Laura and Enno Klaphake, a family approach to top level showjumping

For Laura Klaphake and Enno Klaphake, horses were part of daily life from the start. Their parents were already deeply involved in the sport, and that environment shaped both careers early on.

“We were born into a horse family,” Enno explains. “Our parents have a passion for horses.”That shared structure still defines how they operate today. Training, competing, and decision making all come from the same base. Laura is clear about the advantage. “It’s a big gift that it’s in the family. We have the same passion. We should not take it for granted.”

Starting out and stepping up From watching to competing

Enno’s path began slightly later, at a time when Laura was already competing at a high level. “I started later with the horses,” he says. “And for sure, Laura was always super ambitious. She was very successful.” He watched her compete in major venues, including Aachen, where she delivered strong Nations Cup performances. That set a clear reference point. The shift came when he stepped into bigger classes himself. “One day, I won the Under 25 in Aachen. That was very nice,” he says. That result remains one of his key milestones.

Building individual careers

Both riders have developed their own results and style. Enno highlights steady progress. “I’ve been successful in ranking classes and Grand Prix. Recently in Leipzig, I jumped clear. And here at the Sunshine Tour, the young horses are going well. That makes me happy.” Laura’s career includes championship experience and Nations Cup success.“I was very lucky with the support of my parents,” she says. “That’s why we are where we are today.” Her standout moments reflect consistency at the top level.

“The World Equestrian Games, Team Bronze clear rounds in Aachen, and winning Nations Cup classes there. Those are memories for a lifetime.”

Learning from each other, Different strengths

Although they no longer train in the same stable, the exchange continues. “What I can really learn from her,” Enno says, “is that in the ring she is very forward in a positive way. She has good nerves. For me, she’s a natural talent.” Laura points to the contrast between them. “I’m the person that gets stressed easily. He always stays quiet.” That difference creates balance, especially under pressure.

Daily exchange and problem solving

Their communication is constant, especially around the horses.“Concerning horses, it’s super nice,” Laura explains. “We can talk and find solutions. Sometimes one person is jumping better with a horse, sometimes it’s the other.” That flexibility allows them to adapt quickly and make practical decisions. “We can always make each other better,” she adds.

A family team in practice Support and structure

The family setup plays a central role in their consistency. “It’s not happening in so many families,” Laura says. “That we can work together like this.” Support goes beyond training. It includes planning, feedback, and managing pressure. “We are a great team and always support each other,” she says. Enno keeps it simple. “Now we’re at shows together, and it’s a lot of fun.”

Managing pressure and expectations

Ambition is high on both sides, which can create tension. “Sometimes we are not patient enough with each other,” Laura admits. “We are all ambitious, and sometimes we get really into it.”

Still, the structure holds. “In the end, we are always there for each other. We have the same goal. And family is the most important thing.”

Looking ahead

Both riders continue to build their careers while staying closely connected through their shared system. Enno focuses on progression through results and developing horses. Laura brings experience from championships and top level team competitions. The approach remains consistent. Keep communication open. Trust the system. Work as a unit.

For the Klaphakes, success is not built individually. It is built together.

© Rights Reserved.