Gina-Maria Schumacher, the daughter of Formula One legend Michael Schumacher, has appeared in her first-ever TV interview to speak about her regard for her father as he continues to recover from his 2013 skiing accident.
The 21-year-old equestrian was interviewed by the German broadcaster NDR in a program called Horse Adventures to discuss her love of horse back riding. She recalled that her father had often taken her to the racetrack to try go-karting, but she decided to pursue a career riding horses instead.
"I went go-karting for a season with my dad, but I preferred the horses," she stated, according to Express.
Gina-Maria, who is currently the reigning world champion in the Reining category of western horse riding, went on to compliment her horse "Gotta Nifty Gun."
"He is my one and only! I have never seen a horse as a machine. We ride tournaments because it's fun and do not force the horse," she said, as reported by Express.
Gina-Maria Schumacher has been making a name for herself in western horse riding. Among her achievements was securing the gold in the World Championships for junior riders last year.
The equestrian's father is still recovering from a skiing accident he suffered in France in 2013. The family has been looking after Michael Schumacher at his home near Lake Geneva in Switzerland, but they have kept silent about his condition, insisting that it is "not a public matter."
Michael Schumacher, who won seven world driving championships, was put in a medically-induced coma shortly after the accident, but was taken out of the coma six months later and is still recovering.
The 49-year-old racer is reportedly spending £115,000 (US$155) each week for care and treatment of the injuries he sustained in the accident.
Despite being tight-lipped about Schumacher's condition, the racer's manager, Sabine Kehm, has stressed that the family is grateful for the support from fans.
"What can be said is that the family really appreciates the empathy of the fans. The people really do see and understand his health situation is not to be shared in the public eye," Kehm said, according to Daily Star.
Last year, Gina-Maria gave encouragement to fans who are looking forward to his full recovery.
According to the Daily Mail, she posted a photo of a lake that she took from horseback, with the caption, "There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved #keepfighting."
The post has garnered over 1,800 likes along with messages of support from fans. "Magnificent, the ability of affection, god bless your loved ones #Keepfighting #TeamMichael," one commenter wrote according to Standard Republic.
