DV sølvmedaljehoppen Delizia er solgt
H2R har fanget avler og medejer Lotte Liv til en snak hele rejsen. Det at være med på sidelinien og her med ejer partnerskab sammen med rytter Anne Troensegaard, og senest med steppet op på Grand Prix niveau med berider Anne-Mette Strandby Hansen i sadlen.
During Horses & Dreams in Hagen H2R as usual did some running live comments from the different classes at Facebook, and looking back into one of the top outdoor shows there´s been a lot of excellent presentations. Not talking about the exact performances but more likely the overall impressions from some of the top presentations during the days.
The weather was typical Hagen weather starting with winter season and changing to summer season.
Wednesday - well balanced and top timing for young Semmieke Rothenberger with Farrington for the CDI3 Grand Prix
One of the main goals riding a Grand Prix or any other competition test is being able to performe without technical issues. This goal is very often succeeded by young and very experienced Semmieke Rothenberger. She is always super well prepared with her horses - a nice treat to watch.
For the CDI3 Grand Prix as was the opener of this years Horses and Dreams in Hagen Semmieke showed her 15 yr old gelding Farrington by Jazz / Samba Hit I. It was just their 3rd senior Grand Prix together and at the same time their 3rd Grand Prix victory.
New partnership
For the CDI3 some exciting new combinations showed. Isabell Werth with Special Blend, 10 yr old by Sezuan/Hotline, Patrik Kittel with 11 yr old Dante´s Herzchen by Dante Weltino / Hochadel and Jessica von Bredow-Werndl with 10 yr old Diallo by Dancier / Floriscount.
All three riders with top experience bringing it all into the arena with best guidance for their horses.
Werth´s Special Blend brings a lot of talent, and as we know Werth is also using her time in the arena to educate and adjust in order to bring things together. For Special Blend the walk is at the moment not fully relaxed and balanced.
Kittel shows a very talented Dante Weltino daugther still with some insecure moments for the piaffe tours.
Jessica is showing Diallo without any weaknesses, walk, trot, canter, piaffe and passage. Steady contact, nice frame and sharp hindlegs.
Super interesting to follow the three new combinations and from H2R point view Diallo look like a clear successor for Dalera even though there´s no horses like Dalera for Jessica.
Thursday
Denoix PCH and Katharina Hemmer is a clear treat to watch. Sometimes a bit of a handful for Hemmer, but in Hagen they were really bringing everything together. At the same time the weather conditions were more than challenging for the entire day but they were both fully focused on the job all the way for the Grand Prix and for the freestyle. A treat becauce of the lightness, obedience, correctness, suppleness and harmony.
Friday with top analysis from Sönke Rothenberger about his own Grand Prix performance
Fendi and Sönke Rothenberger is back on track with their Hagen performances.
Listening to the analysis Sönke did at Clipmyhorse with Kim Kreling after his Grand Prix performance the overall goal was to make Fendi more comfortable and being able to “breeth” more during the entire performance which succeeded. Many super interesting comments from Sönke about his performance where he really takes us along for the exact feeling during the exercises.
Louisdor Preis qualifier
Here you have next generation of German top horses.
A look down the list of placed combinations it was pure nice presentations. Below the ranking from the preliminary test. For the final Juliane Brunkhorst with DSP Diamante Negro stood out with a clear victory with Charlott-Maria Schürmann with Dante´s Pearl OLD placed 2nd. Both now qualified for the Louisdor Preis final and both were also in the final for Nürnberger Burg Pokal final in December.
Nürnberger Burg Pokal qualifier
Winner of both preliminary and qualifier for the final was 2024 World Champion young horses Life Time FRH with Charlott-Maria Schürmann. The first day really shining with power and expression all the way while he looked a bit tired for the qualifier.
Other highlights were Majestic Taonga by Toto jr / Jazz, lots of potential for the future, like also Bombastik and Veuve Clicquot showed great potential.
Dante Weltino OLD offspring took the stage
Impressive “collection” of Dante Weltino offspring in Hagen. All with expression, power, super contact and showing great abilities.
CDI3 - Dante´s Herzchen with Patrik Kittel
CDI1 - Dancelli with Beatrice Hoffrogge
Louisdor - Dante´s Pearl OLD with Charlott Maria Schürmann and Deltana with Frederic Wandres
Som noget helt nyt afholdt dyrlæge og kirurg Kira Madsen fra Højgaard Hestehospital her til aften et webinar om OCD.
Der var knap 100 online som fulgte det interessante webinar, der varede ca 45 minutter og med efterfølgende mulighed for spørgsmål.
