Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein is new part of Swedish Elite team training

Since August 2025 Danish Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein and the Swedish Federation has formalized their collaboration, where Nathalie will be trainer together with long time team trainer Louise Nathhorst. Both with same mission, but just different eyes and tools.

As Nathalie says in the Swedish video interview above: “I hope I can bring new inspriration and motivation, to help Sweden to reach their goals. The way of training is to do it as easy as possible to reach the goal.“

“I think our addition with Nathalie can bring extra energy and kick for the riders. It´s nothing new Nathalie brings, it´s the harmonious riding we are looking for, and we are of course looking towards the better nations such as Denmark,” says team captain Stefan Jansson.

Nathalie has now been at the side training during different ocations, and as she tells H2R, she think it´s super exciting to be part of the further development for Sweden, as she see´s some really exciting upcoming horses with good riders, and with a set-up which makes it possible to chase new goals and achievements in the top sport for Sweden.

Så skydes 2025 udgaven af Dansk Varmblods Egnethedstest igang

På lørdag den 25. oktober er det årets første egnethedstest som afholdes på Vilhelmsborg.

Igen i år meldes der om stor tilslutning fra DV folket. På Vilhelmsborg tæller start feltet 72 ekvipager.

Dommer trioen er igen i år Vicky Nortvig, Rune Willum og Bjarne Nielsen.

Der er gensyn med flere championatsfinaledeltagere og flere ryttere har også flere heste klar.

Link til katalog og startlister her.

Næste egnethedstest er Hillerød 1. november.

88 young dressage stallions ready for HANN licensing

Danish Warmblood stallion Teglovnens Vitra by Vitalis / Sir Donnerhall II from Stutteri Teglovnen - Photo: Hannoveraner Verband

Complete list of stallions ready for HANN stallion licensing taking place from 20-22 November in Verden

Escaneno and Vitalis

Both Escaneno and Vitalis with 6 sons ready for the licensing, among them two Danish Warmblood sons by Vitalis bred by Stutteri Teglovnen and Witt Horses.

Video clip

As no live stream was available from the pre-selection, many of the stallions were captured privately by Jan Philipp Greve and is online at Facebook.

World Cup Herning opsummering

World Cup

World Cup stævnet i Herning kunne igen trække stærkeste opstilling for danskerne, herunder Mount St. John Freestyle med Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour som det endegyldige top trækplaster. Og de leverede i flotteste stil, med en Grand Prix tur, hvor Free aldrig er set skarpere og mere motiveret i en alder af nu 16 år. Det fortæller Cathrine bl.a. også om i det lille interview herunder. Video af hele Grand Prix klassen finder du nederst her, hvor du kan scrolle frem til Free og Cathrine top tur.

Med på sidelinien var naturligvis også Kyra Kyrklund, som udover Cathrine også står bag Maria von Essen med Invoice, og samtidig også supporter træningen af Sara Hyrm, der til daglig også har Vivi Vang-Lauridsen på sidelinien.

Næstbedste dansker i både Grand Prix og Grand Prix kür var Carina Cassøe Krüth med Heiline´s Danciera. Begge dage med super solide ture, piaffe med bedre regelmæssighed, selvom man godt kunne ønske sig lidt kvikkere rytme af jorden. Begge dage placeret som nr. 4, men begge dage med præstationer som burde have været på podiet.

Favour Gersdorf og Nadja Aaboe Sloth er næsten altid gode for ture uden fejl og det gør sig også gældende for denne weekend, dog med en lille fejl i changement mellem pirouetterne i Grand Prix´en. Umiddelbart lidt hektisk Grand Prix tur set fra siden, men som Nadja efterfølgende fortæller, får Favour desværre tungen over biddet, og det bliver derfor lidt mere end en almindelig udfordring at få det rigtige sug på tøjlen. Parret slutter som nr. 6 i begge klasser.

Rikke Dupont og Grand Galiano leverer en solid Grand Prix tur, men hvor en fejl i den frie galop desværre bringer dem lige udenfor placeringerne. Efter en god kür tur, hvor der alene indløber en teknisk fejl i toerne, går der en rum tid inden resultatet er online. Rikke forklarer efterfølgende at hun pludselig har fået vendt linierne, så hun rider den forkerte vej, men vælger at forsætte, og derfor bliver alt andet end succesfuldt. Dommerne havde ikke nogen chance for at følge undervejs, da de jo havde fået udleveret en anden floorplan. Det var en klar engangsforteelse, fortæller en ærgerlig Rikke.

CDI3 Grand Prix

Debut i international stor tur til Sara Hyrm med hendes 10-årige Atterupgaards Cooper.

Parret debuterede fornylig nationalt med to flotte ture og var klar til den internationale opgave. De leverede en flot Grand Prix tur med flot overblik og rigtig fine kvaliteter og vinder også klassen med flotte 71,261%. I Grand Prix Specialen kommer Sara på en ekstra opgave, da man tydeligt fornemmer at Cooper ikke føler sig godt tilpas i arenaen, da høje lyde fra standområdet gør ham utryg, og under vejs også med flere spændings udfald.

