Janne Frederike Meyer-Zimmermann: A Journey of Resilience and Passion in Show Jumping

Janne Frederike Meyer-Zimmermann is no stranger to overcoming obstacles. As a professional show jumper and businesswoman, she has built a career based on resilience, determination, and an unwavering love for the sport. Together with her husband, she runs Hof Waterkant, a business focused on developing young horses and talented young riders for international competition. They also host events that promote equestrianism, helping to shape the future of the sport.

Her journey, however, was anything but easy. In this interview, she shares the struggles, setbacks, and triumphs that have shaped her career.

Early Struggles: Learning from Eliminations

Like many young riders, Meyer-Zimmermann faced significant challenges in her early years. Her first pony was strong-willed and loved to run, making it difficult to establish the precision needed for jumping. Finding the right distances was a struggle, and she experienced frequent eliminations in competitions—often at the second, third, or fourth jumps. But she refused to let these setbacks define her.

“I remember getting eliminated at the second-to-last jump for the first time,” she recalls. “That moment stuck with me because it symbolized progress. I knew I was getting closer to finishing, and if I kept working hard, I would eventually succeed.”

The transition to riding horses brought another set of difficulties. While she had gained experience competing on ponies, adjusting to the new distances and techniques proved to be another hurdle. She once again faced eliminations, but her determination never wavered. Through relentless training and perseverance, she began to find success during her junior and young rider years.

Breakthrough Moments: Finding Success with a Homebred Horse

A major turning point in her career came when she started competing with a homebred horse she had raised from a young age. Their bond was exceptional, and together they reached significant milestones, including winning their first Nations Cup and earning a medal at the European Championships.

“That horse meant so much to me,” she says. “We grew and learned together, and achieving those results was incredibly rewarding.”

This partnership marked the beginning of her rise in the international show jumping scene, but bigger challenges were still ahead.

The Hamburger Derby: A Test of Courage

Meyer-Zimmermann’s competitive spirit led her to take on one of the most challenging courses in equestrian sport—the Hamburger Derby. The event is notorious for its technical difficulty, including a daunting two-and-a-half-meter-high bank that riders must descend.

In her first attempt, she impressively finished around eighth place, a result she was proud of. Determined to improve, she trained intensely for the following year. However, the competition proved to be unforgiving. Misjudging a stride while coming down the bank resulted in a serious crash, leaving her injured and forcing her to take several weeks off.

“Regaining confidence wasn’t easy,” she admits. “I had to rebuild my trust in myself and my horse. I focused on my training, my technique, and my mental preparation. Setbacks are part of the journey, but I reminded myself why I love this sport in the first place.”

Unlike many top riders, Meyer-Zimmermann didn’t have the advantage of inheriting a stable full of championship-ready horses. Instead, she had to develop them herself, training young horses and turning them into top competitors.

“I never had a finished horse that I just needed to ride,” she says. “I always had to build them up.”

Pushing Forward: A Constant Drive for Improvement

Through all the ups and downs, Meyer-Zimmermann’s dedication to growth has remained constant. She sees every challenge as an opportunity to improve, both as a rider and as an individual.

“I believe it’s essential to see every challenge as a chance for growth and improvement,” she says. “Throughout my journey, I’ve met wonderful people who have supported and inspired me. I’ve also experienced moments of luck, but I recognize the importance of being proactive in taking opportunities that come my way.”

She emphasizes the value of hard work, persistence, and surrounding oneself with the right people.

“I’m always looking for ways to improve and develop as a rider—for both myself and my horses.”

Women in Show Jumping: Overcoming Barriers

Another aspect of her journey has been navigating the world of show jumping as a woman. Initially, Meyer-Zimmermann didn’t see a major difference in opportunities, but over time, she became more aware of the unique challenges female riders face in the sport.

“At first, I thought it didn’t make a difference,” she admits. “But as I’ve gained more experience, I’ve started to see that there are still hurdles to overcome.”

While she considers herself fortunate to have had a supportive environment, she recognizes that equestrian sports—like many other fields—are still evolving when it comes to gender equality.

“These challenges have shaped my perspective and growth as a rider and as an individual,” she says. “They’ve made me more determined to succeed and inspire others.” It’s also one of the reasons why I truly believe Deborah Mayer’s Iron Dames Project will change a lot for women in sport and I’m proud to be part of it!

A Legacy of Resilience and Passion

Janne Frederike Meyer-Zimmermann’s story is one of resilience, passion, and an unrelenting drive to succeed. From early struggles and career setbacks to rebuilding from the ground up, she has never lost sight of her love for the sport.

Her journey serves as an inspiration—not just for aspiring equestrians, but for anyone facing adversity. Through determination, hard work, and a willingness to push forward despite setbacks, she has proven that success is not just about talent, but about perseverance and belief in oneself.

And for Meyer-Zimmermann, the journey is far from over.

Ph Stefano Secchi | V. Sozzi

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