Eva Maria Pracht riding Emirage at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, winning dressage team bronze.

Two-time Olympic dressage rider, Eva Maria Pracht, has passed away at the age of 83 on Monday, after developing a COVID-19 infection.

Known for her incredible passion and ability for riding, she championed the discipline of dressage in Canada, encouraging a new generation of riders to take on the arena. But for Eva, Dressage had always been a family affair.

Born on 29 June 1937, Eva was the daughter of the renowned German Olympic dressage gold medallist rider and trainer Josef Neckermann.

It’s no surprise then that Eva grew up in the saddle, but initially she had interest in showjumping, before turning her attention to her father’s discipline.

She represented Canada in two Summer Olympics in the dressage team – the 1984 Los Angeles Games riding Little Joe and again in the 1988 Seoul Games riding Emirage, winning dressage team bronze.

Tributes have flooded in for the dressage legend, with many saying her passing has left a hole in the heart of Canadian dressage.

“A very talented, elegant and passionate rider and coach who will be greatly missed,” wrote Canadian dressage rider, Tina Irwin, on Facebook.

“She was a stickler for position and never let us get away with anything less than great and reminded us of this constantly! ‘Stop hampling around in the changes, mensch!’ was one of her favorite lines.”

“She always spoke very proudly about her daughter Martina and her granddaughter Sabrina and all of their accomplishments.”

“We were extremely fortunate to have been part of her life and learned from her. She will always be in our heads when we ride and we will never forget this one of a kind woman!”

Equestrian Life’s thoughts are with Eva’s family and friends.

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