I hestevelfærdens tegn havde det været ønskeligt om Sara kunne have sejrsturen til fods, i stedet for at skulle medbringe Cooper til Grand Prix klassens præmieoverrækkelse. (Iøvrigt var det kun den sidste dag til sommeren EM at Sara og Cooper var sammen til præmieoverrækkelse, da hun fik lov at komme til fods de andre gange).

Alexander Helgstrand og Inspiration CF debuterede på internationalt senior niveau til sidste års World Cup stævne, og melder sig med to flotte ture i Herning ind blandt de bedste ekvipager. Piaffe, passage, overgange og pirouetter hører til i den dyre ende, og som Alexander og Inspiration får vist flot. Der indløber fejl i toer serien i Grand Prix´en, mens resten af serierne er på plads. Fortjent sejr i Grand Prix Special med 70,617%, hvor der indløber spændinger i skridtturen.

Karoline Rohmann og hendes nu 16-årige Jakas Don Louvre viser en stærk Grand Prix Special tur hvor de slutter som nr. 4, mens der i Grand Prix turen indløber lidt tekniske fejl og ubalance i piaffe/passage turene.

Zagori og Cecilie Jensen er også nye på internationalt senior niveau, idet de debuterede tilbage i maj måned i Ålborg. Ekvipagen kommer med individuelt Nordisk mesterskab i baggagen som de vandt i Finland tilbage i juni måned. Øvelsesmæssigt ikke rigtig nogle svagheder, men der mangler selvfølgelig stadig rutine kombineret med lidt mere præcision, for at gøre billedet og pointene skarpere.

Alle fire ryttere er en del af Team Danmarks Talentgruppe.

EQUILANNOO Muscle Plus 15 kg. tilskudsfoder til muskelopbygning - læs mere her.

Hannoveraner stallion pre-selection started with Danish Warmblood imprint

Danish Warmblood stallion Vitalis / Foxtrot / Sunny-Boy, breeder Witt Horses, Denmark, owner Rothenberger Adventures - photo: Hannoveraner Verband

Danish Warmblood stallion now selected for Hannoveraner licensing

Last day for HANN stallion pre-selection in Germany will be tomorrow Monday 20 October.

20 - 22 November the main HANN licensing takes place in Verden.

It is always interesting to follow the development of the horses, and for this boy he already caught H2R eyes when he was a young foal by his breeder Witt Horses in Denmark, and the connection was at that time made with his current owner Rothenberger Adventures.

As a foal

Now selected for HANN licensing

Vitalis / Sir Donnerhall II / Milan - breeder and owner Stutteri Teglovnen, Denmark. Photo: Hannoveraner Verband.

Also Danish Stutteri Teglovnen is ready for the main licensing with their home bred stallion Teglovnens Vitra by Vitalis / Sir Donnerhall II / Milan, presented for the licensing by CS Equestrian.

Laudrup-Dufour unstoppable as World Cup season opens in Herning

Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (DEN) made a powerful return to the FEI Dressage World Cup™ stage in Herning (DEN), claiming a convincing victory in the opening leg of the Western European League with a score of 90.175% aboard Mount St John Freestyle. The Danish athlete finished more than 8.5% ahead of runner-up Patrik Kittel (SWE), who scored 81.645% with Touchdown, the horse that helped him win the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final 2024 in Riyadh (KSA). Maria von Essen (SWE) and Invoice completed the podium in third with 81.040%, matching their result from last year’s Herning leg.

The road to the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final 2026 in Fort Worth (USA) began in style at the Jyske Bank Boxen Arena in Herning, where the home crowd cheered loudly for Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and Mount St John Freestyle (owned by Laudrup-Dufour & Zinglersen Aps and Mount St John Equestrian LLP). The pair, who took team bronze and two individual silver medals at the Jiva Hill Stables FEI Dressage European Championship 2025 in Crozet (FRA) just six weeks ago, were back in top form once again. Freestyle looked even fresher than in Crozet, showing an ideal balance between energy and relaxation.

The Herning atmosphere marked a clear return to indoor competition, with most horses showing extra sparkle and energy. “Outdoor, the sound disappears faster, indoor, it just comes right at you,” Laudrup-Dufour smiled.

 

“In the Grand Prix, Freestyle was sharper than ever! Today in the Freestyle she was more focused but still full of energy and motivation. I just took what she offered. I’m proud that we could ride a fault-free Freestyle, because my floorplan is very tricky.” 

 

 

Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour
(DEN)

"The crowd created an electric atmosphere throughout the evening, clapping along the final lines for many combinations. “They just give you wings,” said Laudrup-Dufour. “During the test they’re dead quiet, hoping for the best for you, they cheer for everyone, not just for the home-riders.”

Kittel and von Essen complete Swedish success

Second-placed Patrik Kittel was full of praise for both his horse and the Herning audience. “They’re so supportive! And I think that’s a good thing: the audience should be enthusiastic, clap and have fun, of course in a way that’s fair for the horses, but the horses get used to it.”

