They are a highly successful mother-daughter duo and also a well-coordinated team in their private lives: Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Brianne Beerbaum have won numerous titles with their horses, albeit in different generations. In the CHIO Aachen podcast, they talk about why Brianne used to be a nervous rider, which concerts the two enjoy attending together, and how Meredith overcame her difficult beginnings in Germany.

A contemplative look at some of her own experiences, a look filled with incredible pride at everything to do with her daughter: Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, together with Brianne, is very open and shows many different sides of herself in the new episode of the CHIO Aachen Podcast. When she thinks back to her early days in Germany, she talks about difficult times. ‘I couldn’t speak German, but the sport here was also very different. There were many low points and many times when I thought: Maybe I’m not good enough, maybe I can’t do it, should I go back to America?’ But the 56-year-old never gave up and consistently worked towards her dreams.

And the greatest achievement was not participating in a World or European Championship: ‘I didn’t dream of the Olympics, I didn’t dream of championships, I just wanted to ride in Aachen, that was my biggest goal.’ To achieve this, she ultimately made the decision to take the ‘big step’ and exchange her American passport for a German one. How does the saying go? The rest is history! Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum won countless prizes and became the first and, to date, only woman at the top of the world rankings.

One person who could potentially follow in her footsteps is her daughter Brianne, who is incredibly successful and already received the Golden Riding Badge at the age of 15 – last year at the German Youth Championships in Aachen. ‘After coming here to watch for so many years, it was really great to ride here and then be awarded the Golden Riding Badge.’ Incidentally, her trophy collection also began in Aachen, as the two recount with a smile: many years ago in the CHIO Kids Club at the small show jumping tournament on foot.

Unsurprisingly, Briannes’ mother is incredibly proud of her daughter’s career so far and is fully committed to her role as coach and supporter: ‘It’s a perfect situation: now I’m back here in Aachen, but for Brianne at the Youngstars or the German Youth Championships. In August, we looked together at the winners’ board, where my name is on it. It’s actually like a big dream come true,’ she beams.

What they like to do in their free time, what dishes Meredith cooks for her daughter and why television appearances play a role are revealed in the new episode of the CHIO Aachen podcast. You can find it here and wherever podcasts are available.