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Isabell Werth: Break from tournament after losing her partner
Isabell Werth takes a break from competitive sports after the death of her partner Wolfgang Urban. A look at their shared history.
Isabell Werth: Break from tournament after losing her partner
The death of Wolfgang Urban has cast a shadow over the world of equestrian sports. Isabell Werth, the eight-time Olympic champion and one of the most famous dressage riders, has decided to take a break from competitions. She made this decision after the loss of her partner, who died on October 6, 2025 at the age of 80. Loud North24 National trainer Monica Theodorescu confirmed that Werth currently has no intention of riding in public and is taking a much-needed rest period.
Wolfgang Urban was not only a successful merchant, but also Werth's partner. His career was impressive: he began his career in retail at Kaufhof in Cologne in 1973 and soon became a key figure in the industry. In 1995 he took over the management of Kaufhof Holding and carried out significant restructuring. After the merger of Karstadt and Quelle, he was CEO of the retail group in Essen from 2000 to 2004. Unfortunately, he was forced to resign in 2004 for health reasons. “There’s something there,” one might say, considering the responsibility and challenges he had to bear during those years. Urban and Werth have a son together, Frederik, who was born on October 30, 2009.
A life full of commitment
The two met through a sponsorship deal before Werth separated from her then coach Uwe Schulten-Baumer. Urban was an important pillar in Werth's life, but he often stayed in the background and rarely appeared at horse shows. The loss of his life leaves the dressage rider with a void that is difficult to fill.
Werth had originally planned to compete at the indoor riding tournament in Stuttgart next weekend. However, given the current circumstances, this does not seem to make sense. The national coach said that Werth plans to return to the indoor tournament in Frankfurt in December. This will certainly be a moving comeback, but until then it is important that she uses the time for herself.
The mourning for Wolfgang Urban has also touched the equestrian community. Werth's fans and friends are thinking of her and sending comfort in these difficult days. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop, but the hope for Isabell Werth's return remains unbroken. Eurodressage highlights how impressive Urban’s life’s work was and the influence he had on Werth’s career. It is a heavy loss that is not only personal, but also felt by many who admire the rider.