His 13-year-old gelding Touchdown (owned by Sommarkvarn AB) showed excellent form in the freestyle, with Touchdown swinging through his body, with highlights in the lateral work. “Yesterday he was maybe a bit too fresh, but today everything was back in shape. I was very happy with him,” Kittel said.

Maria von Essen (SWE) expressed similar satisfaction after her third-place ride on Invoice (owned by Alexanders Hovslageri & Häst AB). “It’s wonderful to be here and sit next to these two,” she smiled. Her elegant black gelding once again shone in the collected movements, the piaffe, passage and pirouettes, and they performed to music from Les Misérables, a Freestyle originally created for Laudrup-Dufour and her former ride Bohemian.

Strong showing from host nation Denmark

For the host nation, Carina Cassøe Krüth (DEN) and her Olympic mare Heiline’s Danciera (owned by Poul Thøgersen) finished fourth with 80.510%, becoming the first combination of the day to break the 80% barrier. Her canter pirouettes stood out as particular highlights.

Fellow Dane Nadja Aaboe Sloth (DEN) and Favour Gersdorf (owned by the rider) impressed again after their appearance in the Freestyle Final at the Crozet Europeans, today scoring 77.170% for sixth place after a clean, confident performance.

Germany’s Raphael Netz also delivered a smooth test aboard Great Escape Camelot (owned by Therese Boss and Sonja Kristina Krall). Riding immediately after Laudrup-Dufour, with the crowd still on their feet, he showed composure and feel, particularly in the passage and half-passes.

Veterans and rising stars

Sweden’s team was well represented beyond the podium, with experienced Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfvén (SWE) on Hyatt (owned by Lövsta Stuteri AB) and Sofie Lexner (SWE) on Inoraline W (owned by Christinelund Dressage).
Vilhelmson-Silfvén scored 75.005% riding to her Good Vibrations Freestyle, composed by the late Cees Slings, who passed away earlier this week. Vilhelmson-Silfvén has in Hyatt a mare with plenty of energy and talent for collection, though her eagerness sometimes still gets in the way.

Dutch athlete Geert Jan Raateland (NED) and Gladiator (owned by VMF Stables) slotted in between the two Swedish riders with a solid test showing great collected work, though a bit of tension in the canter cost some marks.

Young guns impress

Two of the youngest competitors in the field earned their place in the prize-giving ceremony.
Moritz Treffinger (GER, 22) delivered a confident World Cup debut with Cadeau Noir (owned by Gestüt Bonhomme GmbH & Co. KG), scoring 76.505% with a bold Backstreet Boys-themed Freestyle, where the canter tour particularly impressed the judges.

Just behind him came Rowena Weggelaar (NED, 20) and her 17-year-old Don Quichot (owned by Nelly Weggelaar), scoring 75.240% for eighth place with a clean and harmonious Freestyle. Weggelaar was also part of the Dutch team at the recent European Championship in Crozet and now looks set to target the indoor World Cup season.

Eyes on Fort Worth

While none of the Herning top three have yet confirmed their FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final plans, all agreed that next year’s FEI Dressage World Championship in Aachen (GER) remains their main goal. Kittel, however, hinted that he intends to compete in several more World Cup qualifiers this season.

The FEI Dressage World Cup™ now moves on to Lyon (FRA) in two weeks’ time, so don’t miss a hoofbeat!

FULL RESULTS

KWPN with first viewing of stallions under saddle for upcoming performance test

Photo: KWPN.nl

Yesterday with first viewing of the young stallions selected for the performance test back in February.

The young stallions selected back in February with full vet check had from April 1 their breeding registration for one year.

Traditionally, the young stallions could enter either a spring or an autumn performance test. However, this has now changed — only an autumn performance test will be available for the future.

The next saddle presentations are scheduled for November 5 and November 17, which will also include evaluations on a hard surface and a vet check. Based on these assessments, the breeding committee will decide which stallions are ready to begin the performance test this autumn, and which should instead be recommended — in consultation with the committee — to start the performance test in March 2026.

EQUILANNOO Active Mix 20 kg. hestefoder uden havre

Le Printemps des Sports Équestres will host the CDIO5*, the Officiel de France for dressage, from 16th to 19th April 2026

PRESS RELEASE

The French Equestrian Federation has entrusted the organisation of the 2026 CDIO5* of France to GL events Equestrian Sport as part of Le Printemps des Sports Équestres in Fontainebleau (77). The event, which was launched in 2022 and played host to a CDI5* in 2023, is continuing to strengthen its presence on international sporting stage. As a result, the 2026 edition will take place over two weeks. During the first week, dressage will take centre stage for 4 days, from 16th to 19th April. The second week will showcase five days of show jumping, from 22th to 26th April. All the classes at Le Printemps des Sports Équestres 2026 will be open to the public and free of charge, as they have been ever since the event was launched.

