Rothenberger amped to be back at the Takapoto Classic

Frank Rothenberger is celebrated the world over as one of the very best course designers around. The FEI level 4 designer is the cornerstone at CHIO Aachen, and has also designed at World Championships, Global Champions Tour, World Cup finals, many 5* events, and of course, the Olympic Games. He’s no stranger to New Zealand, having designed at Takapoto, Mystery Creek & Land Rover Horse of the Year Show previously, and he can’t wait to get back Down Under.

“I think Takapoto is one of the best equestrian facilities in the Southern Hemisphere,” he says. “Everything is done perfectly for the horses – the stabling, footing, the size of the arenas, and it is a top organisation.” This will be his second time designing at Takapoto. He’s known for his toughness. Riders expect challenges that build as the show goes on, with no concessions given on the final day. “On the first day I will get an idea about the level of the horses and riders and then base the following tracks on that.”

The Rothenberger family business now create jumps that are sold all over the world, including to Takapoto Estate. More recently Frank has been designing at the CSI Riad, CSI5* Wellington and CSI5*-W Leipzig, with 2023 including Aachen and a clutch of other 5* shows. In the meantime he is counting down to New Zealand. “The country itself is what I really enjoy,” he says. “For me it is the most impressive country in the world, especially if you love the nature, or do sailing, skiing and scuba diving.” Once he has completed his duties at Takapoto he and three friends are spending a further month travelling around the country. “We plan to see as much of the country as possible.”