Sophie Hinners
Riding the path to excellence
A rider of exceptional composure and finesse, Sophie Hinners has delivered notable performances across the highest levels of equestrianism and played a pivotal role in Germany’s team success at major international events.
From national promise to international prominence
Born in Germany, Sophie Hinners was immersed in equestrian sport while still very young, riding at the age of four on her aunt and uncle’s farm. She advanced rapidly through the national ranks with a reputation for technical command and strategic clarity. In 2019, she was selected to take part in the Young Riders Academy education program, a prestigious initiative supporting promising talents in equestrian sport partnered by Rolex.
Hinners secured the German Ladies Championship title in 2021, riding Vittorio. In 2024, she made history at the Bundeschampionat by winning all three medals in the six-year-old show jumping horse category – a feat never before accomplished – and became the first woman to win a CSI5* World Cup Grand Prix in Verona.
At the beginning of 2025, she finished fifth overall in the FEI World Cup™ Final in Basel, making her the highest-ranked German rider and the top-placed female competitor. On the team stage, she delivered a crucial clear round to help Germany win the CSIO5* Nations Cup at St. Gallen. She competed in the Rolex Grand Prix at Aachen where she delivered two clear rounds, enabling her to qualify for the jump-off in a highly competitive field. She also competed at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament.
Redefining show jumping
Together with fellow Rolex Testimonee Richard Vogel and business partner David Will, she now runs a stable of international importance in Germany, where she trains and breeds horses while continuing to compete at the highest level.
She is also a key member of the Iron Dames, the first all-women elite show jumping team.
Sophie Hinners became a Rolex Testimonee in 2025.