Perpetuating a key dressage event in France

In 2026, the CDIO5* of France will be organised at the Grand Parquet in Fontainebleau, as part of the fifth edition of Le Printemps des Sports Équestres, after being hosted for ten years at the Stade Équestre du Grand Parc in Compiègne. "We are honoured by the trust that French Equestrian Federation and the Fédération Equestre International have placed in us, by selecting GL events Equestrian Sport's bid to organise the Official de France for Dressage. After the first four successful editions of Le Printemps des Sports Équestres, which were very popular with riders, key industry stakeholders and the general public, and the experience gained by organising the equestrian events for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we are thrilled about showcasing equestrian sports at the highest level in the world once again. This major event on the international sporting calendar highlights our country’s prominent role in hosting top-tier equestrian events. I would like to acknowledge the outstanding work carried out by Mrs Marini and the Compiègne Équestre association, who successfully organised this competition for ten years. “We are proud to continue this legacy and safeguard the event’s future," underlines Sylvie Robert, President of GL events Equestrian Sport.

“The French Equestrian Federation has highlighted its commitment to excellence by awarding this 5* Dressage Nations Cup to GL events Equestrian Sport, led by Sylvie Robert and her committed and experienced teams.

This new dressage event, alongside show jumping, will perfectly enhance Le Printemps des Sports Équestres, which is now a benchmark in France and internationally,” confirms Frédéric Bouix, President of the French Equestrian Federation.

Le Printemps des Sports Équestres: two weeks of very high-level equestrian sport in France

The fifth edition of Le Printemps des Sports Équestres will feature four days of dressage and paradressage competitions in 2026, from 16th to 19th April, followed by five days of national and international show jumping, from 22nd to 26th April. So the event will host all the riders in the best possible conditions and offer spectators a programme that continues to embody the highest standards of international equestrian sport. “We are committed to bringing together as many enthusiasts and competitors as possible at all the events organised by GL events Equestrian Sport. By allowing riders to compete at major events they are able to gain experience and progress in the World rankings. As committed organisers, we aim to support all the horse and rider combinations so they can reach the highest level. We take immense pride in seeing riders and horses evolve over the years and in offering spectators a varied programme that is accessible to everyone. That is why the event will remain free of charge and open to the public throughout these two weeks,” explains Sylvie Robert.

In addition to the CDIO5*-NC, several competition labels will be showcased for dressage riders: a CDI3* and a CDI1*, a CDIYH* for 6- and 7-year-old horses, a CDIU25, a CDIY and a CDIJ for U25, Young and Junior riders.

Le Printemps des Sports Équestres actively supports para-dressage and will once again boast a CPEDI 3* and a CPEDI 2* in 2026, remaining one of the only international events for the discipline in France for the coming season.

As for show jumping, competitions bringing together the Master Pro FFE, CSI5*, CSI2*, CSI1* and CSIYH1* categories as well as a leg of the Amateur Gold Tour FFE - Vicomte A. circuit will be scheduled from 22nd to 26th April.

“With this new format, Le Printemps des Sports Équestres is the place to be in France, boasting two weeks of very high-level equestrian sport, confirming the position of the Île-de-France region, the Department of Seine-et-Marne and the Pays de Fontainebleau urban area, loyal partners of the event since it was created, as key places for equestrian sports,” confirms Sylvie Robert.

An unmissable event just a few months before the FEI World Championships

With just a few months to go before the FEI World Championships in August 2026 in Aachen (Germany), Le Printemps des Sports Équestres will be the setting for one of only three 5* CDIO events in the world. The competition will host teams preparing for this major event and promises some great sporting moments. “The circuit is the perfect opportunity to review the combinations that could be selected for the FEI World Championships for many national selectors. We look forward to hosting the stars of world dressage at Le Printemps des Sports Équestres, offering them an excellent working environment,” concludes Sylvie Robert.

Et kig tilbage på championatsfinalerne

De smukke ASK / BLUE HORS omgivelser, her med Lumiere UNIK og Caroline Hansen - foto: H2R

Championatsfinalerne med godt afsæt i de nye fordringer og bedømmelser

Den forgangne weekend stod i unghestenes tegn på Nordfyn, i de smukkeste rammer og bedste faciliteter på Stutteri ASK / BLUE HORS.

I år har de enkelte dommer teams været gennemgående hele vejen, og med et sæt ekstra nye øjne i finalerne.

Den ordentlige ridning i H2R optik er, hvor man ser rytterne guide hestene rundt uden forcering eller unødige korrektioner, i god form og med en god kontakt. Der hvor det ekstra lag med den gode ridning opstår, er med den gennemarbejdede og smidige hest, som sporer korrekt, og som naturligt er i balance under rytteren hele turen.

Til spørgsmålet om sporing og det at have sin hest på plads i ganaschen, fangede H2R Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour til hendes umiddelbare tanker: “Jeg tænker konstant sporing, uanset hvilken hest jeg sidder på. Hesten er som et tog på skinner, der kun er i balance på sine togskinner. Og at have sin hest på plads i ganaschen, er jo en del af at have den rigtige eftergivenhed. Den del vil jeg altid kunne lege med i træningen, om så det bare er en halv cm til den ene eller anden side. Det er en af mine måder, hvor jeg hele tiden mærker efter om hesten er eftergiven, og dermed kan være i stand til at følge min signaler uden spændinger. Selvfølgelig en hårfin fornemmelse, som jo i takt med at uddannelsen stiger, kan anvendes mere og mere forfinet.”

