Latest from Horse & Hound in Denmark

‘It felt like flying’: Olympic medallists deliver another personal best

Becky Murray — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:37:46 +0000

Denmark’s Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and Mount St John Freestyle have delivered another personal best, as the world number ones continue to go from strength to strength.

On Sunday (26 April) the Olympic and European medallists won the Hagen CDI4* grand prix special on 83.09%, more than 8% ahead of runners-up Ingrid Klimke and Vayron, who scored 74.92%.

“We unlocked a new level together and it brought tears to my eyes feeling how much we’re just one unit now,” said Cathrine, who also won the CDI4* grand prix with Freestyle on Friday.

“It literally felt like flying in our grand prix special, and with a personal best 83%. I’m left speechless. Humble and thankful for how generous Freestyle is to our little family.”

Cathrine and Freestyle are continuing their brilliant run this spring; their success in Hagen follows a double victory in the Herning CDI5* in March, where they scored a personal best grand prix of 84.17%.

On 1 April Cathrine set a new record when she climbed 24 places to take the number one spot in the dressage rider world rankings – while Freestyle moved up 22 places to top the horse rankings.

Emma Blundell of Mount St John, who co-owns Freestyle with Cathrine and the Zinglersen family, said “what a start to the outdoor show season”.

“I can’t believe in this next chapter of life, at 17 years young, how fit, well and happy she’s looking. Achieving new personal bests and loving her show time more than ever, with her relaxed but ultimate showman style shining through and their partnership and trust in each other strengthening with every outing,” she said.

Emma added that she could not have imagined, when Freestyle missed the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, that she would “return to this pinnacle again”.

“But after a couple of years’ nurturing I knew she was ready, and all the stars aligned when Cathrine came into the picture,” she said.

“I truly couldn’t have wished for a better partner for Free and I am eternally grateful for the care, love and compassion Cathrine implements throughout her training and management everyday, and the full support team around her, which has opened a whole new level of magic with Free who continues to amaze us in how exceptionally generous she is to all of us.”

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(Image credit: Catarina Hall)

‘A grand prix I’ll never forget’: medal-winning mare delivers new personal best

Becky Murray — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:03:54 +0000

Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and Mount St John Freestyle have got their 2026 campaign off to a smashing start by scoring a new grand prix personal best.

Cathrine rode 17-year-old “Freestyle” to a winning 84.17% at the Herning CDI5* on 6 March. Germany’s Isabell Werth and Wendy De Fontaine were runners-up on 81.91%.

Cathrine, who owns the Fidermark daughter with the Zinglersen family and Emma Blundell, said she was “speechless”.

“How was today even possible? Today’s ride with our lovely Mount St John Freestyle is a grand prix I’ll never forget,” she said.

“She was just perfect. As simple as that. For ever grateful for you, Free. Congrats on your personal best.”

Cathrine and Freestyle scored 10s from the judges, including Britain’s Isobel Wessels at E, who awarded the pair 10s for the final canter pirouette and trot transitions.

“Now I finally know how an excellent canter to trot transition looks like,” said Cathrine’s coach Kyra Kyrklund, who added that it was the first time she had ever seen a 10 given for this movement.

The following day Cathrine and Freestyle won the grand prix freestyle, scoring 90.47%.

Cathrine said the mare is “one in a billion”.

“How proud, honoured and lucky we feel to have you in our life. For ever thankful for this weekend with you,” she said.

“[It] feels like this is once in a lifetime. Thanks to everyone in our amazing team.”

Cathrine and Freestyle have impressed since they became a partnership in 2023 and will no doubt have their eyes on this year’s World Championships in Aachen. In 2024 the pair won team and individual silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and double individual silver at the European Championships at Crozet last summer.

Freestyle previously won individual bronze and was part of the British bronze medal-winning team at the 2018 World Equestrian Games with Charlotte Dujardin.

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Historic team gold secured at European Para Dressage Championships as competition goes down to the wire

Becky Murray — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 16:38:41 +0000

Germany has won a historic team gold at the 2025 European Para Dressage Championships – as Britain finished just off the podium in fourth.

The team medals remained open right until the final combination of the day, Britain’s grade IV Nicola Naylor and Humberto L, rode their test, resulting in a thrilling competition in Ermelo, the Netherlands, today (6 September).

Germany finished on a final score of 224.454 for gold, the Netherlands won silver on 223.362, and bronze went to Denmark 221.974. Great Britain finished just outside of the medals on 221.267.

“It’s incredible. It’s like a dream right now,” said German chef d’equipe Nico Hörmann. “Thank you to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Great Britain for the great competition. It was really close, and we were on the right side today.”

