Heinrich-Wilhelm Johannsmann started riding one of his father’s mares when he was 12 years old. He started riding at the Steihagen Equestrian Club, and it is here that he picked up the nickname that was to last – ‘The Kaiser’ – when an instructor told him he sat like an Emperor. After he completed school he wanted to become a professional rider, but at his parent’s request, he trained as a saddler. While doing his military training, he rode at Warendorf, with Hans Günter Winkler was one of his instructors.

In 1978, he was part of the German team that placed fifth in Aachen, and the following year, he won team silver at the European championships in Rotterdam. ‘Kaiser’ went on to ride in 22 Nations Cups.

He retired from competition in 2005. From 2011 to 2013, he coached the Ukranian team before taking up a coaching role with the German FN.