For 25-year old Lubeck born German Grand Prix rider Matthias Alexander Rath the 2010 show season has so far been instrumental in the propulsion of his career as a German A-team rider. Aboard stepmom Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff's Sterntaler Unicef (by Sion x Manstein) the young star has already beaten Germany's number one rider Isabell Werth and triple Olympic champion Anky van Grunsven on several occasions (Dortmund, 's Hertogenbosch, Wiesbaden). Is Rath Germany's new number one, that is the question?
In order to mount that extraordinary pedestal of being the fixed number one, Rath will have to confirm his form on a more continual basis because his temperamental and sometimes unreliable Sterntaler seems to have a will of his own, sporadically quitting in the middle of the test. Highlight movements are the flying tempi changes and the extended gaits, which push Rath's score up towards 80% but are dramatically pulled down again when Sterntaler objects to piaffe at X. However, moments of progress are visible and Rath believes in his horse.
There is no doubt about it that Matthias Rath will be representing his country at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. This young trooper finished sixth at the 2009 European Championships in Windsor and aims for more this year. With two brand new custom made freestyles for his horses Triviant Unicef ("Rhapsody in Blue") and Sterntaler Unicef ("One Thousand and One Nights" to be premiered at the CDIO Rotterdam), an amazing video production on his personal website and scores soaring high at international dressage events, Rath is one to be reckoned with.
So Eurodressage decided it was time to catch up with the young professional to check if there is also a life besides horses.
Matthias, what's your favourite dish?
Matthias: Pizza Salami with extra cheese and pepperoni
If you were to chose a different profession, what would it be?
Matthias: I think I would have become an architect.
What is the biggest intellectual joy for you?
Matthias: going to university
What gives you the most artistic pleasure?
Matthias: Listening to good music and looking at nice photography
What gives you the most physical pleasure?
Matthias: sex and a lot of sport
What makes you cry?
Matthias: seeing poverty and illness in certain countries in the world
What annoys you the most?
Matthias: I am a really impatient person. It really annoys me when I have to wait for certain things or when I don't reach things fast enough
What does heaven look like to you?
Matthias: blue and white, quiet and peaceful, a place where I want to live
And Hell?
Matthias: red and dark, loud and dusty, a place where I don't want to live but where I want to go on a holiday from time to time
What is the most beautiful place you've ever visited?
Matthias: our home Schafhof in Kronberg
What is the ugliest place you've ever visited?
Matthias: no idea
At what moment were you the happiest in your life?
Matthias: when Ann-Kathrin asked me if I wanted to ride Sterntaler
When were you the saddest in your life?
Matthias: when my first little shetland pony died
Who would be your favourite one-night stand?
Matthias: my girlfriend Franziska
Related Links
The Rise of Rath and The End of an Era?
Sterntaler to Make Show Come Back with Matthias Alexander Rath
Rath and Langehanenberg Added to the German A-Team
Matthias Alexander Rath Wins 2006 Piaff Forderpreis