Christine Traurig
Rancho Santa Fe, California
Born: March 13, 1957

Christine Traurig, who was born and raised in Hanover, Germany, is the mother of a son and a daughter and assisted American husband Bernie Traurig, in the training of international show jumpers for nearly 15 years. Traurig made her return to dressage competition in 1997 after a four-year absence from the sport. She turned in a solid performance at the 1997 Bayer /USET Festival of Champions, finishing eighth overall in the USET Grand Prix Championship presented by Rio Suite Hotel & Casino. She also rode Assini Bon to a fifth place finish in the Grand Prix Special.

It was in 1998 that Robert and Colleen Haas purchased the 18 hand Westphalian gelding, Etienne by Ehrentusch out of Andora, for Christine, and she went on to win the USET Intermediare Championship at the Bayer/USET Festival of Champions. With the opportunity to go on to compete for the team in the Pan American Games in 1999, (which is at the Prix St George/Intermediare level), Traurig opted to go to Europe to train with Jo Hinnemann to the Grand Prix level and gain international experience in the competition arena. She admits she was "intimidated" but learned how to take charge. "We had some good shows and some not so good shows. " Christine told DressageDaily, but in the end they returned to America with the valuable experience that can only be achieved by putting in the miles where it counts, in Europe.

In America, Traurig credits Steffan Peters, USET Dressage team member and fellow Californian, who unfortunately had to withdraw from his seventh place position in the final selection trials for the Olympic team when his horse Grandeur, suffered colic and required surgery. Traurig's rapid rise to third place position after the first weekend of competition is a direct result in the coaching she received from Peters. "In spite of his misfortune, he has been there for me here during the selection trials every step of the way, and I want to thank him for that."

Traurig's owners Robert and Colleen Haas are much more familiar with the show jumping arena with daughter Elise one of the leading contenders for the USET Showjumping squad. "The Haas's are the most wonderful and generous owners a rider could hope for." Traurig stated. Elise Haas has credited Christine with invaluable help on her flat work and has stated the when Christine teaches her it is as if "she is riding the horse right along with me every step of the way."

Related Links
Christine Traurig and Etienne in Good Hands
Elise Haas and Mr Blue Win Showjumping Amsterdam