Germany’s oldest team member, 70-year-old grade II Heidemarie Dresing, said she was “very proud of the team”, praising their “great team spirit”.

“We are proud of winning the gold medal for the first time – it’s a little bit of a surprise,” said Heidemarie.

How the action unfolded

On the second day of team action the sun came out for the grade IV and V riders and there was a buzz of excitement at the Netherlands’ National Equestrian Centre. Denmark had sat in provisional gold overnight (221.766), Britain in silver (221.267) and the Netherlands’ in bronze (220.567) – all with one rider to go. But Germany still had two big scorers to come.

The grade V got under way first, and Isabel Nowak and 14-year-old gelding Siracusa Old kept Germany in the hunt for gold with 72.82%, producing a test she was thrilled with as she threw her hands in the air in celebration after the salute.

The pressure fell on the home-side’s final rider, Britney de Jong and her long-term partner Caramba NOP. Britney showed off the 18-year-old gelding’s big extended trot, trending early at 73%. They exhibited control and athleticism in their lateral movements, before a bold extended canter, breaking the 74% barrier. They completed on 74.40%, at the top of the rankings in this section – giving the Netherlands a final team score of 223.362.

“We know what we can do, so it was a case of ‘We need to do that now’,” said Britney, about her test, having just missed out on individual gold on Thursday (4 September).

“Overall I was really happy about the test. He was more forward, we had some more expression, things like the half-passes were better than Thursday.”

All eyes then turned to Germany’s Regine Mispelkamp and Pramwaldhof’s Bayala – who had won individual gold in this grade two days earlier. The 10-year-old mare had a big spook on the outside of the arena, moments before turning down the centre line, and the first halt looked a little unsteady, but they promptly regained their composure and their marks began to climb.

The extended canter allowed Pramwaldhof Bayala to really shine, but the final rein back dropped their marks slightly, the pair completing on 74.11%. The score was just shy of Britney and Caramba’s, but enough to put Germany in front at this stage on a final score of 224.454, ahead of the Netherlands.

Regine said Pramwaldhof Bayala “felt a bit nervous, but in a positive way”.

“She was so light in the hand, and she went into the corners much better. She trusted me more today, and we worked together,” she said.

“I think we had a strong extended canter, and the half-pass to the left she felt great. On that side I’m not as strong, but she said ‘Ok, I have to help you’, and that’s a wonderful feeling.”

Turning to the grade IV riders, it was Denmark’s chance to keep themselves in the mix, and their final rider Pia Wulff Jelstrup came forward with nine-year-old mare Zafia. A mistake in their medium trot proved expensive, resulting in two 5s and their trending score to fall to 68%, but they pulled it back to post 72.22%. This slotted Denmark into the bronze position on 221.974, but the door was still wide open for Great Britain.

The team competition goes down to the wire at the European Para Dressage Championships

Final combination of the day and championship first-timers, Nicola and Humberto L started positively, but the sensitive 13-year-old gelding looked more aware of his surroundings than during their individual bronze-medal winning performance of Thursday. A spook in the collected trot transition was costly – one judge giving a four – but they recovered well, to finish on 71.41%.

“I’m really pleased with him, he did really well. I went in there today with a bit more expression, and when I got in there I could feel that he was a bit nervous, so it was sort of a quick decision of how much do you go for, and how much do you hold his hand? I could feel that he was just a little bit unsure,” said Nicola, who owns Humberto with Rosalind Emery Kay.

“His medium canter was really lovely, I was pleased that he was able to relax into the walk work and I think he did one really nice pirouette. Of course we got the spook; the problem is that I can’t see whatever it is he sees, I can just feel it in his body and then I know he’s nervous.

“But he was great, I had to hold his hand and keep my leg on, and he went past whatever he was looking at. Whatever monster he found, he got through it.”

In the team medals, only the best three scores count and so Nicola’s score was dropped. Britain’s 221.267 was the result of Jemima Green and Fantabulous (72.100), Gabby Blake and Strong Beau (74.000) and Mari Durward-Akhurst and Athene Lindebjerg (75.167).

What dreams are made of

Britain was fielding a new team at this year’s European Para Dressage Championships; Nicola and Jemima Green were making their championship debut, Gabby Blake returned to the squad for the first time since the 2023 Europeans, and Mari Durward-Akhurst was on the team in Paris last summer.

“It’s lovely to be part of the team, it’s what dreams are made of,” said Nicola.

“We’re a completely new team, we’ve all pulled together. It would be wonderful to walk home with a team medal, but it was all so close, so we’ve got everything to look forward to and nothing to complain about.”

British Equestrian para dressage performance manager Georgina Sharples told H&H the feeling was “mixed emotions”.

