Another kind of horsepower for Schumacher

18/10/2012

Michael Schumacher says he aims to swap his cockpit for the saddle when he retires from Formula One next month.

The German, who is to retire after the Brazilian Grand Prix, says that his wife Corinna is urging him to get involved in Western riding, a style of horse riding which evolved from the ranching and warfare traditions brought to the Americas by the Spanish Conquistadors, in which both the equipment and riding style evolved to meet the working needs of cowboys in the American West.

"I'm thinking of getting involved in Western Riding competitions," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Corinna, who has been doing these events for years, has already chosen the right horse for me. I'll give it a try..."

His love of cowboy shirts already well documented, such a move might seem to have been written in the stars, five of his titles having been won with Ferrari in a Marlboro sponsored car, the cigarette brand having used a cowboy (the Marlboro Man) as a major part of its image for almost 50 years.

However, while it might be Yee-haw to check shirts, jeans, boots and the saddle, Schumacher, says that he has no plans to take part in any other form of motor sport.

"Formula One offers the maximum in terms of emotion, speed, and complete work. Any other kind of car would not give me the same emotions. I am stopping here completely," he said.