Danish dressage ace heads for US

Danish dressage team member Lars Petersen is leaving home for a new career in America

Danish international dressage rider Lars Petersen, who partnered top international horse Blue Hors Cavan, is leaving the Blue Hors Stud for a new life in America.

Lars, who gained fifth place with Cavan at this year’s European championship in Verden, has been based at the Danish Stud for more than eight years.

The partnership with Blue Hors Cavan came to international prominence at the World Games in 1998, when at just eight years old, the then stallion took 11th place.

Sadly, the combination had to miss the Olympic Games in Sydney as Blue Hors Cavan suffered an Inguenal hernia and had to be gelded.

The horse made a remarkable recovery to international competition earlier this year and led the Danish team to their second European team bronze in Verden.

Lars is moving to Sugar Hill Farm in Virginia owned by Erwin LePow.

Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, owner of the Blue Hors Stud said: “Lars’ wonderful results in competition opened up new opportunities for him. Of course we regret losing such a great rider, but Lars has agreed to help us find a replacement for him.”