international Grand Prix level.
Kathi was born in Rosenheim, Germany on the 8th of the December in 1976, and her love for horses showed at an early age. When Kathi was seven she started riding at her local riding school and from there on it quickly became clear that horses were her big passion.
From Kathi was 13 years old until she was 16 she competed both in showjumping and eventing, but at the age of 16 she turned her attention to jumping only. Still in school, Kathi spend her afternoons, weekends and holidays working as a groom for Alexander Moksel in Buchloe, Germany – where Ludger Beerbaum, Markus Beerbaum and Ralf Schneider during this time were all based. When Kathi left Moksel’s yard, she was given the horse Stroke of Luck as a present. Kathi started to jump the horse in junior competitions, and as a young rider Kathi rode her first German Championship on Stroke of Luck.
Kathi has been twice third in the German Championship – first in 2001 with Granie and then in 2002 on Divine before she won in 2004 on A la Ballerina
Proving her great riding skills and talent on Stroke of Luck, Kathi got in contact with Robert Schiffelholz – who she started to work for in 1996 in a little village close to Augsburg, Germany. With Schiffelholz’s horses Rauhnacht and Impisa Laika, Kathi started to win some big classes – taking home eleven national Grand Prix victories in Bavaria in one year.
At the end of 1998 Kathi started to work for JS Sportpferde, an international dealing stable situated close to Cologne. During her years there Kathi had much success, and was twice third in the German Championship – first in 2001 with Granie and then in 2002 on Divine before she won in 2004 on A la Ballerina.
In 2005 Kathi made a sport nationality change, and started competing for Ukraine.
The same year she did her first European Championships on Nike in San Patrignano – ending 16th individually. In 2006 Kathi competed at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen on Atlanta 325 – where she ended 22nd individually and 4th with the team. In 2007 Kathi jumped at the European Championships in Mannheim with Lord Spezi – ending 17th individually and 9th with the team.
In the beginning of 2008 Kathi became a mother to Leopold, but already the following summer she went to the Olympic Games in Hong Kong – also this time with Lord Spezi ending 59th individually and 10th with the team. In 2010 Kathi competed La Bomba 3 at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky – doing a double clear round in the Nations Cup to end 16th with the team and 44th individually. In 2012 Kathi went to the Olympic Games in London with Vivant, ending 59th individually and 14th with the team.
During this period, Kathi also won several major Grand Prix classes – among them the five-star Hermès Grand Prix of Paris and the Global Champions Tour of Abu Dhabi, both in 2012. Kathi was also on the winning Ukrainian team at the 2013 CSIO5* Nations Cup in Rome.
In the autumn of 2013 Kathi started up her own company; Katharina Offel Sporthorses.
During her first year on her own, Kathi's top results included a second place in the five-star Longines Grand Prix of Hong Kong on Charlie and a third place in the five-star Hermès Grand Prix in Paris on Lacontino.
In 2013, Kathi started up her own business: Katharina Offel Sporthorses. Kathi now has her base in the neighbourhood of Maastricht, Netherlands, at her brand-new stables to which she opened the doors in 2017
In January 2015 Kathi started up a new chapter, and moved to the Netherlands. With a growing business Kathi realized that she was in need of more space to be able to expand, and also to have the possibility to welcome students at a central location. At the same time, Kathi’s sports career continued successfully and that summer she competed at the European Championships in Aachen on Zipper – ending 8th with the Ukrainian team and 39th individually. During 2015, Kathi took eight big international wins and had an additional sixteen podium finishes including a third place in the CSIO5* Grand Prix of Mannheim aboard Zipper.
At the end of 2015, Kathi made a big decision and changed her sport nationality back to compete for her birth-country Germany – after ten years flying the Ukrainian flag. Unable to ride Nations Cup and World Cups due to her nationality change, 2016 and 2017 were transition years for Kathi and she spend time developing young talented horses towards a future in the top sport as well as building her own stables. Still, during 2016, Kathi won two international Grand Prix classes: The CSI3* Grand Prix in Vejer de la Frontera and the CSI3* Grand Prix at Sentower Park – both on Umeunig Z.
In October 2017, Kathi made a dream come true when opening the doors to her brand new stable in Bemelen – a stone's throw away from beautiful Maastricht in The Netherlands. A private training facility for Kathi and her horses, the modern stable offers everything the horses could wish for – also with the possibility of stepping right out on the many quiet pathways in the surrounding area. A short drive away from big facilities such as Sentower Park, Zangersheide and Peelbergen Equestrian Center, Kathi's new stable is ideally located.