Et super aktuelt emne som blev detaljeret gennemgået, fra startstadiet hvordan hestenes led udvikles, helt frem til evt. operation og genoptræning.
PRESS RELEASE
Having progressed hugely in recent years, France can hope to give a strong performance at the Internationaux de Dressage being held at Compiègne for the 14th time from the 1st to the 4th of May. The prospect of a Nations Cup victory can even be conceivable, a scenario that was unthinkable just a very short time ago. However, the competition will remain very strong… as always at the Grand Parc Equestrian Stadium.
The french team, 3rd the 2024 FEI Nations Cup
From the 1st of May to the 4th, dressage enthusiasts will gather in the Oise region of France for Compiègne’s 14th ’’Internationaux de Dressage’’. In the CDIO 5*, the weekend's flagship competition, the battle for victory promises to be beautiful to watch, intense and, above all, unpredictable. Eight nations will compete for the prestigious Nations Cup, the only French stage of the FEI Nations Cup World circuit, which also has stopovers in Wellington (USA), Lier (BEL), Rotterdam (NL), Aachen (GER), and Falsterbo (SWE). As is often the case in post-Olympic years, the usual hierarchy could be shaken up with teams often made up of new horse and rider combinations competing at the highest level. With Denmark and Sweden, last year's first and second placed teams, absent, there is huge uncertainty... which could be favourable for France. “I'll be fielding a strong team because this is a very important competition for us,” announced the team selector Jean Morel at the start of the season. He has kept his promise.
Third last year at Compiègne and, more importantly, fifth at the Paris Olympic Games (the best result in its history), France can indeed hope for even better. In order to achieve this, they will be counting on Pauline Basquin and her 15-year-old Sertorius Rima Z IFCE, its star pair, ranked 15th in the World. “I'm really impatient because it's also the first time since the Games that we'll be competing as a team,” said the rider. ”I've missed it. I love the Nations Cup for its team spirit. And then Compiègne is special. It's the French Mecca of dressage.”
Second last year in the Grand Prix Libre behind Sweden's Patrick Kittel, the rider from the Cadre Noir de Saumur will be joined by two of her team mates from the Paris Olympics, Alexandre Ayache with Jolène and Anne-Sophie Serre with Jibraltar de Massa (the reserve in Paris), and also by Caroline Godin on Querida de Hus.
France's main competition is likely to come from across the Rhine. Winner of the first stage of the FEI circuit in Wellington, Germany, the reigning Olympic champions, will be represented by the young (26-year-old) Raphaël Netz (19th in the World) and Dieudonne, Mathias Alexander Rath and Destacado FRH, Carina Scholz (22nd) and Blue Horse Veneziano, and finally Frederic Wandres, a member of that team crowned in Versailles, who will be competing in the Oise with Joy Game, with whom he was second in the CDI 3* at Compiègne last year (the pairs last international outing).
Also worth watching are Great Britain, with a new-look team made up of pairs competing for the first time at 5-star level, the Netherlands, a historically successful nation, Belgium led by Larissa Pauluis, an Olympic rider (competing in Compiègne with First-Step Valentin), Spain and Portugal with Maria Caetano and Hit Plus, the pair selected for the Versailles Games. Finally, Poland will be counting on Suanne Khrohn and Titolas, a son of the legendary Totilas. All the teams will be taking advantage of the CDIO 5* in Compiègne to review their line-ups ahead of the European Championships (August 26-31, at Crozet, in France’s Ain region), the big international rendezvous of the season.
In the other categories
CDI3* and CDI1*: With nine entries in the CDI 3* and three others in the CDI 1*, the French team staff will have an excellent opportunity to judge the quality of its pool of riders in these competitions, which allow 5* level riders to bring-on their other horses and give up-and-coming riders international experience. French entries will include Alexandre Ayache, Marc Boblet, Stéphanie Brieussel, Alysée Roussel, Bertrand Liégard, and Pierre Volla, all experienced riders, as well as some new faces. The Netherlands will also be well represented in these two classes.
CDIU25: While the Dutch rider Daphne van Peperstraten, ranked 5th in the World in her age category, is the favorite, France will be counting mainly on Mado Pinto (ranked 16th) with Sirano de Luxe and Alexandre Cheret with Bamona to secure placings on the podium.
