Schumacher junior saddles up at European championships

Gina Schumacher, the teenage daughter of seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher, dazzled the crowds in a demonstration event at the European equestrian championships in Aachen on Friday.

Michael Schumacher, 46, is recovering at his Swiss home following a serious head injury from a skiing accident in December 2013, which left him in a medically-induced coma for six months, but his offspring are carrying on the family name.

Dressed as a cowboy, 18-year-old Gina, a double European junior champion, took her bow in a guest appearance by showcasing reining, a western-style riding competition, before the start of the team competition on Friday.

"She was very honoured and had a lot of fun," said Sabine Kehm, Schumacher's manager.

Schumacher's task was not made easier by riding an unfamiliar horse, the seven-year-old stallion Sharp Dressed Shiner, which she had only ridden for the first time the night before.

Germany coach Nico Hoermann says Schumacher, who is the world's top ranked junior, is on his radar for the future.

"She is one of our greatest talents," he said.

Kehm says it is unclear whether Schumacher is targeting a professional equestrian career.

"This is no master plan for the future," said Kehm.

Gina has riding in her blood as her mother, Corinna, hosts a large reining tournament in Givrins, Switzerland, once a year.

It promises to be a busy weekend for the Schumacher family as Gina was heading straight to Nurburgring after her guest appearance in Aachen to watch her younger brother Mick, 16, compete in a Formula Four race.

Mick Schumacher, who is racing in his first season having graduated from the go-karting circuit, is ranked 15th of 26 racers with four races left this season.
Source: AFP