- Winner of the CSI3* 1.55 Grand Prix In Opglabbeek on Umeunig Z
- Winner of the CSI3* 1.55 Grand Prix at the Sunshine Tour on Umeunig Z
- Winner of the CSI2* 1.45 LR competition in Valkenswaard on Sakann
- Winner of the CSIYH 6-year-old final at Autumn MET on Casper J&J Z
- Winner of the CSIYH 6-year-old competition at Sentower Park on Casper J&J Z
- 2nd in the CSIYH 6-year-old competition at Sentower Park on Casper J&J Z
- 2nd in the CSIYH 6-year-old competition at Sentower Park on Casper J&J Z
- 2nd in the CSIYH 6-year-old competition at the Autumn MET on Casper J&J Z
- 3rd in the GCL 1.55 in Estoril on Cassius
- 3rd in the CSIO5* 1. 45 Premio Central Lechera Asturiana in Gijon on Sakann
- 4th in the CSI3* 1.45 Grand Prix at the Sunshine Tour on Umeunig Z
- 4th in the CSI2* 1.45 Grand Prix in Valkenswaard on Umeunig Z
- 4th in the CSI2* 1.45 Grand Prix at the Autumn MET on Umeunig Z
- 4th in the CSI4* 1.45 Anton Ebben Memorial Prijs in Amsterdam on Sky Fly SB
- 4th in the CSIYH 1.40 at the Autumn MET on Amarit d'Amour
- 4th in the CSIYH 1.35 at the Autumn MET on Sandro Girl
- 5th in the CSI3* 1.45 MCS Prijs in Draachten on High Voltage SB
- 5th in the CSI2* 1.40 at the Autumn MET on Qitana VDV
- 5th in the CSI2* 1.40 at the Autumn MET on Qitana VDV
- 5th in the CSIYH 1.30 at the Autumn MET on Casper J&J Z
- 6th in the CSI5* 1.50/1.55 Prix Massimo Dutti in Monaco on Umeunig Z
- 6th in the CSI2* 1.45 at the Autumn MET on Qitana VDV
- 7th in the CSI3* 1.40 Prix AS Sporthorses in Opglabbeek on Qitana VDV
- 8th in the CSI3* Grand Prix in Lanaken on Umeunig Z
- 8th in the CSIYH 7-year-old final at Autumn MET on Balou Z
- 10th in the CSI5* Grand Prix in Dinard on Umeunig Z
- 12th in the CSI5* 1.55 Longines Paris Eiffel Challenge in Paris on Cassius
- Winner of the CSI4* 1.50 Preis des Hessischen Ministerpräsidenten in Wiesbaden on Charlie
- Winner of the CSI3* 1.50 Grand Prix in Bonheiden on Zipper
- Winner of the CSI3* 1.50 Preis der Stadt Mannheim on B Once Z
- Winner of the CSI5* 1.45 Prix Foire Internationale de Bordeaux on B Once Z
- Winner of the CSI3* 1.45 Platinum Final in Samorin on Zipper
- Winner of the CSI2* 1.45 Grand Prix in Lanaken on Air Chin Z
- Winner of the CSIYH1* 1.45 Youngster Tour in Wiesbaden on Lord Larry 4
- Winner of the CSIYH1* 1.35 Youngster Tour in Eschweiler on Con Air Z
- 2nd in the CSI5* 1.60 Les Saut Hermès in Paris on Charlie
- 2nd in the CSIO4* Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup in Linz with the Ukrainian team on Quebracho Semilly
- 2nd in the CSI4* 1.50 Mevisto Ladies Trophy in Salzburg on Sky Fly SB
- 2nd in the CSI4* 1.50 Prix MC Guillaume in Mons on Sky Fly SB
- 2nd in the CSIO4* 1.45 Silver Tour Final in Linz on Sky Fly SB
- 2nd in the CSI2* VDL Groep Prijs in Asten on Umeunig Z
- 2nd in the CSIYH1* 1.40 Poresta Youngster-Cup Final in Leipzig on Lord Larry 4
- 2nd in the CSIYH1* 1.40 Youngster Final in Mannheim on Lord Larry 4
- 2nd in the CSIYH1* 1.35 Youngster Cup in Neeroeteren on Con Air Z
- 2nd in the CSIYH1* 1.35 Youngster Final in Roosendaal on Con Air Z
- 3rd in the CSIO5* Grand Prix in Mannheim on Zipper
- 3rd in the CSI5* 1.50 Preis des Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel on Charlie
- 3rd in the CSI4* 1.50 Jumping Talent Sale Prijs in Amsterdam on Quebracho Semilly