CDIYR, CDIJ, CDICh and CDIP: In the young riders, juniors, children and pony events, spectators will be able to enjoy watching Dutch riders Micky Schelstraete (Kavallo) and Floor Kulik (Bella Rosa), the World’s top-ranked pairs in the young riders (CDIYR) and children (CDICh) categories. In the pony class, Germany’s Leni-Sophie Gosman, ranked No. 2 in the World, will be the hot favorite with Diamantina EA WE. France will also be well represented, with notably Lou Eden Commenge, Ines de Koninck and Anna Dupuy Pelardy, members of the French Junior Team at the last European Championships and now Young Riders, Lucie Planchet in the Juniors, Ninon Dupuy Pelardi in the Children’s and Charlotte Pons in the ponies.
The World-renowned Lorenzo for an exceptional show on Sunday, May the 4th.
International star Lorenzo will be presenting his show on Sunday, May 4, at 3 p.m. Throughout the World his shows are eagerly awaited, and are always greeted with the same enthusiasm and emotion. Impressive and, above all, unmissable.
Free Entry & Parking | On-Site Catering Available
Riders & horses entries: click here
Starting list & results: click here
FEI Press Release
Lausanne (SUI), 28 April 2025
In a major step to elevate equestrian sport in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets, the FEI has signed two landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with China’s leading media organisations, Xinhua News Agency and China Media Group (CMG).
The agreements were formalised during a high-level visit to China last week by FEI President Ingmar De Vos and Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez.
The MoU, signed by Xinhua President Fu Hua on behalf of China’s official state news agency, establishes a collective effort to advance equestrian sports, particularly in China. The FEI and Xinhua – which is one of the four official international news agencies recognised by the IOC – will join forces to enhance on-site reporting, produce in-depth coverage, and create integrated media content, all aimed at promoting equestrian sports and culture to a global audience.
This collaboration will place a special emphasis on Chinese equestrian athletes, following their journey to major upcoming events such as the National Games in November 2025, the FEI World Championships in 2026 in Germany, and the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Building on this momentum, the FEI also signed an MoU with China Media Group (CMG) for programming rights in mainland China and Macau for key FEI events, such as the Longines League of Nations™, the FEI World Championships and European Championships.
This ground breaking agreement, signed by CMG President and Vice Minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee Shen Haixiong, aims to significantly boost the visibility of equestrian sports in China through live broadcasts, highlights, and in-depth storytelling, with a particular focus on the preparation of Chinese athletes for international competitions.
“The media has played, and continues to play, a pivotal role in making equestrian sport more relatable and engaging, ensuring that audiences — young and old — are not only entertained, but also inspired by the journeys of our athletes,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.
"As President of this global federation, it has been incredibly rewarding to witness the growth of equestrian sports in China. Our shared objective is clear: to deliver informative, compelling content that deepens the understanding of the sport and keeps people excited and invested in equestrian culture, driving even greater popularity in China and beyond.
“Over the years, we have seen remarkable progress of our sport in China, and we look forward to its continued development in the country.”
Chinese athletes have shown exceptional performance on the international stage.
In 2024, the Chinese Endurance team secured a silver medal at the FEI World Championships. At the 2023 Asian Games, Chinese Eventers won both team and individual medals. Additionally, China was represented in Jumping and Eventing at the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020 and in Eventing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
Significant investment has also been made in world-class equestrian venues, including purpose-built showgrounds, indoor arenas, and equestrian clubs, some of which host FEI events.
In 2025, China will host 13 international equestrian competitions, ranging from 1* to 5*, across several cities. These events include the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ China League began on 26 April, marking the start of a highly anticipated season for equestrian sports in the region.
Photo caption: FEI President Ingmar De Vos and Xinhua President Fu Hua at the signing ceremony in Beijing. (c) Xinhua Media Agency
The British rider Becky Moody, world number 4 in the dressage rankings, was in fine form again on Sunday in the Princes arena. The crowds turned out in numbers for the flagship class of the Printemps des Sports Équestres CDI 5* competition: the Grand Prix Freestyle Région Île-de-France.
And the best riders on the CDI 5* circuit put on a great show with a series of top-quality routines, combining technical precision and artistic expression, cheered on throughout by the enthusiastic audience. Having already impressed yesterday in the Grand Prix Devoucoux, Becky Moody confirmed her supremacy this weekend by winning the Freestyle event with Jagerbomb. Her masterful routine set to a lively Beatles soundtrack clearly won over the judges, who awarded her the winning score of 84.380%. The fact that this was the first time the British rider had presented this freestyle-to-music routine outdoors made the performance even more remarkable. Second place went to Belgium's Larissa Pauluis, who performed an incredibly elegant and smooth routine with her faithful Flambeau. Set to a soundtrack inspired by Jean-Jacques Goldman's greatest hits, she posted a final score of 78.375%, confirming her horse's steady progress in the Freestyle discipline.
