Initially focusing on jumping and eventing, Werth shifted to dressage at 17. This change came after Uwe Schulten-Baumer, a dressage coach and father of her friend Verena, invited her to try one of his horses. Werth expressed her love for dressage, stating, "I always had a soft spot for dressage. This is what I really, really love to do."

Achievements and Recognition

Werth's career is marked by numerous accolades. She won two gold medals at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and gold medals at the World Equestrian Games in 2006 and 2018. In 2020, she added team gold and individual silver at the Tokyo Olympics, bringing her total Olympic medal count to 12, a record for an equestrian athlete.

Her achievements have earned her several awards. She was named Best Athlete at the 2017 International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Awards and Sportswoman of the Year in North Rhine-Westphalia in 1999.

Philosophy and Approach

Werth's sporting philosophy revolves around hard work and cooperation with horses. She believes success is the result of dedication and teamwork. "Success is the end of a long road. It is the result of hard work and cooperation with the horses," she said.

Personal Life and Interests

Residing in Rheinberg, Germany, Werth balances her professional life with personal interests. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching tennis and Formula One, and supporting Schalke, a German football team. Her partner is Wolfgang Urban, and they have a son named Frederik, born in 2009.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Werth plans to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. She has also indicated that she will wind down her riding career after these games. "Paris is a turning point," she said. "I'll be 55 [in Paris] and I certainly no longer want to ride at the age of 60."

Professional Endeavours

Werth has diversified her career beyond riding. After working as a lawyer and in marketing for one of her sponsors, she established her own dressage training stable in Rheinberg in 2004. In December 2020, she was elected president of the International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC).

Legacy and Impact

Werth's legacy extends beyond her medal count. She takes pride in developing different horses and enjoys creating visions for their growth. "The number of medals is not important to me," she said. "I enjoy developing a vision and therefore I never get tired of it."

Her autobiography 'Vier Beine tragen meine Seele' [Four Legs Carry My Soul], published in 2018, offers insights into her journey and philosophy.

As Werth approaches the twilight of her competitive career, her contributions to dressage remain significant. Her dedication to training and developing horses continues to inspire many within the equestrian community.