“I’m incredibly proud of this group of riders. We obviously have a new team here, two championship debutants, a seven-year-old horse, and the fact they came out and performed the way that they did. Three individual medals and a fifth place out of three grades was phenomenal,” she said.

“I’m disappointed for the team, we are ambitious and I think it’s well within our grasp – you can see how close it is. It’s literally points of percentages that make the difference. But that said, these guys are going to learn so much by coming here.”

All four Brits have qualified for the individual freestyle tomorrow (7 September). Times to follow.

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(Image credit: Kevin Sparrow)

How many medals are given, how do the grades work, and other often-asked para dressage Europeans questions answered

(Image credit: Kevin Sparrow)

Britain in silver position after dramatic thunderstorms at European Championships

(Image credit: Kevin Sparrow)

‘I feel pressure after Paris’: grade III gold for home rider and ‘very special horse’ at European Para Dressage Championships

(Image credit: Kevin Sparrow)

‘She’s going the best she ever has’: Mari Durward-Akhurst delivers Britain’s second medal at 2025 para dressage Europeans

(Image credit: Kevin Sparrow)

‘I wasn’t expecting this’: Britain’s Jemima Green thrills at European Para Dressage Championships to claim individual medal

(Image credit: Kevin Sparrow)

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‘The welfare of horses has been disregarded in the pursuit of results’: Denmark bans double bridle at lower levels in major welfare shake-up

Oscar Williams — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 08:00:17 +0000

The Danish Equestrian Federation (DRF) will ban double bridles below level 4 in dressage from 1 September 2025, as part of new horse welfare reforms. Level 4 is roughly equivalent to Britain’s advanced medium.

“The change is part of a professionally based development of the sport, where the rider’s preparation and the horse’s welfare go hand in hand,” said a spokesperson from the DRF’s Dressage Committee.

“The committee supports the fact that this adjustment supports a more balanced progression in the education of both horse and rider.”

The wider ethical guidelines, which the ban is a part of, reinforce the principle that horse welfare must always come first, regardless of competitive or commercial pressures. “The horse’s welfare is paramount and must never be subordinate to competitive or commercial interests,” the guidelines state.

The guidelines were developed with input from researchers, veterinarians, and equestrian professionals, and will be regularly updated to reflect new research. They aim to establish a practical and ethical framework for the use of horses in both daily training and competition for all DRF members.

Training methods that risk physical or psychological harm, such as hyperflexion forced through rein pressure, excessive use of spurs or whips, or riding visibly distressed or unsound horses, are also banned.

Zero tolerance to abuse

The DRF add that they will take a zero-tolerance approach to all cases of abuse. Officials are now required to intervene where welfare is compromised, and all violations must be formally reported. Sanctions for serious breaches include fines, suspensions, or exclusion from the sport.

“Compromising good horse welfare is never acceptable, whether it is deliberate or due to lack of knowledge or attention,” the guidelines continue.

DRF chairman, Kimi Nielsen, added: “It is the [DRF’s] ambition that Denmark both competes at the top level in terms of sport and at the same time stands as an international role model for the sport and for horse welfare in practice.”

These changes come in the context of broader efforts to reform equestrian sport in Denmark, driven by growing public scrutiny and calls for stricter regulation following two high-profile welfare controversies involving top dressage riders Andreas Helgstrand and Carina Cassøe Krüth. Andreas was the subject of a 2023 documentary that exposed harsh training methods, while Carina drew criticism after a video surfaced showing her striking a horse with a whip.

In response to growing public concern, the Danish Council on Animal Ethics – a government advisory body – issued a set of recommendations in December 2024. These included calls to ban the double bridle and the practice of riding horses behind the vertical.

Some changes have already taken effect. Since 1 January, nosebands have been optional at all dressage levels. Riders at lower levels may now compete in a bitless bridle, and the double bridle has become optional at higher levels.

11 initiatives to reform horse sport

Danish Minister of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Jacob Jensen has presented 11 proposed initiatives aimed at reforming horse sport. These follow a review of welfare recommendations by both the Danish Council for Animal Ethics and the Danish Animal Welfare Service, carried out by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration..

Among the proposals are a ban on spurs and double bridles for inexperienced riders, with their use limited to those who have completed approved training in horse behaviour, pain indicators, and physiology. There would also be a requirement for professionals working with horses to undergo relevant animal welfare training.

The proposals call for better conditions for horses, including more opportunities for free movement in paddocks and social interaction with other horses. A national ban on hyperflexion is also under consideration.