Pauline Basquin, the Cadre Noir rider, finished third on the podium with Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE. Despite a small fault on her second line of tempi changes, she delivered a performance full of finesse, rewarded by a score of 77.265%. Sertorius was more relaxed than in yesterday's Grand Prix and totally in tune with his rider. With this wonderful finale to the week's dressage competition, the Printemps des Sports Équestres in Fontainebleau once again confirmed its status as a major event in international equestrian sport.
Becky Moody (GBR), winner of the Grand Prix Freestyle Région Île-de-France:
"It's been a wonderful competition, with a fantastic team working behind the scenes. It's the first time we've been here, and my horse and I enjoyed it immensely. We performed two good routines, with some really positive aspects, although there were a few little mistakes, but overall he was great. I think the score we obtained today really reflects the quality of the routine. It was the first time we'd presented this freestyle routine outdoors.
I'd love to be at the next European Championships,but it's still a bit early in the season to be certain of anything. We'll see how things progress, but that's one of my goals.
Jagerbomb was born on my farm and I'm his owner. That makes it all the more special to have reached this level together. I'm incredibly lucky to have him with me, especially since we have worked hard to achieve what we did today, which is the fruit of all the experience I gained with all my previous horses.I intend to keep him with me right to the end, and then let him retire to the meadows at home when the time comes. I think my banker would rather I sold him... but no (laughs)."
Larissa Pauluis (BEL), second in the Grand Prix Freestyle Région Île-de-France:
"Flambeau and I are continuing to improve. His movements are getting better all the time, and I'm convinced he still has plenty of room for improvement. We've already exceeded the 80% mark in Freestyle, so that's a major objective that we've already chalked off this year."
Pauline Basquin (FRA), third in the Grand Prix Freestyle Région Île-de-France:
"I'm really happy with our performance today, because I felt that I'd lost the connection with my horse a bit recently. Riding really teaches you to remain humble, and constantly ask yourself questions. Sometimes we improve certain things, but then lose in other areas. Lately, things have undoubtedly been a bit more difficult for us. Today, in the Freestyle,I felt that I had regained my horse's confidence, particularly in the piaffe and pirouettes.That's the most important thing for me, even if a few points were below par today."
Raphaël Saleh, President of the Ground Jury for the CDI 5* competition at the Printemps des Sports Équestres:
"What we saw today is very promising for the future of horse riding. I'm delighted that we have a competition of such high quality in Fontainebleau.It's important for French sport. The riding we saw is really going in the right direction, with the assessment criteria increasingly focused on harmony, good contact and horses that do the work on their own. That is how our sport is evolving, and today's freestyle routines were a reflection of that."
Sylvie Robert, President of GL events Equestrian Sport:
"I would like to thank the French Equestrian Federation and the International Equestrian Federation, as well as all our public and private partners for their support. This is an extraordinary site that is being completely renovated. Everything is progressing nicely, which means we can really start planning to hold major competitions in Fontainebleau. We've had a fantastic line-up this year, and I'm delighted with the great performances we've seen.
In addition to the dressage events, I feel it is also important to continue to support the development of para-dressage. So, we will continue to develop dressage even more at the Printemps des Sports Équestres, while also including para-dressage on the programme. As always, our aim is to organise the very best events for horses and riders, and to keep improving every year. Together, we are all moving forwards, with the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games firmly in our sights."
Photo: PSV Photo / J Morel
Everest & Lottie Fry also ready for 2nd round of Dutch young horses for WCYH - photo: KWPN
This years selection commitee for the Dutch young horses are Johan Hamminga, Alex van Silfhout and Janine van Twist. Below the selected combinations from 1st selection ⬇️⬇️
Next selection is 20 & 21 May in Nunspeet and with final selection 10 June in Delft.
Normally “wild cards” are invited for 2nd selection, where we presumeably also will see Proud James and Mette Sejbjerg Jensen.
5 yr old
6 yr old
7 yr old
Jagerbomb & Becky Moody - © PSV Photo / J. Morel
PRESS RELEASE
The fifteen dressage riders taking part in the CDI 5* event got the competition underway in the Princes arena on Saturday morning with the Grand Prix Devoucoux. The class was won by Becky Moody on Jagerbomb, who particularly impressed the judges with her routine, scoring 76.870%. On her first visit to Fontainebleau, the British rider, who is 4th in the FEI rankings, finished ahead of Belgium's Larissa Pauluis, riding her faithful Flambeau (73.130%). The Cadre Noir rider Pauline Basquin and Sertorius de Rima IFCE took the final place on the podium with a score of 72.413%.
