Vogel and United Touch S win European championship

Vogel and his horse United Touch S claim the European crown on their first try, marking a standout milestone after near misses in World Cup finals and Olympic qualifiers.

Richard Vogel Wins European Championship with United Touch S

Richard Vogel, a tall German rider, and his Westphalian gelding United Touch S have won the European show jumping title on their first attempt. The pair had already shown strong form this season, finishing 8th at the 2023 World Cup final in Omaha and 6th at Basel in 2025, while also competing in Paris Olympic qualifiers last summer where they earned 12 points but did not reach the podium. The European triumph represents a first major crown for both rider and horse and underscores the pair’s steady ascent through high level competition.

Vogel’s journey reads like a modern equestrian success story built on family roots and a broad training network. Born in Baden Württemberg, he grew up around horses and, after leaving school at 17 to focus on riding, trained at the Mannheim Club and with the Herbert family. He spent two years in Riesenbeck with Ludger Beerbaum, then joined David Will at Hofgut Dagobertshausen near Marburg, developing a team that would grow to about 16 staff and around 60 horses. Sophie Hinners joined in 2021, strengthening the squad, while Vogel and Will formed the VW company around their initials. The operation blends European bases with transatlantic stints in Wellington, Florida, and even involvement with a Saudi team, reflecting a modern, globally connected show jumping ecosystem.

The win highlights how today’s top riders sell a story of continuity more than a single season. Vogel’s background and the team’s cross-border footprint illustrate how success in show jumping now hinges on a stable, well-supported operation spread across continents. United Touch S’s reputation as a tall, agile horse — often described as supersonic or extraterrestrial — complements Vogel’s patient, precise riding, a combination that can sustain performance across major circuits.

Looking ahead, this European title positions Vogel and United Touch S for further high-stakes show jumping. The partnership appears rooted in long-term planning, not flash and shortcuts, with a coaching network that ranges from Europe to North America and the Middle East. If they maintain their current balance between horses, staff, and competition, they could become fixtures in the sport’s most coveted events for years to come.

Highlights

The European crown signals the start of a new chapter for Vogel and United Touch S.