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Olaf Petersen Jr. is one of the world's leading FEI show jumping course designers. Born in Germany, he grew up immersed in equestrian sport, following in the footsteps of his father, legendary Olympic course designer Olaf Petersen Sr. Before becoming a course designer, Olaf Jr. successfully competed in international Grand Prix show jumping, giving him first-hand experience as an elite rider. This competitive background continues to influence his approach to designing fair, technical, and horse-friendly courses for riders at every level.
Discipline
Show Jumping
FEI Course Design
Years Active
International Grand Prix Rider
Course Designer since 1990
FEI International Course Designer since 2002
FEI Level 4 Course Designer
For more than three decades, Olaf has designed courses at many of the world's most prestigious international competitions, becoming one of the most recognizable names in modern show jumping course design.
FEI Level & Certifications
FEI Level 4 Course Designer (highest FEI certification)
International FEI Course Designer
International Grand Prix Rider (former)
As an FEI Level 4 Course Designer, Olaf is qualified to design Olympic Games, FEI World Cup Finals, Nations Cups, European Championships, CSI5* competitions, and other top-level international events.
Olympic & FEI Assignments
Olaf Petersen Jr. has built an impressive international résumé that includes some of the sport's most prestigious championships.
Olympic Games
Major FEI Championships
His assignments have taken him to competitions throughout Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East, Australia, Africa, and South America.
Championships Designed
Some of Olaf's most notable course design assignments include:
2004 Athens Olympic Games
2005 Southeast Asian Games (Manila)
2006 Asian Games (Doha)
Longines FEI World Cup™ Qualifiers
Spruce Meadows CSI5*
Winter Equestrian Festival (Wellington)
Del Mar CSI
Thermal CSI
Los Angeles World Cup Qualifier
Helsinki World Cup
Numerous CSI5* Grand Prix competitions around the world.
National & International Shows
Throughout his career, Olaf has designed competitions in more than 40 countries, including Germany, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Australia, Japan, Finland, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Mexico, Egypt, China, Spain, Italy, Norway, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. His extensive international experience has made him one of the most sought-after course designers in the sport.
Signature Course Style
Olaf is known for designing courses that reward thoughtful riding rather than simply testing scope. His philosophy combines technical accuracy with fairness, encouraging horse-and-rider partnerships to demonstrate rhythm, balance, precision, and careful planning. His tracks are recognized for flowing lines, intelligent use of the arena, and questions that challenge even the world's best combinations while maintaining horse welfare as a priority.
Favorite Technical Questions
In interviews and presentations, Olaf has emphasized creating courses that test:
Rhythm and consistency
Forward, balanced riding
Adjustability between fences
Technical combinations
Related distances
Efficient track management
Rider decision-making under pressure
His designs encourage riders to think strategically while allowing horses to jump confidently and naturally.
Interviews, Publications & Podcasts
Featured Interviews
Puissance America – The Artistic Engineer: Olaf Petersen Jr.
Horse Times Egypt – 60 Seconds with Olaf Petersen Jr.
The Plaidcast – Live Oak International interview discussing course design and international competition.
Official Website
Olaf shares his professional résumé, current assignments, and course design information through his official website.
Podcasts & Links
Official Website
https://www.op-worldwide.com
The Plaidcast (The Plaid Horse)
https://www.theplaidhorse.com
Puissance America Interview
https://puissanceamerica.com
Awards & Honors
FEI Level 4 Course Designer
Co-Course Designer – 2004 Athens Olympic Games
Course Designer for multiple FEI World Cup Finals and Qualifiers
Selected to design CSI5* competitions at Spruce Meadows
Recognized internationally as one of the world's leading show jumping course designers.
Mentors & Professional Influence
Olaf credits his greatest influence to his father, Olaf Petersen Sr., one of the most influential course designers in the history of show jumping. Working alongside his father provided him with a strong foundation in technical course design, horse welfare, and the importance of creating fair yet challenging tracks. Building upon that legacy, Olaf Jr. has developed his own internationally respected style while continuing to contribute to the evolution of modern course design.