The dressage competition continues tomorrow, Sunday, with the Grand Prix Freestyle Prix de la Région Île-de-France, in the Princes arena.
Becky Moody (GBR), winner of the Grand Prix Devoucoux with Jagerbomb:
"He was very good. I made a little mistake in the zig-zag, which was a bit frustrating, but he showed plenty of energy. I’m really pleased with his attitude. This was his first outdoor event of the season, so I think he handled it extremely well. Last year, there were times when he was a bit too lively, notably in Compiègne and Rotterdam, but here, he seems much more relaxed.
He's a funny horse because he can go from being very lively to being very calm. Tomorrow will be the first time we have performed our freestyle routine outdoors, and only the fourth time we've performed it in competition. We're still working on this programme, but it's a routine that I really like, and he seems to like it too. We'll do our best tomorrow and see what happens. This is the first time I've come to Fontainebleau. It's a fantastic competition. We're extremely lucky to be here in the sunshine, at such a well organised event. I love France, and my horse seems to love it here too."
24.000 euro top prices at yesterday’s OnLive auction in Hagen.
Here you find all prices. https://horse24.com/en/auctions/details/elite-foal-tournament-auction-hagen-a-t-w-2025-403
PART OF PRESS RELEASE
In just a few days' time, the fourth edition of Le Printemps des Sports Équestres will play host to two of the world's top show jumping (CSI 5*) and dressage (CDI 5*) competitions, as well as France’s only international para-dressage event in 2025.
The riders at the very top of the world rankings in these disciplines will travel to Fontainebleau and the Grand Parquet site for the occasion, for a very exciting competition. In the CDI 5*, the British World number 3, Charlotte Fry, has confirmed her presence, as has the French number 1, Pauline Basquin. Here's a closer look at the entries for the CDI 5*.
Will France come head to head with England in the CDI 5*?
For its third edition, the CDI 5* at Le Printemps des Sports Équestres will play host to fifteen of the world's best combinations. Great Britain's Charlotte Fry, who already boasts an impressive list of wins (reigning World champion, European team champion, team bronze medallist in Versailles, and the winner of the FEI World Cup™ Final a few weeks ago in Basel), has confirmed her presence. The World number 3 will be joined by her fellow country woman and Olympic team-mate Becky Moody, fourth in the FEI World Rankings. The two British riders, who are the best ranked competitors in this event, will be up against some stiff competition, with the Olympic and best French rider Pauline Basquin (No.15), alongside her team mates Alexandra Ayache (No.49) and Anne-Sophie Serre(No.118). Will spectators in Fontainebleau be able to watch a clash between France and the UK? Or will Belgium's Larissa Pauluis (No.13) or Portugal's Maria Caetano (No.29) stand in their way in this event where there will be some fierce competition?
All will be revealed in the Grand Prix Devoucoux, on Saturday 26 April, in the morning and in the Grand Prix Freestyle Région Ile-de-France on Sunday 27 April, under the watchful eye of Raphaël Saleh, the President of the jury for this competition.
Blue Hors Baron og Sophia Ludvigsen - foto: H2R
Team træningen giver et godt udgangspunkt i hvor rytterne er på vej hen med deres heste
Den nylig afholdte første samling for de 6 udvalgte talentryttere Sara Hyrm, Sophia Ludvigsen, Ida Bjørn, Karoline Rohmann, Cecilie Jensen og Alexander Helgstrand var selvfølgelig også med træning i sadlen.
Udover introduktion til Team Danmarks eksperter, fysisk træning og team building, så var technical advisor for senior landsholdet tyske Wolfram Wittig også en del af samlingen.
På sidelinien
Begge dage tog Wolfram Wittig plads ved C iført headset, hvor der var afsat 25 minutters træning til hver enkelt ekvipage, og hvor de hver især blev mødt på deres aktuelle niveau.
H2R var helt tæt på og kunne følge “undervisningen”, hvor man fik klart billede af Wittig´s rolle som technical advisor. Det var tydeligt, at han jo ikke skulle lære de unge mennesker at ride, men istedet kom med råd og vejledning til hvordan en eller flere øvelser kunne optimeres. Fornemmelsen var klart at alle havde fået noget med hjem, og motivationen var i top hos de unge ryttere.
Et professionelt set-up
Der er ingen tvivl om at det nye talent set-up har fokus på fremtidens stjerner, og de 6 ryttere er nu startskuddet til at have et endnu bedre set-up i ryggen på vej mod fremtidens medaljer til Danmark.