Er sikker på man godt kan glæde sig til mange flere guldkorn, hvis man har sikret sig billet til Cathrine & Kyra clinic 7. eller 8. november.

4 års finalen

Det er altid spændende at se den “nye årgang” af 4 års heste, da det jo ofte er her fra, at vi senere ser unghestechampionatsheste og UVM emner.

Under vejs i kvalifikationerne har dommerteamet været udskældt for kommunikationen overfor rytterne. Den tone fulgte desværre også med i den indledende finaleklasse, hvor man fik en klar opfattelse af en skarp tone og løftet pegefinger. Det er jo alt andet end den vej der fremmer interessen for at deltage i championaterne.

I finalen var kommenteringen kommet i mere ridemæssige positive og kontruktive hænder, som gav både ryttere og tilhørere en klart bedre oplevelse.

Avlersucces

Et kig ned over finalelisterne vidner om masser avler succes.

Placeret som nr. 2 i 4 års finalen var Jackson M e. Jovian / Fürstenball, ejet og redet af Helle Bønnelycke og avlet af Sanne Mathiasen. Den gudesmukke vallak erhvervede Helle sig da han var blot 3 uger gammel, og han var ikke familiemæssigt alene til championatsfinalerne. Jackson´s halvsøster Polka Perfection M e. Secret med Dennis Kjær var nemlig i 5 års finalen, da de har samme mor elite guldmedaljehoppen Polka Fascination M.

Også Stutteri EVO var skarpt repræsenteret til stævnet med rytter Anne Mette Strandby Hansen, som havde tre 4 års heste til start, samt EVO Schubidoo i ungheste GP, hvor hun vandt begge dage. Alle hestene var af egen avl.

Stævnets mest travle rytter var Selina Vittinghus med i alt 8 heste til start, herunder vinderen af årets Bundgaard Byg finale Atterupgaards Delorean, som med sejren takker af på lille-turs niveau, og nu er under forberedelse til Inter II/GP niveauet.

Berider elev Isabell Jepsen fra Hulbækgaard var også en af de travle med fem kvalificerede ungheste samt Bundgaard Byg deltager. Blandt de kvalificerede heste var to 4 års heste e. Iron begge avlet af Vicki Nedergaard, Nedergaard Dressage. Derudover stammer den 4 årige Alibi´s Isya e. Iron / De Niro også fra Vicki Nedergaards stamme, og som er helsøster til Ice Queen Eden med Emma Ahlberg som var til start i 7 års klassen. Iron´s helsøster SK Ivanna var blev Emma Ahlberg placeret som nr. 11 på i 5 års finalen.

Stutteri Svalegård var repræsenteret med to hingste Svalegårds Hot Driver som blev nr. 2 i 6 års klassen med Carina Cassøe Krüth og 4-årige Be-Live med Maja Raabjerg Sørensen som slutter som nr. 5, samt den 4 årige nyudnævnte sølvmedaljehoppe Svalegårds Dicte med Liv Marie Stignæs som blev nr. 12 i finalen.

Wind Equestrian rytter Caroline Hansen var også en af de travle med i alt 4 heste til start. H2R fangede både Caroline men også avler Morten Skov efter succesfuld 6 års trøstfinale, hvor Caroline indløste endnu en finalebillet med Lumiere Unik. ⬇️⬇️

Uden næsebånd

Jackson og Helle var stævnets eneste ekvipage som red uden næsebånd, som jo i dag også er blevet en mulighed iflg. det nye reglement. Jackson blev vist med en forbilledlig flot kontakt med lukket skummende mund. H2R fangede efterfølgende Helle for at høre om der måske var en forklaring, eller det bare var et valg at ride uden næsebånd.

“Jackson havde slået sig under kæben 10 dage for finalen. Det var helt udramatisk og såret var fint helet, jeg var blot bange for at skorpen skulle blive revet af hvis han gnubbede hovedet med trensen på. Han bliver ofte redet uden næsebånd, så selvom det ikke var så kønt, så valgte vi at det var en bedre løsning end at risikere at han kunne komme til gnubbe hul igen,” fortalte Helle.

5 års finalen

Den nye NorCordia rytter svenske Cecilia Bergåkra, fik med sejren i 5 års finalen, afleveret et særdeles nydeligt visitkort sammen med vallakken Fürstenklang. Parret blev nr. 7 i indledende og fik 10 i skridt. Mest bemærkelsesværdigt hvis man nærkigger på hendes præsentationer, så giver hendes ridning et billede af ro og balance, og med en rigtig god koordinering mellem hånd og sæde, som giver et blødt og harmonisk udtryk. Med på sidelinien som træner af ekvipagen var Anne-Marie Hosbond, som jo havde kvalificeret Fürstenklang til finalen.

Betina Jæger Jensen og hendes UVM partner Faustino G, avlet af Helene Geervliet, leverede skarpe præstationer i både indledende og finale, ligesom Betina også tog sig af placeringerne 4 og 6 i finalen, med Kiran G e. Kremlin med samme mor som Quinn G, og nr. 6 med Fredensdals Impressive.

