TRUST MEETS PERFORMANCE
Mara Meyer is an international Para Dressage rider, a member of the German national squad (Bundeskader NK 1), and one of the most promising talents in German parasport. She won the German Nachwuchschampionat in Para Dressage, competed successfully at the Senior National Championships in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and was listed on the longlist for the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.
Mara lives with a form of infantile cerebral palsy (ICP), which in her case presents as spastic tetraparesis – meaning that movements are restricted or appear jerky due to disrupted signal transmission between the brain and muscles. Balance, coordination, and muscle tone are significantly affected. She competes in Grade I – the classification for riders with the most severe physical impairments. There are five grades in total (I–V), with Grade V for athletes with the least impairment.
Her inspiring story left a deep impression on us. Mara found her way to horses through hippotherapy – therapeutic riding as targeted support for her health, which has positively and lastingly impacted her life. Like many six-year-old girls, she was horse-crazy and highly motivated to learn how to ride. The positive effects on her physical condition were so great that her parents arranged a part-lease for her – and not long after, “Little Dream” became part of the family. This special pony carried Mara from beginner classes all the way to her first national championships in Para Dressage. In her early years, riding in a conventional saddle wasn’t yet possible – for years, a sheepskin saddle was the best solution.
,,RIDING IS TRUST FOR ME", SAYS MARA.
“There was never that one defining moment when I decided to go all in with the sport,” Mara explains. “It was always a ‘let’s see how far we can go’ kind of journey with my ponies.” When the search for a full-size horse began, one thing was clear: the goal was to reach international top-level sport – and that’s how Daily came into her life. “Daily is simply the absolute best and the kindest partner I could ever wish for.”
Because she can’t physically influence the horse as much as riders without impairments, Daily’s willingness to engage and cooperate is absolutely essential. He is not only her sport partner but also her best friend. The two spend a lot of quality time together – far beyond just training. Mara places great value on ensuring Daily leads a horse-appropriate, happy life: “Daily takes such good care of me and is always considerate of my needs.”
When Mara and Daily recently competed at a tournament, Werner Christ Horse was proud to be part of their journey – with our sheepskin saddle girth and sheepskin saddle pad, which Mara praises: “Even after several heavy rain sessions and a wash, both pieces are still in perfect shape and super fluffy!”
“So many amazing people work behind the scenes to support us – the biggest thank-you to all of you,” Mara wrote on Instagram after the event.
We warmly congratulate Mara and Daily and thank them for their trust.
And of course, our congratulations also go out to the new German champions @isabellnowaksonnenbrink & @heidemarie.dresing!
What makes us especially proud: our products have been part of Mara’s journey for many years – and have stood the test of time. “We’ve had the sheepskin saddle for about 18 years now – and it’s still in great condition,” she says. “By contrast, we’ve already had to replace the girth from a cheaper brand twice – after just a year and a half.”
For Mara, our products are her “invisible everyday heroes” – and that’s exactly why we make them.
Thank you, dear Mara, for your words, your trust, and your outstanding performance. It’s an honor to accompany you and Daily – in sport, in everyday life, and in all the quiet moments in between.