Salling Fondenes Talentprogram skal hjælpe med at sikre en god og meningsfuld overgang fra talent til verdensklasseatlet og hjælpe atleter godt på vej til målet om at tage medaljer på internationalt seniorniveau.
Vi arbejder kontinuerligt med at skabe gode rammer for atleter, så de har muligheden for at forfølge deres sportslige ambitioner om at stå øverst på medaljeskamlen. Det er en lang rejse med masse af gode oplevelser, men også med udfordringer undervejs, og ingen kommer sovende til tops i elitesport. Der skal mange træningstimer til, og der skal tages mange svære valg undervejs.
Atleter optages i programmet løbende, og sammen finder vi de løsninger, som bedst understøtter atletens udvikling til verdensklasseatlet.
Kilde: Team Danmark
Næste samling er lige nu planlagt til efteråret.
Interviews med Wolfram Wittig, Ida Bjørn og Alexander Helgtrand ⬇️⬇️⬇️
FEI Press Release
Lausanne (SUI), 15 April 2025
Santa Anita Park confirmed as venue for Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 equestrian events
Photo caption: Team and individual Dressage champion Reiner Klimke (FRG) riding Ahlerich at Santa Anita Park during the 1984 Olympic Games.
Santa Anita Park, located in proximity to the Los Angeles city area, has been confirmed as the venue of the equestrian events of the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 (LA28).
“Santa Anita Park will be a spectacular venue for the LA28 Olympic equestrian events,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.
“The FEI has very fond memories of Santa Anita, which had hosted the equestrian events at the 1984 Olympic Games. The venue is set to offer a breathtaking stage for all the Olympic equestrian competitions and the proximity to LA City will undoubtedly attract many spectators to Santa Anita. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with LA28 to deliver spectacular equestrian events at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.”
“I would like to thank the FEI on behalf of the IOC for the active engagement in all the discussions regarding the venue,” IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell said. “We have created a strong partnership with the Organising Committee and the city of Los Angeles, which enjoys the full support of the local equestrian community.”
"We have the utmost confidence in the LA28 Organizing Committee, and we anticipate exceptional equestrian sport will take place at this special legacy venue from the 1984 Olympic Games. We are also extremely pleased that the IOC has confirmed the athlete quotas across the disciplines for 2028 and they remain unchanged from 2024,” said Bill Moroney, Chief Executive Officer of US Equestrian.
Santa Anita features an on-course veterinary clinic and has hosted some of the major Thoroughbred events in the USA including the Breeders Cup. The famous champion thoroughbred racehorse Seabiscuit won his last race at Santa Anita in 1940. The facility also hosts a CSI3* as well as a FEI Jumping World Cup™ Qualifier CSI5*-W, which this year will take place in November.
Santa Anita covers 130Ha (320 acres) and includes a 340m-long (1,100-foot) grandstand that seats 26,000 spectators. The track infield area, which resembles a park with picnic tables and large trees, can accommodate a crowd of 50,000. The Park has 61 barns that can house more than 2,000 horses.
The venue for the Para Equestrian events will be announced at a later date following the review and approval of the International Paralympic Committee Governing Board.
This weekends trainer team the married couple Helle Wibe and Søren Christensen with Sparaday and Anna Raben - private photo.
Clear hattrick for the Danish combination 8 yr old Sparaday by Tørveslettens Spartacus / Don Frederic / Sandro Hit and 18 yr old Anna Teibel Raben at last weeks international event in Tolbert. Sparaday is bred and owned by Helle Wibe and together with her husband Søren Christensen they were as usual at the sideline training Sparaday and Anna towards the success.
A special set-up with a unique breeder and owner
With just 8 yr of age the impressive Danish Warmblood gelding Sparaday kicked off his international journey starting last year in June at international junior level together with Anna Raben in the saddle. One month later (with about 4 month partnership) they were part of the Danish European Team silver medals in Opglabbeek with individual 2nd place in the team competition. Later in 2024 they finished as no 4 in the 7 yr old Young Horse finals. This year they entered Young Rider level in February in Lier with two victories and one 4th place.
On daily basic either Helle or Søren is at the sideline training Sparaday and Anna, and most recently professional master rider Jørgen Hvenegaard has been weekly part of the training in order to add even more details and experience towards this years big goal the European Championship in Kronberg.