“Unfortunately, we have seen cases where the welfare of horses has been disregarded in the pursuit of results,” Mr Jensen said. “As the responsible minister, I will not accept that. That is why we are tightening the rules and making it clearer what is allowed and what is not allowed when horses are used for sport.

“And if you break the rules, there must, of course, be consequences. At the same time, I will fight in the EU for the Danish rules to be raised to international standards. Because we must be able to compete on equal terms – and that must not happen at the expense of animal welfare.”

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‘It’s decisive for the future of the sport’: top stud to withdraw its horses from dressage competitions amid welfare reforms

Oscar Williams — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 12:03:57 +0000

One of Denmark’s most influential dressage studs, Blue Hors, has announced it is withdrawing its horses from competition while the country works to establish a new framework for horse welfare in sport.

“Danish dressage is in a time of change, when horse welfare, training methods and animal ethics are up for debate,” a spokesperson from the stud said.

“These developments are taking place against a deeply serious background, and are decisive for the future of the sport. The debate has started a long-awaited effort to make clearer guidelines for the ethical correct use of horses in sport.

“The initiative is part of the Danish Equestrian Federation’s (DRF) new strategy ‘Together for Horse Welfare’, which also focuses on better education and changes to competition judging.

“We support the work of the association, so that together we can create a better and clearer framework for the future – for the sake of horses, riders and the sport.

“As long as there is so much ambiguity as to what the correct ethical use of horses is, we have temporarily chosen to pause Blue Hors’ participation in dressage events. Initially for three months, after which we will assess whether a greater common understanding of horse ethics and sporting guidelines has been achieved, or whether we should extend the break from the event further.”

The reference to competition judging is notable. At last week’s CDI in Herning, there was more than a 7% difference in scores for Nanna Skodborg Merrald’s winning CDI3* performance on Blue Hors Znickers. Danish judge Hans-Christian Matthiesen, who has said he believes the sport needs to change, awarded the lowest score of 65.11%, while Britain’s Richard Baldwin gave the highest at 72.61%.

While variations in scoring between judges are not uncommon, this follows a recent Level 4 Judges Meeting in Bern, Switzerland (4-5 February) where, according to FEI documents, open and collaborative discussions were held on solutions to ensure “the wellbeing of dressage horses is prioritised”. Topics included “mouth and contact issues” and reforms to the judges’ educational programme.

Blue Hors’ temporary withdrawal from sport highlights these broader concerns and uncertainties about competition standards, and the role of judging in horse welfare.

Blue Hors’ legacy in Danish dressage

Owned by Danish billionaire Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen – president and CEO of The Lego Group from 1979 to 2004 – Blue Hors has helped launch the careers of some of Denmark’s most successful dressage riders, including Andreas Helgstrand and Daniel Bachmann Andersen – as well as Nanna.

Though the stud downsized in 2023 – moving from its expansive Randboel facilities to Stutteri ASK – their horses have remained prominent on the international competition circuit.

Riding Blue Hors Zepter, Nanna was part of the Danish silver-medal winning team at last summer’s Paris Olympics and she has also been a regular on this season’s World Cup circuit on Blue Hors Znickers, Blue Hors St. Schufro and Blue Hors Don Olymbrio.

Blue Hors has also been at the forefront of progressive change in equestrian sport. In 2018, it became one of the first European studs to publicly disclose its testing results for Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome (WFFS) – a transparency move that set a precedent for other breeding programmes.

Denmark’s tipping point on horse welfare

This latest step comes at a critical time for equestrian sport in Denmark. In December, The Danish Council on Animal Ethics published a series of recommendations regarding new “legislative initiatives” for the involvement of horses in sport in Denmark, which included a proposed ban on double bridles and riding behind the vertical.

The council has no legislative power itself, but the Danish minister of food, agriculture and fisheries, Jacob Jensen – with whom the decision ultimately rests – told Horse & Hound that: “The well-being of animals is extremely important to me; and that includes horses.

“Therefore, I have had multiple meetings with stakeholders from Danish equestrian sports, as I do in general on most subjects. Here I have underlined the importance of the industry taking responsibility for ensuring proper care of horses in equestrian sports.

“At the same time, I have emphasised that I am willing, if deemed necessary, to issue legislation regarding this subject. Animals must be treated properly. It is that simple.”

A spokesperson added: “The Ministry, aided by the Danish Veterinary and Food Agency, is currently in a process of reviewing all of the recommendations from The Danish Animal Ethics Council and uncovering the possibilities within this subject.”

The DRF has now initiated work on updating the guidelines for the professional and ethically correct use of horses in sport.

“The update of the professional basis for the correct use of horses in sport will be based on recommendations from researchers as well as veterinary and riding experts,” a spokesperson said.

