May 27, 2026
Udo Lange, a top German dressage trainer and five-time Professional Riders’ Champion, has died at the age of 83.
Udo, awarded the title of “Reitmeister” (Riding Master) in 1996, initially pursued eventing and show jumping but switched full time to dressage. He rode his first Grand Prix in 1971.
He established himself as an independent professional in 1975, according to a biography by German journalist Jan Tonjes.
Udo Lange won the dressage championships seven times—and once in eventing–in Baden-Württemberg.
His mount, Fashion, was named best horse at the 1985 German Dressage Derby.
Udo’s students included included Belgium’s Antonie “Ton” de Ridder and European Champion Margit Otto-Crepin of France.
He co-managed his own equestrian facility in Lower Franconia with Canada’s six-time Olympian Christilot Boylen. They were also a couple in their private lives.
He suffered cancer in his later years and died at his apartment in Medingen.