History
12 years ago Helle and Søren went to HANN auction in order to buy a colt, as they already purchased one colt and therefore wanted to buy a friend. Sitting at the auction optaining the final bid, a nearby person said if they were aware of that the gender was not a colt as the catalog said but a filly. Kind of big surprice but Helle and Søren were still happy new owner of now a filly instead of a colt. The same year they purchased additionally 5 foals, so the “friend issue” was easily solved.
Daytona Beach by Don Frederic / Blue Hors Hotline / Sandro Hit
Daytona Beach was a filly not a colt.
After having Daytona Beach under saddle Helle and Søren wanted to try to put her in foal, and at that time all eyes were the super mare line from Danish breeders Pernille and Steen Rugaard, Stutteri Tørvesletten. Back then Tørveslettens Spartacus by Sezuan was approved for Danish Warmblood. He was out of Tørveslettens Quattro (by Quaterback), later on all lips with Anna Blomgren in saddle at international GP level, and this combination made Sparaday. Only a total of 4 offspring are registered by Tørveslettens Spartacus as later was gelded and sold.
Currently Helle and Søren has 6 offsprings from Daytona Beach:
5 yr old by Bøgegaardens Santiago Bernabeu
4 yr old by Vainqueur
3 yr old by Donkey Boss
2 yr old by Donkey Boss
1 yr old by Skyline to B
Daytona is currently not pregnant for 2025, but is recently inseminated with Double Up by Donkey Boy / Tailormade Lancelot.
Amateur/professionel trainer team
As a 6 yr old Sparaday has been educated by Søren Christensen (husband of breeder and owner Helle Wibe) and was at that time showing secure flying changes and of course with great basic qualities.
As kind of coincidence young Anna Raben a local horse girl (former successful at pony level) got a test ride on one of the other horses from Helle and Søren and soon they saw Anna as a potential rider also for Sparaday. Helle and Søren has been focused all the way looking into a solid educational development, firstly for the young horse classes and then with junior level as a target. Last week with hattrick at the international event in Tolbert, Holland at Young Rider level.
From the beginning it has been mandatory that both Helle and Søren has been a part of this journey and therefore also important that they would be able to be close to their heart horse Sparaday in the everyday.
On site warm up
At the competition warm-up arena Søren is kind of start-up “head coach” for Sparaday and Anna and where Helle takes over for the final preparation getting them ready entering the competition arena.
As Helle tells: “Our main goal has been building up a system with about 30 minutes warm up for Sparaday and Anna, with focus on suppleness, only doing a few check up exercises.” At the same time Helle and Søren tells that Anna is super gifted in order to respond and reflect on advises during each training session.
The trainer job was definitely not in the cards for Helle and Søren at the big international competition where they now stand along side international top trainers and Grand Prix riders.
Shining together
Both Helle and Søren feel very privileged as owner, breeder and trainer team with a horse like Sparaday without any weeknesses for this level, and being able to guide a combination where both horse and rider actually is able to develop from day to day. It is definitely an easier journey with a top horse as a rider, and a gift to have tried to get the right feeling when your horse is able to respond and execute what´s been asking for.
Next event for Sparaday, Anna and the trainer team is planned to be at Danish national Championship end of May.
Here you find the entire list of prices.
Ended auction 12 April
Here you find the entire results.
Same place different day for the winner Danish YR Anna Raben and Danish Warmblood gelding Sparaday - private photo.
YR individuel Sparaday & Anna Raben
Again today Anna Raben & Danish Warmblood gelding Sparaday showed themselves at top level. Error free performance, not much to comment about only the halts which were missing to be more balanced and square, but still nice immobile though. Easy, effortless, soft and harmonious test and from the “sideline” it was bit conservative judging. Where were the 9’s for the 3 times! (7,5-8-8)
Inter I Kavira & Sofie Lexner
Floating around for the trot tour with super expression, power and balance, trending 74, bit tension for walk tour, error free canter tour, for some moments bit tense, need more suppleness over the back, but well managed all the way.
Inter I Skovdals Dexter & Susanne Barnow
Good halt, power diagonal well balanced, tiny unbalanced shoulder in, good volte and half pass, good halt bit hurried rein back, nice half pass, good volte, good shoulder in, power short diagonal smooth into walk, nice collected walk, super extended walk, good into canter, bit unbalanced zigzag, good diagonal, bit swing hind for 3 times, well prepared with good sit both pirouettes, nice 2 times, good into trot, power diagonal super balance, good halt. 70,000%
PRESS RELEASE
The radiant winner of the 14th Oldenburg Saddle Licensing was Zarenstern, born in 2022, by Zuperman out of t.Pr./ El.St. Relaunchby San Amour I – Don Schufro, bred and exhibited by ZG Gut Füchtel, Family von Merveldt from Vechta. Sire Zuperman was a 1c premium stallion at his licensing. He is now successful up to advanced (S) level under Beatrice Hoffrogge and won the bronze medal at the World Championships for Young Dressage Horses in Ermelo in 2023. On his dam's side, the first four generations were awarded the title Elite Mare. The dam line includes the Grand Prix successful Rhapsodie Queen by De Niro/Isabell Werth and the licensed and Grand Prix successful Detroit by Dimaggio/Anna Zibrandtsen/DEN.