- 3rd in the CSI4* 1.50 Preis der LVM Versicherung in Hagen on Quebracho Semilly
- 3rd in the CSI3* 1.50 Grand Prix in Lanaken on Air Chin Z
- 3rd in the CSI3* 1.40 Ladies Cup Grand Prix in Eschweiler on Sky Fly SB
- 3rd in the CSIYH1* 1.35 Youngster Cup in Neeroeteren on Con Air Z
- 4th in the CSI5* 1.50 Prix Generali in Bordeaux on B Once Z
- 4th in the CSI3* Medium Tour Final in Spangenberg on Sky Fly SB
- 4th in the CSI4* 1.45 Anton Ebben Memorial Prijs in Amsterdam on B Once Z
- 4th in the CSI5* 1.45 Laiterie de Montaigu Trophy in Hong Kong on Pin Up Ouistreham
- 4th in the CSIYH1* 1.40 Youngster Tour in Mannheim on Lord Larry 4
- 5th in the CSI5* 1.50 Prijs Knokke-Heist in Knokke on Charlie
- 5th in the CSI5* 1.50 Prix Casino Theatre Barriere Bordeaux on B Once Z
- 6th in the CSI5* 1.55 Golden Drum of Basel on Charlie
- 6th in the CSI4* 1.55 Championat of Salzburg on Umeunig Z
- 6th in the CSI3* 1.55 Grand Prix in Spangenberg on Vita 24
- Winner of the CSI5* 1.45 Prosegur Trophy in La Coruna on Charlie
- Winner of the CSI3* 1.50 Class Horse TV Grand Prix qualifier in Parma on Air Chin Z
- Winner of the CSI3* 1.45 Championat of Dortmund on B Once Z
- Winner of the CSI3* 1.50 Preis der May & Co. Wohn- und Gewerbebauten Grand Prix qualifier in Kiel on B Once Z
- 2nd in the CSI5* 1.60 Longines Grand Prix at the Longines Hong Kong Masters on Charlie
- 2nd in the CSI5* 1.55 Trofeo Azkar in La Coruna on Quebracho Semilly
- 2nd in the CSI5* 1.50 Gemeente 's-Hertogenbosch Prijs in Den Bosch on Charlie
- 2nd in the CSI5*-W 1.50 Premio BMW in Verona on Pin Up Ouistreham
- 2nd in the CSIO5* 1.45 Best of Champions in Aachen on Pin Up Ouistreham
- 2nd in the CSI3* 1.45 at the Stephex Masters on Pin Up Ouistreham
- 3rd in the CSI5* 1.60 Hermès Grand Prix in Paris on Lacontino
- 3rd in the CSI5* 1.55 Le Saut Hermès in Paris on Charlie
- 3rd in the CSI5* 1.55 Trofeo NH Collection in La Coruna on Charlie
- 3rd in the CSIO5* Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup in Dublin with the Ukrainian team on Quebracho Semilly
- 3rd in the CSI5* 1.55 Battle of the Sexes at Gucci Paris Masters on Quebracho Semilly
- 3rd in the CSI4* 1.50 Prix Vivons Sport in Mons on Pin Up Ouistreham
- 3rd in the CSI3* 1.50 Sonderehrenpreis von Ricosta in Donaueschingen on Quebracho Semilly
- 4th in the CSI3* 1.50 Audi Prijs in Maastricht on Air Chin Z
- 4th in the CSI5*-W 1.45 Premio Carnia Welcome in Verona on Charlie
- 5th in the CSI5* 1.60 World Cup in Leipzig on Lacontino
- 5th in the CSIO5* 1.60 Longines Grand Prix in Falsterbo on Quebracho Semilly
- 5th in the CSI5*-W 1.55 Premio Miasuki in Verona on Quebracho Semilly
- 6th in the CSI5* 1.60 Longines Grand Prix in Saint Tropez on B Once Z
- Winner of the CSIO5* Nations Cup in Rome with the Ukrainian team on Pour Le Poussage
- Winner of the CSI5* Longines Speed Challenge in Hong Kong on Olivia de Nantuel
- Winner of the CSI5* LGCT 1.50 in Valkenswaard on Pour Le Poussage
- Winner of the CSI5* LGCT 1.50 Trofeo Caixabank in Madrid on Pour Le Poussage
- Winner of the CSI5* 1.50 Prix de la Ville de Paris in Paris on Cathleen
- Winner of the Championat of Dortmund on Cathleen
- 2nd in the CSIO5* 1.50 in Falsterbo on B Once Z
- 2nd in the CSI5* LGCT 1.50 in Wiesbaden on B Once Z
- 2nd in the CSIO5* Best of Champions in Aachen on Newton de Vains
