July 3, 2023 
After Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen, third place finisher Philipp Weishaupt (GER) of Beerbaum Stables was conspicuous absent from the press conference.
Midway through the panel the doors swung open and an out of breath Weishaupt briskly took his seat in front of the rolling cameras and a room full of journalists. After a few more show jumping queries, the discussion seemed to come to a close.
“Any more questions?” the commentator asked. The journalists were quiet. Weishaupt, however, leaned into his mic.
“I actually have to say one thing, and I have to be careful that I don’t start to cry,” started Weishaupt.
“I don’t know if any of you know this, nobody on the team knew about it including me, but the reason I was late is because Ludger just retired from the sport. They just did the ceremony in the main arena.”
The fact was unbeknownst to most, perhaps even to Beerbaum, who clued in organizers about the possibility but ultimately made the decision on the day. The winningest rider in history has talked of retiring for years, though “it was often as a joke,” according to Weishaupt. Still, with his 60th birthday approaching, the Beerbaum Stables team knew the date was drawing nearer.
Though not before he could jump the Rolex Grand Prix one last time, a class he never planned to ride this past weekend. Eoin McMahon (IRL), who rides for Beerbaum stables, unfortunately broke his hand, leaving 11-year-old Mila without a pilot. Instead of scratching her, Beerbaum had a better idea.
“[McMahon] was supposed to jump Mila here. Then Ludger got in the last moment because he said ‘No, there is 1.5 million euro on Sunday, we have Mila in top shape. She has to jump here. Let me get on her.’ And he did really well. He said, I think the translation is ‘when you let an old dog hunt again,'” Weishaupt explained.
The name Beerbaum has been synonymous with show jumping for nearly 40 years. The German master has collected 20 international medals, ridden for his country on 133 teams, and made 24 championship appearances. Like his compatriot Marcus Ehning, Beerbaum won the Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen three times. He also won the Mercedes-Benz Nations’ Cup with the German team six times.
Choosing to retire after the Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen is perhaps the least surprising element of his decision. Universally regarded as the biggest equestrian event in the world, it is also home to the rider based out of Riesenbeck.
“Aachen is unique. You have all carried me on to success for so many years with your enthusiasm and always stood by me through all my victories and defeats,” said Beerbaum to a crowd 40,000 strong.
He then took an emotional lap of honor as spectators cheered and emphatically waved their white handkerchiefs per Aachen tradition. For the Beerbaum team it is the end of a golden era, especially for his groom Marie Johnson, who began working for him when she was 18 and is now 66.
“You can imagine, it’s a whole life together. It is a touching moment,” said Weishaupt.
His team retention is a testament to who he is as a horseman and a person. His main owner and sponsor
Madeleine Winter-Schulze has been dedicated to his career for 35 years. For Weishaupt, it was simply an honor.
“I think this guy for sure was the best rider ever. He so far has the most wins in the Grand Prix and the most medals in any championship. It is a big honor to work for him. Together with Aachen, there is a special relationship. He deserved to have a goodbye with this crowd. I think he showed everybody today that he is still really capable, he had one unlucky fault. But the way he rides still at 60 years old and coming back with his broken hip after eight weeks, still limping. He’s an insane man and thank you to him.”
While his own name may leave a gap on the entry list, he is bringing up a fleet of riders to keep the Beerbaum legacy at the top of the sport. Weishaupt, McMahon, and Christian Kukuk are among the distinguished few.
“I look back on a great time as a rider. I have travelled the world and had wonderful experiences. Now the time has come to make room for the younger generation.”