Invictus Negro, b. 2022, by Ibiza Dream out of St.Pr.St. Finesse by Florestan I - Rubinstein I, bred by Simone Wiedenhöfer/Bergen and exhibited by Marvin Klausing/Diepholz, was crowned Reserve Champion Stallion. Fürst Fiedes, born 2022, by Fürst Toto out of Lady Annabell by Ampére - Sandro Hit, bred by Hayo Tongers/Wittmund and exhibited by Anna Vaske/ Lastrup, was awarded the 1c premium.
Sunday, April 13th, you will have the opportunity to purchase the Champion Stallion, the Reserve Champion Stallion as well as other licensed and some unlicensed stallions of the Oldenburg Saddle Licensing at the Spring Elite Auction.
In total, the Oldenburg Horse Breeders' Association licensed nineout of sixteen presented stallions.
Please find here the licensing results of the 14th Oldenburg Saddle Licensing: https://oldenburger-pferde.com/upload/News/PDFs/Ergebnisse_Sattelkorung_2025.pdf
A large number of the young stallions presented will enrich the exquisite collection of the 103rd Spring Elite Auction the day after tomorrow. The auction starts at 2.00 pm. Tomorrow, Saturday, the stallions can be tested under the saddle from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
An overview of the entire collection can be found here: www.oldenburger-auktion.com
The auction candidates of the Oldenburg Saddle Licensing can be bid on live on-site, online via HORSE24, or by phone with a bidding order. If you do not yet have a valid account with HORSE24, please register in advance. For questions regarding the collection, please contact our team. For technical support, please contact the HORSE24 support team.
PRESSEMEDDELELSE
Dansk ridesport får nu en ny stemme med foreningen; Ung i Ridesport. Vi inviterer unge med interesse for ridesporten til at deltage i den stiftende generalforsamling den 13. maj 2025, hvor vi sammen kan forme fremtiden for denne nye forening.
Foreningen er skabt af unge – for unge, og vi ønsker at samle engagerede stemmer på tværs af discipliner og niveauer. Vores mål er at styrke fællesskabet og skabe en platform, hvor unges idéer, tanker og ønsker kan blive hørt og repræsenteret i dansk ridesport. Vi mener, at unges perspektiver er afgørende for sportens fremtid, og vi vil arbejde for, at de bliver en aktiv del af beslutningsprocesserne, både lokalt og nationalt.
Vi ønsker at bygge bro mellem tradition og innovation i ridesporten. Respekten for sportens historie og værdier skal gå hånd i hånd med en åbenhed over for nye tanker, metoder og teknologier, der kan være med til at udvikle og styrke sporten for fremtidige generationer. For at sikre dette vil vi skabe en stærk og inkluderende platform, hvor unge kan engagere sig, dele viden og blive en aktiv del af sportens udvikling.
Derudover håber vi at kunne afholde lærerige og spændende møder og events, hvor unge kan netværke, udveksle erfaringer og udvikle sig sammen i et sundt fællesskab både socialt og fagligt.
Vi håber at se så mange som muligt til generalforsamlingen den 13. Maj. Kom og bliv en del af noget større og vær med fra starten! Foreningen er for alle unge under 30 år med interesse for ridesport.
Følg os på Facebook og Instagram @UngIRidesport for at holde dig opdateret!
Medstiftere:
Caroline Tvedebrink Elsner
Josephine Gert Nielsen
Konstantin Deeken Künnemann
Tobias Thorning Jørgensen
Victoria Bonefeld Dahl
Kristian Würtz Green
H2R note
De unge mennesker er fremtiden i ridesporten, og derfor skal de have egen stemme og taletid, også selvom “de gamle” har erfaringen, så er der brug for friske øjne og nye initiativer.
Ridesporten må erkende at det er tid for fornyelse på alle niveauer med nytænkning og innovation.
H2R hilser den nye forening velkommen. Det er vejen frem for de unge mennesker i ridesporten, og H2R vil opfordre alle til at sprede budskabet og bakke op.
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