Selina Vittinghus var også topplaceret med sine to Atterupgaard heste Daimi som nr. 3 og Bernachi som nr. 7. Begge skønne “arbejdsheste”, hvor arbejdsglæden ikke er til at tage fejl af.

Nanna Merrald har med sin egen Sevilla Pilekær DWB e. Vitalis / Apache en spændende hoppe til fremtiden.

6 års finalen

Selvom Daniel Bachmann normalt ikke prioriterer championaterne i uddannelsen af de unge heste, så var valget om at tage Farringhton helt sikkert en god beslutning, og et positivt skridt på vejen mod den videre uddannelse. I indledende blev formen under vejs lidt kort, mens Daniel i finalen havde en mere afspændt tur og dermed også en flottere ramme. Iøvrigt er det helt præcis 8 år siden Daniel sidst red championatsfinale, dengang var det på Blue Hors Zackerey hvor han blev nr. 2 i 4 års finalen.

Svalegårds Hot Driver går en tydeligt mere balanceret tur i finalen og bliver nr. 2.

En slags “Fun fact” om de to ekvipager. I indledende red Daniel med almindelig stål trensebid, som var skiftet til gummibid i finalen, mens Carina red med gummibid i indledende og skiftet til stål trensebid i finalen.

Susanne Barnow kommer til finalen velforberedt med sine heste, som er gennemarbejdede, smidige og friske til opgaven. Det giver også fortjent en 3. plads til Kjeldgårdens Django og en 6. plads til Jack Daniels ABN.

Både Michala Damm-Frydenberg og Josefin Nilsson får vist deres store ungheste optimalt i forhold til deres nuværende styrke. Sidstnævnte kommer fra en sejr i trøstfinalen til en 10. plads i A-finalen.

7 års finalen

Nanna og Bonsai tog for 3. år i træk sejren i championatsfinalen. På finaledagen også en klart mere flydende og afspændt tur end i indledende, men som H2R også noterede sig under vejs, manglede der måske lidt mere sammenhæng i karaktergivningen med 7,5 i skridten, of med dommer kommentar om kort/lang for slutteligt at belønne med 9,5 i kapacitet.

Susanne Barnow viste sin UVM partner EQ Secret Surprice i flot balance og med god power både indledende og i finalen, også selvom der opstår en lille teknisk, så er det stadig harmoni i absolut topklasse, også belønnet med 9,5. Iøvrigt er Secret Surprice tydelig blevet stærkere end vi så ham til UVM.

Lone Bang bliver nr. 3 med hendes “Brune” FA Viviani, hvor hun til finalestævnet ikke helt får vist ham med samme kvaliteter og ramme som til UVM.

Den solide uddannelse viser sig endnu tydeligere når man når op i 7 års klassen, og derfor bliver Rune Willum og Dudley Pax også placeret som nr. 4 i finalen.

KLIK HER FOR AT SE INSTAGRAM STORIES I LØBET AF CHAMPIONATSFINALE DAGENE

Det forlyder at næste års championatsfinaler bliver en del af World Cup stævnet i Herning (mandag til onsdag). Der er dog ikke meldt noget ud fra DRF endnu.

Lövsta Future Challenge International Dressage Tour kicks off season 4 at World Cup Herning

Cecilia Bergåkra and My Friend, photo / Pernilla Hägg

PRESS RELEASE

This week marks the start of the fourth season of the Lövsta Future Challenge International Dressage Tour. In collaboration with the Gothenburg Horse Show, World Cup Herning, and Jumping Amsterdam, the tour offers young U25 riders the chance to compete in some of Europe’s most prestigious arenas – the very same venues that host the FEI Dressage World Cup™.

Eight riders, including two Danish riders are set to compete in Herning. Swedish rider, but Danish based Cecilia Bergåkra, is returning to the tour for the second consecutive year. Last season she competed with IZack, a partnership that has since earned both a Swedish Championship silver medal and a place on the Swedish B-team. This year she brings My Friend (born 2011, by Friendship–Troll, bred by Carina Edin & Stiven Wiklund, owned by the Bergåkra family, CEO Equestrian & Carina Edin).

“Riding the international LFC Tour with IZack gave us invaluable experience and confidence stepping into senior Grand Prix competitions. It has also helped me in developing Maya further, and I’m really looking forward to creating new memories with both horses as the season opens in Herning,” says Cecilia Bergåkra.

After the 2023 competitions in Herning, Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén, founder of Lövsta Future Challenge, summed up her impressions:

“It’s fantastic to see such great interest in our tour. The level of both horses and riders is very high – most of them are already competitive in international Grand Prix.”

And she was right. Several riders who have competed in the LFC International Dressage Tour have since progressed to senior international Grand Prix. In the CDI3* Grand Prix Tour, five of the 17 riders are former LFC participants — three Danish, one German, and one Swedish. The CDI3* also includes a former winner of the Lövsta Future Challenge National Tour for Young Grand Prix Horses, while the World Cup class features two previous finalists.