“The DRF will draw on knowledge and experience from a broad composition of experts and professionals, ensuring both research expertise within the current areas as well as veterinary and riding technical understanding.

“In the first phase, we will focus on, among other things, head-neck position as well as behavioral and conflict markers. The external experts will work independently and without interference from the equestrian federation.”

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‘Horses can show conflict behaviours and still win’: concern over links between mouth opening and oral lesions in dressage

Becky Murray — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 15:29:07 +0000

A link between continual mouth opening and the presence of oral lesions has been identified in dressage horses.

A Danish study, published in October and presented at the International Society for Equitation Science 2024 conference, aimed to investigate if horses competing at upper national level with oral lesions differed in behaviour compared to horses without lesions.

The research was based on data collected at a routine, but unannounced, inspection of 11 randomly selected horses’ mouths immediately after an intermediate I class at a national competition. Five of the 11 had “abrasion of the skin and/or mucosa” at one or both corners, and were eliminated from the competition.

The inspections were carried out by the federation’s then veterinary consultant and the study’s co-author Mette Uldahl, who has since joined Animal Protection Denmark as chief consultant.

Co-researcher Janne Winther Christensen, who was unaware of the outcome of the oral inspection, analysed the behaviour of the horses from footage of the competition to record mouth opening, tail swishing, breaking of gait, head movements and hyper-reactive behaviour.

It was found that the frequency of mouth opening ranged from five to 59 times in the 11 horses, and horses with lesions had a “significantly higher frequency” of mouth opening compared to those without lesions. The frequency of other behaviours did not significantly differ between the groups.

Ms Winther Christensen told H&H the five horses with lesions were given high scores by the judges and some would have been placed had they not been eliminated.

“We know that the most frequently observed conflict behaviours in dressage horses are mouth opening and tail swishing, and it appears that horses can show a lot of these behaviours and still win,” said Ms Winther Christensen, adding that this is “concerning”.

Ms Winther Christensen added that it is difficult to know if the riders were aware of the lesions beforehand, but said they were not new – and lesions are “fairly simple to see in horses by looking at the mouth”.

“Usually lesions are pressure wounds that develop over time, they don’t happen suddenly. Even if riders have someone who tacks up their horse, it is still their responsibility to check that the horse is OK,” she said.

Ms Udahl said this research is part of a portfolio of work she has been carrying out on oral lesions since 2014, with the aim of developing future protocols.

“Of the thousands of horses I’ve examined over the years, there has never been one horse with an acute bleeding lesion – they have all been chronic pressure wounds, where the horse leans too heavily on the bit as a strategy to solve something else,” she said.

“Our research is focused on mapping the horse language and we need to be more observant, what do they tell us? If we can predict a link between oral lesions and mouth opening, then it’s better to eliminate riders before they start and for them to figure out what is the key to the problem.

“There’s no doubt that there is a lot of work to be done and at top-level competitions we need to acknowledge the behaviour of these horses. We don’t do this work to blame individuals, we do it to understand what is going on and to ensure that at governance level we can protect horses by being knowledgeable of human nature, and build the sport so that the incentive to ride horses with oral lesions is not there any longer.”

A Danish equestrian federation spokesperson told H&H the findings from the study, which was conducted in 2022, made it a “top priority” for the federation to conduct further inspections across all levels in dressage competitions, before horses enter the arena rather than after.

The spokesperson said this change in approach since the study has “significantly reduced” the occurrence of oral lesions identified; from 659 inspections in 2023, 11 horses were eliminated, and of 1,689 inspections in 2024, 37 horses were eliminated.

“In percentage terms, the proportion of horses eliminated during horse inspections is now below 2.5%. That is still too much, but it is an improvement from the first initial inspections,” he said.

“The goal is to have no horse eliminated due to welfare concerns. From the 2024 inspections the horses eliminated were entered by amateurs and in competitions medium level and below.”

The spokesperson said the federation is “committed to advancing horse welfare at all levels” and as new knowledge is gained, the federation “continuously” updates its rules to align with this.

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Bitless dressage allowed and nosebands and double bridles optional in new Danish rules

Oscar Williams — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 13:12:53 +0000

Bitless bridles are to be allowed, spur length limited and nosebands made optional in horse welfare reforms announced by the Danish Equestrian Federation (DRF).

As of 1 January, following a comprehensive review of DRF competition rules, the reforms apply to all levels of national competition, though certain changes are specific to particular levels.

Among the most notable changes is the removal of the mandatory requirement for nosebands in national dressage events. Riders at all levels now have the option to compete without, a decision that aligns with a growing movement toward more flexible and welfare-conscious tack regulations.

