Equestrian Association – Martin Richenhagen: The tractor king takes the reins

Four gold, one silver: Germany’s riders once again proved their class at the Olympics in Paris. But their association, the German Equestrian Association, is in crisis. Last year there was a deficit of 976,000 euros and the president resigned. At an extraordinary meeting in Warendorf on Tuesday, the members elected Martin Richenhagen as the new president – almost unanimously.

Many have high hopes for the 72-year-old, including record Olympian Isabell Werth and show jumping legend Ludger Beerbaum, who campaigned for the candidate. Richenhagen, a former dressage rider, calls the FN a “case of restructuring.” That could suit him: From 2004 to 2020, the Rhinelander served as CEO of AGCO, the third-largest agricultural machinery manufacturer in the world, which also includes the German brand Fendt. Richenhagen likes to say that US President George W. Bush called him “Tractor King,” and Bush’s successor Barack Obama appointed him an advisor before he resigned under Donald Trump. He was »resistant to advice«.

The son of a primary school teacher ran a riding stable while he was studying theology. After years as a religious teacher, he moved into business, where he rose to become AGCO boss, but also served as a dressage judge. In 2008 he led the German equestrian delegation at the Olympics in Beijing. At that time, the equestrian competitions were held in Hong Kong. He now lives in Duluth, Minnesota, and also has US citizenship. He has his second home in Ostbevern, near the headquarters of the Equestrian Association, which he now wants to clean up, as he announced: “Anyone who doesn’t go along will have to leave.”