Germany’s Moritz Treffinger is among the World Cup starters; after earning his first international U25 placing in Herning in 2023, he now returns to compete in the World Cup:

“I’m really looking forward to competing in the World Cup! Taking part in the LFC international competitions has given me so much valuable experience of riding in the big arenas, but above all, it’s been fantastic to watch and learn from the top riders up close. I’ve taken every opportunity to follow their training sessions, ask for advice, and be inspired.”

Show Director Casper Cassøe is looking forward to welcoming the U25 riders back to Herning:

- "It is a great pleasure for us to once again be part of the Lövsta Future Challenge. We are very excited about this collaboration and the valuable opportunities it creates through the tournament. Support from engaged partners like Lövsta is absolutely crucial for the continued development of our sport.

The Lövsta Future Challenge provides talented U25 riders with a platform to compete at an international level — an essential step in their future journey. We see tremendous interest in the series from riders, trainers, and spectators alike, and we look forward to another inspiring edition in Herning."

The tour keeps its format, with competitions held at World Cup Herning in October, Jumping Amsterdam in late January, and the Gothenburg Horse Show in February.

You can find the program and tickets for World Cup Herninghere.

De første ekvipager er klar til finalerne i 4 års, 5 års og 7 års

De smukkeste rammer for championatsfinalerne på en solbeskinnet efterårsdag, hvor flere havde valgt at lægge dagens træning på de smukke udenoms arealer på Stutteri ASK / Blue Hors i Martofte på Nordfyn.

Dagen startede med indledende 4 års klasse, hvor de 22 bedste blev kvalificeret direkte til finalen, og hvor der for første gang i år, ikke er trøstfinale med adgang for yderligere ekvipager for finaledeltagelse. Det betyder at trøstfinalen alene er en selvstændig konkurrence, hvilket også giver god mening i hestevelfærdens tegn i forhold til at de blot 4-årige heste ikke kan komme til at gå tre konkurrencer i løbet af finalerne, men blot to.

I 5 års klassen var det de 12 bedste som nu er finaleklar, mens det i 7 års klassen var de 8 bedste. For de 5 års følger morgendagens 3 bedste ekvipager fra trøstfinalen til finalen, samt yderligere 2 ekvipager til finalen fra 7 års trøstfinalen i morgen.

Gennemgående dommerteams

De gennemgående dommerteams fra årets kvalifikationer sad også klar i de indledende klasser i dag.

Under årets kvalifikationer blev der fra flere sider meldt om negativ formidling af ridtene for de 4 års heste.

Efter dagens indledende klasse var ordvalget og formuleringerne flere gange desværre med negativ formidling af budskabet. Ordvalg som “vi kunne godt tænke os at DU som rytter formår at få vist hesten frem i en lidt bedre form”, eller “Det er din opgave som rytter, at hjælpe hesten derud, så den kan vises frem i en lidt mere korrekt form”.

Kommenteringen fra både Jens Holm i 5 års og Dennis Holst i 7 års var under vejs både konstruktive og positive.

Denmark and Sweden to headline FEI Dressage World Cup opener in Herning

The FEI Dressage World Cup™ Western European League is set to begin its 2025/2026 season in Herning (DEN) from 17 -18 October, with a strong field of 19 horse-and-athlete combinations. Just six weeks after the FEI Dressage European Championship in Crozet (FRA), Europe’s leading athletes are back in action for the indoor season. Host nation Denmark and their Scandinavian neighbours Sweden arrive in full force, bringing nearly their entire FEI Dressage European Championship line-ups to the Jyske Bank Boxen Arena.

Danish bronze medallists return to home ground

Three combinations from Denmark’s bronze-winning team in Crozet are entered for the Herning qualifier. Among them is World No. 3 Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, who took individual silver at the FEI Dressage European Championship and won last year’s FEI Dressage World Cup™ leg in Herning. With her 16-year-old mare Mount St John Freestyle (owned by Laudrup-Dufour & Zinglersen ApS and Mount St John Equestrian LLP), she has maintained consistent Grand Prix scores above 80% and will once again start as one of the clear favourites for victory on home soil.

Laudrup-Dufour will be joined by her fellow European Championship team members Nadja Aaboe Sloth with Favour Gersdorf (owned by the athlete), who also qualified for the Freestyle Final in Crozet, and Rikke Dupont with Grand Galiano (owned by Gert Buchhave and Allan Hansen). Olympian Carina Cassøe Krüth will also make her return with her Tokyo partner Heilines Danciera (owned by Poul Thøgersen).

Swedish squad at full power

Sweden fields its complete European Championship team for Herning. Patrik Kittel, winner of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final 2024 in Riyadh (KSA) with Touchdown (owned by Sommarkvarn AB), leads the line-up. He is joined by Maria von Essen with Invoice (owned by Alexanders Hovslageri & Häst AB), Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven with Hyatt (owned by Lövsta Stuteri AB) and Sofie Lexner with Inoraline W (owned by Christinelund Dressage).

Also travelling to Herning is Caroline Darcourt with Lord Django (owned by Lövsta Stuteri AB), who already secured an FEI Dressage World Cup™ Central European League qualifier victory last weekend in Tallinn (EST).

Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands also represented

A number of leading combinations from Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands will join the Scandinavian nations in Denmark. For Germany, Carina Scholz will compete with Soirée D’Amour OLD (owned by CBK Pferdezucht GmbH & Co. KG), the mare she also rode at the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final 2025 in Basel (SUI). The pair have already secured a World Cup qualifier win this season in Dunajský Klátov (SVK) as part of the Central European League. Germany’s entry list further includes Dorothee Schneider with First Romance 2, 2024 Finalist Raphael Netz with Great Escape Camelot, Fabienne Müller-Lütkemeier with Valencia AS, and Moritz Treffinger with Cadeau Noir.

Belgium will be represented by Isabel Cool with Herr Charmeur Coolhorses and Alexa Fairchild with Fairplay.

For the Netherlands, Rowena Weggelaar, just 21 years old and a member of the Dutch European Championship team in Crozet, starts with Don Quichot. She is joined by compatriots Geert Jan Raateland (Gladiator) and Jonna Schelstraete (Ironman).

Season 39 heads towards Texas

Now entering its 39th season, the FEI Dressage World Cup™ will conclude in the United States from 8-12 April 2026. Three years after the Finals in Omaha (USA), the 2026 Final will return across the Atlantic for the seventh time in the series’ history, and for the first time ever will take place in Fort Worth, Texas (USA).

It has been 17 years since an American athlete last claimed the FEI Dressage World Cup™ title: Steffen Peters and Ravel in Las Vegas (2009). The only other U.S.-winner remains Debbie McDonald with Brentina in Gothenburg (2003).

The North American League (NAL) began its 2025/2026 campaign last month in Devon (USA), where Benjamin Ebeling and Bellena (owned by Ann Romney) took the first victory, perhaps signalling the start of a home-turf journey towards the Fort Worth Final. The NAL calendar continues with qualifiers in Canada, Mexico and several events across the United States.

Western European League calendar

This year’s FEI Dressage World Cup™ Western European League features ten qualifiers rather than eleven, following the cancellation of Madrid Horse Week in late November. The season opener in Herning will be followed by Lyon (FRA) at the end of October, and Stuttgart (GER) in November. December will host London (GBR) and Mechelen (BEL), before the series moves on in January to Basel (SUI) and Amsterdam (NED). February brings Neumünster (GER) and Gothenburg (SWE), while the last qualifier once again takes place in ’s-Hertogenbosch (NED).

The top nine combinations from the Western European League will earn their place at the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final 2026 in Fort Worth (USA). Defending champion Charlotte Fry (GBR) automatically qualifies for the Final, provided she competes in at least two qualifiers this season. Fry claimed the 2025 title in Basel with the black stallion Glamourdale.

All set for the FEI Dressage World Cup™ season

The 2025/2026 FEI Dressage World Cup™ series will officially begin on 17 October at 14:00 (local time) with the Grand Prix in Herning, followed by the Freestyle to Music on 18 October at 12:00 (local time).

With top athletes from across Europe and beyond lining up, the opening leg promises an exciting start to what looks set to be another thrilling season of FEI Dressage World Cup™ action — from Scandinavia to the heart of Texas.

The latest information, results, and standings throughout the 2025/2026 season can be found here.

På tur til Tyskland med Hannoveraner Avlsforeningen i Danmark

Hvis ikke du har fulgt med på Instagram og Facebook i weekenden kan du fange op med de forskellige opslag her.

Klik på fotoet herunder for at se alle Instagram stories fra weekend ⬇️⬇️

Endnu en clinic dag med Cathrine og Kyra

PRESSEMEDDELELSE

Vi udvider med en ekstra clinic!

Vi blev blæst fuldstændig bagover, da vi onsdag åbnede billetsalget til clinic med Kyra Kyrklund og Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour. På kort tid var alt udsolgt - og vi ved, at mange af jer stod tilbage skuffede over ikke at nå at få en billet.

Derfor har vi arbejdet på højtryk for at finde en løsning og nu kan vi endelig dele de gode nyheder: Vi udvider med en ekstra dag!

Lørdag den 8. november kl. 10.00 – 14.30 får endnu flere muligheden for at opleve Kyra og Cathrine på Slangerupgaard når vi igen sætter 500 billetter til salg.

⏰ Billetsalget åbner i morgen, mandag den 6. oktober kl. 18.00.
👉 Billetterne frigives automatisk præcis på klokkeslættet. Ved det første billetsalg stod der hurtigt “udsolgt”, men løbende blev billetter frigivet igen, når reservationer udløb efter 10 minutter. Derfor kan det betale sig at opdatere siden, selv hvis der står udsolgt i starten.

ℹ️ Bemærk: Dem, der har tilmeldt sig ventelisten til fredagens clinic, får 𝙄𝙆𝙆𝙀 fordele i dette billetsalg - alle starter lige, når billetsystemet åbner.

Læs mere om clinic’en her - https://ctrk.klclick.com/l/01K6T18JCNRX2RBJZD23WY8H7V_2

©Horse2rider.com • horse2rider.com@gmail.com