Competitors at lower levels – specifically categories C, D, and E – may use a bitless bridle or soft hackamore, provided that the side pieces or bars do not exceed 16cm. At higher levels, double bridles remain permitted but are no longer compulsory.

Spurs used on ponies may be a maximum of 2cm long, 2cm shorter than FEI rules allow. Additional new regulations ensure that horses are not overworked, limiting them to no more than five starts within any seven consecutive days.

“Every year we are making amendments to our rules,” DRF chair Kimi Nielsen told H&H. “We always try to amend on a very professional background and based on the latest scientific evidence.

“We need to take responsibility for the welfare of the horses and the security of the riders, [that is] why we have continuous revisions on both the tack we are using and the rules we are operating with.”

Equipment rules now ban excessive use of spurs and reins as well as whips.

The reforms come in the wake of two high-profile cases involving Danish dressage riders Andreas Helgstrand and his associate Carina Cassøe Krüth. The former was the subject of a documentary aired in November 2023, exposing harsh training methods, and the latter was seen hitting a horse with a whip in a training video.

Andreas’s father Ulf Helgstrand stepped down as DRF chair and both riders were suspended.

The controversies attracted significant political attention; Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen publicly called for equestrian sport to improve its welfare standards. Several government officials demanded meetings with DRF leadership to discuss its handling of the cases. During this period, DRF CEO Morten Schram Rodtwitt took medical leave, and it was later announced that he had resigned. Princess Benedikte of Denmark, who had served as DRF’s patron for 32 years, also stepped down, citing the ongoing controversies.

In the aftermath, Dan Boyter replaced Ulf Helgstrand as DRF chair but resigned in December 2024 after a vote of no confidence.

The Danish Council on Animal Ethics, an advisory body to the national government, then issued recommendations, including banning double bridles and riding horses behind the vertical. These proposals were brought to a roundtable discussion at the European Parliament, led by Danish MEP Niels Fuglsang. Afterwards, he said: “Despite the equestrian associations saying they want the best for their competition horses, I, unfortunately, lacked answers on how to get away from the unhealthy culture of lack of animal welfare we still see in top sport.

“I believe legislation is part of the answer… The riding associations have a huge responsibility, which I don’t think they live up to. This is why I believe there is a need for rules to ban outdated gear, change judging criteria, require education and ensure that horses in sport feel well.”

Ms Nielsen added: “It is important for us to be in close cooperation with both the council and the welfare organisations, as we do believe we have the same goal.”

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Proposed ban on double bridles and riding behind the vertical debated in European Parliament

Oscar Williams — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 17:06:22 +0000

A ban on the double bridle, curb bits and riding behind the vertical could be on the cards in Denmark – and has been debated in the European Parliament.

The Danish Council on Animal Ethics, which advises the national government, published a series of recommendations regarding new “legislative initiatives” for the involvement of horses in sport in Denmark, which included a proposed double bridle ban.

This 5 December report followed a March 2023 statement warning that if its recommendations were not implemented within a year, the council would advocate specific legislation in Denmark.

“Since the publication of the council’s opinion in March 2023, the council has continued to see worrying examples of sport horses showing signs of discomfort, pain and conflict behaviour,” the report states.

“We are aware that the equestrian sports organisations have initiated the proposed evaluation work. However, the drafts that the council has received for this are not sufficient in view of the signs that the welfare of horses is still under pressure.”

The recommendations sparking the most discussion concern tack, equipment and training methods, particularly riding behind the vertical.

“The council did not initially propose to ban certain types of equipment but pointed out that the evaluation should take into account that even though some equipment may be used in certain situations without causing discomfort or the like to the horse, the equipment in question may be so difficult to use correctly that its use must either cease completely or be limited to persons who are particularly qualified to both use the equipment and at the same time be able to assess the horse’s possible conflict behaviour or signals of discomfort or pain,” the report states.

“Seen in the light of the documentation and debate since the publication of the council’s statement, where signs of discomfort, pain and conflict behaviour can still be observed in the horses of even the most highly prized riders, the council today, however, considers that there is a legal need to ban certain types of equipment.”

Among the proposals is a ban on “bits that entail a significant risk of cutting off the blood supply to the horse’s tongue e.g. curb bits.” The council also recommends banning “subjecting horses to exercises that they are not physically or behaviorally suitable to perform, e.g. holding the bridge of the nose behind the vertical.”

A spokesperson for the council acknowledged the complexities of enforcement, adding: “This is a very technical and complex matter.”

In response to the recommendations, the Danish horseracing authority has banned tongue ties, pelham bits and Dutch gags.

The FEI has so far resisted all calls to make the double bridle optional in dressage classes at CDI3* level and above. In October, it reiterated its position that the use of the double bridle “is not a welfare issue” – which it states is “based on many years of experience, the data currently at hand, and the results achieved”.

