Isabell Werth has always been a down-to-earth dressage rider. Her trusty Gigolo has been her partner through thick and thin and together they conquered the world. Werth has remained focused and kept both feet on the ground. Even though she has "excellent help" the multiple medallist still grooms her own horses when she can, brings in their water and digs ditches round her stalls when the tent on the show ground is being flooded by rain storms.

"Riding is more than riding," she claimed. A strong personal bond with the horse is a first step to success. "First you have to build up a relationship, you have to love your horse and then all the rest is just fun." Werth describes 'riding' as the coronation of a relationship between man and horse that is based on trust. When her busy schedule allows it, she accompanies her horses during their flight to international competitions. "I'm too nervous to sit at home, or to go in business class on the plane, or just wait on my horses in a hotel." Werth finds it "quite normal" that a strong personal bond with each horse is necessary.