- 3rd the CSI5* LGCT 1.60 in Wiesbaden in on Charlie
- 3rd in the CSI5* 1.50 at the Gucci Paris Masters on B Once Z
- 3rd in the CSI3* 1.50 in Frankfurt in on B Once Z
- 4th in the CSI5* 1.60 Les Saut Hermès in Paris on Charlie
- 4th in the CSI4* Grand Prix in Münster on Charlie
- 5th in the CSI5* LGCT Grand Prix in Hamburg on Pour Le Poussage
- Winner of the CSI5* Hermès Grand Prix in Paris on Cathleen
- Winner of the CSI5* GCT Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi on Fidji Island
- Winner of the CSI5* 1.45 in La Coruna on Cathleen
- Winner of the CSIO4* Nations Cup in Linz with the Ukrainian team on Vivant
- Winner of the CSIO4* Nations Cup in Drammen with the Ukrainian team on Vivant
- Winner of the CSI3* 1.50 in Humlikon on Cathleen
- Winner of the CSI2* Grand Prix in Valkenswaard on Cathleen
- 2nd in the CSI5* 1.50 in Wien on Cathleen
- 2nd in the CSI5* 1.45 in Paris on Charlie
- 2nd in the CSI4* 1.50 in Amsterdam on Charlie
- 2nd in the CSI2* Grand Prix in Neeroeteren on Quickstep D
- 3rd in the CSI5* 1.50 in Lyon on Fidji Island
- 3rd in the CSI5* GCT 1.45 in Valencia on Charlie
- 3rd in the CSI4* 1.50 in Hagen on Cathleen
- 3rd in the CSI3* Grand Prix in Arezzo on Nobilys
- 3rd in the CSI3* 1.50 in Arezzo on Fidji Island
- 4th in the CSI5* World Cup in Gothenburg on Fidji Island
- 4th in the CSIO5* Nations Cup in Gijon with the Ukrainian team on Vivant
- 4th in the CSIO5* Grand Prix in Gijon with the Ukrainian team on Vivant
- 4th in the CSI5* 1.45/1.50 in Doha on Charlie
- 4th in the CSI5* 1.45/1.50 in Monte Carlo on Cathleen
- 4th in the CSI3* Grand Prix in De Steeg on Vivant
- 5th in the CSI5* Grand Prix in Gothenburg on Charlie
- 5th in the CSI5* 1.55 in Aachen on Vivant
- 5th in the CSI5* GCT 1.50 in Wiesbaden on Phebus du Grasset
- 5th in the CSI5* 1.50 in Geneva on Fidji Island
- 5th in the CSI3* Grand Prix in Arezzo on Fidji Island
- 5th in the CSI3* Grand Prix in Arezzo on Phebus du Grasset
- Winner of the CSI5* 1.50 in Paris on Cathleen
- Winner of the CSI4* 1.55 in Geesteren on Sanctos
- Winner of the CSI4* 1.50 in Frankfurt on Fidji Island
- Winner of the CSI4* 1.50 in Münster on Tamerino
- Winner of the CSIO3* Nations Cup in Sopot with the Ukrainian team on Vivant
- Winner of the CSI3* Grand Prix in Arezzo on Cathleen
- Winner of the CSI3* 1.50 class in Kiel on Cathleen
- Winner of the CSI3* 1.45 in Mannheim on Otello Star
- Winner of the CSI3* 1.45 in Arezzo on Cathleen
- Winner of the CSI2* Special Olympic Qualifier 1.40-1.60 in Aachen on Vivant
- 2nd in the CSI5* World Cup in Lyon with Cathleen
- 2nd in the CSI3* Grand Prix in Hannover on Cathleen
- 2nd in the CSI3* 1.50 in Mannheim on Otello Star
- 3rd in the CSIO5* Nations Cup Final in Barcelona with the Ukrainian team on Vivant
- 4th in the CSIO5* Grand Prix in Barcelona on Sanctos
- 4th in the CSIO4* 1.55 in Linz on Sanctos
- 4th in the CSI3* Grand Prix in Arezzo on Lord If De Chalusse
- 4th in the CSI3* Grand Prix in Dortmund on Cathleen
- 4th in the CSI3* 1.50 in Hannover on Cathleen
- 5th in the CSI5* 1.50 in Aachen on Sanctos
- 5th in the CSI5* 1.50 in Lyon on Fidji Island
- 5th in the CSI3* Grand Prix in Pforzheim on Sanctos
- 5th in the CSI3* 1.50 in München-Riem on Sanctos
- Numerous wins and top results on international level