On 12 December, MEP Niels Fugslang chaired a round-table discussion in the European Parliament on common solutions for welfare in equestrian sports, during which the recommendations were a central point of discussion.

FEI president Ingmar de Vos acknowledged welfare issues but said: “I hope we can demonstrate that we’re taking care of this ourselves to avoid legislation”, referencing the progress of the FEI’s recent welfare action plan.

He added that “complaining has become a business” and that the FEI would not take action “because people are shouting loud” – “actions have to be evidence-based”.

On dressage, Mr De Vos added: “We all recognise that we want to see a difference. We want to see horses with natural movements. We are working on that and our judges will have to learn, because how did we get there? It’s because the judges wanted to see more and more spectacular things, which were not so good – I think – for the horse.”

When the floor was opened for questions, Mr Fugslang asked about banning “certain bits” and later wrote: “Despite the equestrian associations saying they want the best for their competition horses, I, unfortunately, lacked answers on how to get away from the unhealthy culture of lack of animal welfare we still see in top sport.

The Danish council has no legislative power and it is up to relevant authorities to act on the recommendations. The spokesperson said: “In the past, several recommendations from the council have led to legal initiatives, however, this is not always the case. So, it is not possible to provide an estimate of how likely the recommendations are to become legislation.”

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Medal-winning rider appealing eight-month suspension over training video

Becky Murray — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 15:39:42 +0000

Danish medal-winning dressage rider Carina Cassøe Krüth has been suspended for eight months over behaviour shown in a training video.

H&H reported that Carina was reported to the Danish federation’s disciplinary committee, following the release of a video, filmed two years ago, showing Carina whipping a horse multiple times. Carina was fined 5,000 Danish krone (£560) – but the federation appealed the sanction, and Carina was temporarily excluded pending a review by the appeals committee (news, 22 August).

On 28 August the appeal committee ruled that the sanction would be upheld – but that Carina should also be suspended from all competitions and activities for eight months. The suspension will run until 28 April 2025.

The ruling document stated that the federation’s board had appealed the original sanction because it was “too lenient”, and that Carina “acknowledged and expressly regrets the episode”, had withdrawn from the Olympic team and had been the subject of negative media attention.

The appeal committee agreed that there had been “deliberate violation” of the federation’s rules, and agreed with the disciplinary committee that Carina’s experience, position and age were among the aggravating circumstances.

Carina confirmed that she is appealing the decision, adding: “I was fined and punished for my misconduct” and “I have never tried to evade the incident that took place more than two and a half years ago”.

“As I have stated before, I am very sorry for the situation in the video. It is a clear mistake and not representative of the way I have trained or train horses. This has also been my message in the dialogue with the Danish federation,” she said.

“We are dealing with a federation which will not stand by its own decision, but which, due to outside pressure, raises a penalty which the federation had originally set at a fine. Of course mistakes must have consequences, and therefore I fully understood the original decision.

“But I find it very difficult to understand that a single mistake, which I am very sorry for and which dates back several years, now has such major consequences for my future, not just on the national team – but in my work as a professional rider, with a ban from competing for eight months. Therefore I will appeal the decision.”

Carina added that she “welcomes” debate on horse welfare.

“But I do not like that the legal certainty of the riders stands and falls with a federation that does not dare to stand by its own decisions. There is a broad recognition in the industry that we have not done things well enough. Therefore, we must also stand together to develop in the right direction, and a lot has already happened since 2022,” she said.

“The answer, on the other hand, is not to create nervousness among the riders by choosing the easy solution, which I think the association has done in my case.”

Originally Carina Cassøe Krüth was not suspended by the FEI, and at the time of her temporary exclusion, the FEI was awaiting the outcome of the appeal committee’s decision. But an FEI spokesperson told H&H that it has “taken note of the new sanction”, and she has now been suspended on the FEI database.

The spokesperson added that the FEI is aware of Carina’s appeal and is waiting for the outcome, before “deciding what further steps (if any) to take”.

“For the moment the FEI has not opened a separate investigation,” the spokesperson said.

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Major change to Paris Paralympic line-up as gold medal favourites withdraw

Lucy Elder — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 11:48:25 +0000

Defending Paralympic champions Tobias Thorning Jørgensen and Jolene have been ruled out of Paris 2024 after the mare developed travel sickness.

Tobias and the 16-year-old mare have won individual and freestyle gold at every senior championship since 2019. They also helped the Danish side to European team bronze in 2019 and world team silver in 2022.

