Name: Bobby and Danica Meyerhoff
Location: North Carolina, USA
Discipline: Eventing and Showjumping
We chatted with the Meyerhoffs to find out more about their horses, career and ambitions…
Beginnings
Bobby first got involved with horses at four years old, attending Pony of the Americas’ shows with his mother and grandma. By age nine, he had joined the Pony Club and started his career in eventing.
Danica started in 4-H on a pony, before also joining the Pony Club. She purchased her first ex-racehorse at age 16 to start eventing. After many years eventing, she made the switch to solely showjumping in 2012.
Who is the biggest influence in your career so far?
Bobby: Karen O’Connor, I trained with Karen while riding Dunlavin’s Token at the top level of eventing for four years, she taught me a great deal about how to polish my riding and get the most out of my horse in all three phases.
Danica: Definitely my current coach Harold Chopping, he was someone I admired growing up and aspire to ride like in my future career.
What is the highlight of your career to date?
Bobby: Finishing top 25 at the Rolex Kentucky three day event.
Danica: Being named to the Pan American team in 2011 for Canada. Although I was unable to fulfil riding for the team in Mexico it was still an honour to have been initially chosen.
Can you share your best advice with us?
Having a great support system is crucial, work hard and surround yourself with a team of people that believe in your dreams as much (if not more) than you do!
What are your goals for the future?
Bobby: Winning a 5* and riding for team USA.
Danica: Winning an FEI competition and representing team Canada.
Tell us about your horses
Bobby’s Horses
Fortuna: Level CCI3*L 8 yr old 15.2hh KWPN mare started at 3yrs old and produced by Meyerhoff Show horses, has all the opinions and ability of a much bigger mount, “Tuna” is a bit of fire with an incredible love for eventing.
Lumumba: Level CCI2*L 9yr old 17hh Mecklenburg mare bought 2years ago by the Donovan Group as a potential team horse, she is proving to be all we thought she would be and more!
CASO: 7yr old 17.3hh gelding a fairly new mount imported from Germany in January this year, has mostly show jumping experience up to 1.35m, starting his eventing career at Novice and looks to be an incredible talent for the future.
Omnipotent: 6 yr old OTTB currently competing training with all the pieces to be a top 5* contender, looking forword to starting his FEI career next season.
Danica’s Horses
Casanova II: Level 1.30m 8yr old 16.2hh Canadian Bred Holsteiner gelding that I started myself and competed from 80cm to current.
EWSZ Mozart: Level 1.20m 7 yr old 17hh Zweibrucker gelding owned by the Mozart Syndicate. Purchased as a 5yr old with sights on the upper levels, “Mo” is a barn favorite with tons of scope and very sweet in your pocket personality.
Chico: 6yr old 16.2hh Holsteiner gelding currently starting his career in the hunter ring.
What’s most important to you when you’re buying a horse?
Temperament and quality of canter, it’s so important to have an active strong hind leg and equally as important they have the brain to let you coach them how to use it.
What are your favourite Shires Equestrian products?
The StormCheeta is amazing, from the fit to the durability, there’s just no better long lasting winter blanket! You can kiss layering blankets and messing with liners goodbye, the StormCheeta is your ultimate all in one winter rug! We love it!
Keep up-to-date with the Meyerhoffs and their horses here: