Beer, sausages, football, engineering, the list of areas in which the world takes its lead from Germany is well known and long. What is perhaps less widely appreciated is the hold the nation has long exerted over Olympic equestrian arenas. Astonishingly, Germany has won more than double the number of Olympic equestrian gold medals compared to its nearest rival, Sweden. A closer look at the statistics and things only get better for the Germans.

Germany's 38 golds are split between 19 in dressage, 12 in jumping and seven in eventing. It is only in this final discipline that Germany gets pushed into second place, with the USA's 13 silvers combining with their seven golds, to place them narrowly ahead. In jumping France lie in second place with six gold medals, while Sweden are a vast 12 gold medals behind in dressage.

Given this, it seems inevitable that all of the top three Olympic equestrian medal winners are Germans, with Reiner Klimke's six gold medals and two bronzes putting him narrowly ahead of compatriot, Isabell Werth.

Germany has won 10 out of the past 13 Olympic team dressage gold medals, with Isabell Werth (far right) claiming four team golds (Photo: Getty Images/Robert Cianflone)

Without in any way wishing to fall into lazy national stereotypes, it is perhaps no surprise that Sönke Lauterbach, Secretary General of the German Equestrian Federation (FN), cites organisation and discipline as the key facets behind his nation's sustained success.

“Implementing high standards of education and breeding over many years is crucial. This has remained unchanged since the middle of the last century and we strive to keep it up,” Sönke explains to Rio2016.com.

This consistent and balanced focus on both human and horse is highly prized. The FN is one of the few equestrian federations in the world to have its entire operation under one roof and one administration.

“There is no special structure that separates the different disciplines and I consider this crucial to the development of the sport,” says Sönke. “Having breeding and sports development under the same roof enables closer collaboration and faster decisions.”

Such efficiency is not confined to the elite level. The development programmes are clear and simple for all. 

“One could say our riders grow into the sport. They start with pony competitions (up the age of 16) then compete in the juniors (until 18) and the young riders (18-21). The very best are then supported on their way into the international events,” explains Sönke, adding “and every age group has its own national coach.”

This one sport-one federation motto leaves little room for political in-fighting or internal competition. Its impact is reflected not just by the depth of German success but also by its breadth.

At London 2012 Germany failed to win a medal in the individual dressage for the first time in 32 years as Helen Langehanenberg finished fourth (Photo: Getty Images/Alex Livesey)

German dominance in dressage has long been indisputable, with three Germans topping the all-time Olympic dressage medal table, but it is now also beginning to exert a similar hold over the jumping arena. At Rio 2016, the 51-year-old Ludger Beerbaum will be attempting to match compatriot, Hans Gunter Winkler´s five career gold medals.

The cycle of success the Germans have been on for some seven decades drives remarkable levels of interest. Currently, more than 1.2 million Germans, aged 14 and above, actively participate in equestrian activities. A further one million intend to take the sport up and a massive 11 million more profess a keen interest in horses.

As is traditional however, staying put on the pinnacle gets harder and harder. Not only have others started to copy and catch up but circumstances in Germany have also changed. The national economy has tightened and with it, social habits have altered. Unsurprisingly, the FN has plans to combat both phenomena. They are already chasing new income streams and plan to launch a nationwide membership drive.

Less easy to mitigate against is the leap forward made by rivals. “Jumping has developed brilliantly in Asia and particularly the Arabian countries. The international horse trade and the work of many top European trainers has considerably advanced progress,” says Sönke.

Eventer William Fox-Pitt was one of three GB riders to top the world ranking lists at the beginning of May 2014 (Photo: Getty Images/Mike Hewitt)

Germany´s traditional rivals have also stepped it up. In May 2014, riders from Great Britain simultaneously took the lead in the world ranking lists in all three disciplines for the first time. In jumping, France and Brazil are strong, while Australia, New Zealand and the USA pose the biggest threats in eventing. In dressage, there is an on-going three-way power struggle between Great Britain, the Netherlands and Germany.

Such heightened competition was in evidence at the 2012 Games, with the 18 medals being shared between eight countries. Germany claimed two golds, one silver and a bronze – a fine collection but a touch below historical comparisons.

Sönke is quick to point out that more than half of his team in London were competing at a Games for the first time. To no one´s surprise, they also quickly implemented a four-year plan to “remain one of the most successful equestrian nations”. Considering the success they have enjoyed since the 1950s, it would take a brave man to bet against them come Rio 2016.