A statement from the Danish equestrian federation on Sunday (1 September) said that during transport to Paris, Jolene was diagnosed with travel sickness and received treatment from the vets.

Tobias, who was a flag bearer at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games opening ceremony, said that Jolene’s well-being comes first.

“Of course I’m super sad and disappointed that I can’t compete down here. It’s something I’ve fought a lot for and which means a lot to me, but my own ambitions and dreams must never, ever weigh more than Jolene’s well-being, and that’s also why we’ve chosen to pull her,” he said.

Tobias and Jolene would have been competing for Grade III medals, the same grade as Britain’s Natasha Baker and Keystone Dawn Chorus, and highly likely to be named among Denmark’s three combinations to contest the team medals. However, the Paralympic rules mean that the pair cannot be replaced at this stage, so Denmark will continue as a squad of three.

“We all feel for Tobias and the rest of his team, who have fought exemplary to stand as strong as possible for [the Paralympic Games],” said Denmark’s head of mission, Nicklas Bjaaland.

“We will do everything to ensure that Tobias gets the support he needs, and of course the same applies to Jolene and the team behind it. In addition, we have a big focus on the rest of the dressage team getting the calm they need to be able to perform in the upcoming competitions.”

The first trot up took place today (2 September) with competition starting tomorrow (Tuesday, 3 September).

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Federation temporarily suspends top rider who whipped horse – and appeals disciplinary action

Becky Murray — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 16:43:29 +0000

Gold medal-winning dressage rider Carina Cassøe Krüth has been temporarily excluded from the Danish national team over behaviour shown in a training video.

It is understood that the Danish federation became aware of the video, which shows Carina whipping the horse she is riding multiple times during training, before the Paris Olympics. The video, understood to have been filmed two years ago, appeared publicly on social media on 9 August.

Carina has been a key part of the Danish squad in recent years; she rode at the Tokyo Olympics, was part of the gold medal-winning team at the World Championships in 2022 and was on the team that won bronze at the 2023 Europeans. It is understood that Carina had been due to be a reserve rider at Paris, but she withdrew ahead of the team announcement for “personal reasons”.

In early July, before the video was made public, the Danish federation confirmed to Danish television broadcaster TV2 Sport that the federation had been sent the video and as a result, had reported Carina to its disciplinary committee.

Carina told TV2 Sport the video was from a training session in 2022 and showed a “clear error on my part, which I am very sorry for and deeply regret”. She also confirmed that she withdrew from the Olympics while the federation’s disciplinary committee dealt with the matter.

The federation reported a disciplinary case of an unnamed rider on its website on 8 July for a “breach of common provisions”. The disciplinary committee found “after a concrete and individual assessment that there is a serious violation of the code of conduct that applies to the handling of horses”.

The sanction was a fine of 5,000 Danish krone (£571), which the disciplinary committee said was based on the fact the video occurred more than two years ago, the person who submitted it “has not found reason to further justify the background for this” and the respondent had no previous sanctions.

On 12 August, three days after the video’s appearance on social media, the unnamed case on the federation’s website was updated to state that the federation had appealed the decision. Then in a statement on 14 August, the federation announced Carina’s temporary exclusion.

“The exclusion is temporary and applies provisionally until the appeal committee’s consideration of the case, after which the length of the exclusion will be reassessed according to the committee’s decision,” it read.

The statement added that the decision had been taken “as a result of the rider’s behaviour in the video being incompatible with the federation’s sports plan”, which acts as a benchmark for national team riders and trainers – and is based on “cooperation, commitment, integrity, development and wellbeing”. The exclusion includes activities, gatherings and auspices under the national team.

Danish federation director Morten Schram Rodtwitt told H&H the appeal committee will review the case in full, “with a view to assessing the sanction awarded by the disciplinary committee”. He added that this could either be confirmation of the current sanction or a tougher one.

When H&H went to press, Carina had not been suspended by the FEI. An FEI spokesperson told H&H it had been in contact with the Danish federation since the disciplinary committee’s original decision was issued. And the federation had confirmed it was appealing this decision to its appeal committee.

“The FEI does not want to prejudge the outcome of those appeal proceedings. Therefore, the FEI will await the outcome before deciding what further steps (if any) the FEI will take,” said the spokesperson.

H&H has contacted Carina for comment.

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‘A grave error to think this is just a dressage problem’: new forum agreed to help tackle welfare concerns

Becky Murray — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 20:33:33 +0000

An FEI dressage forum will be organised this year to tackle concerns in the sport – but the equestrian community has been warned that it would be a “grave error” to think welfare issues are “just a dressage problem”.

The Swedish Equestrian Federation’s horse welfare council and the Gothenburg Horse Show co-hosted a meeting at the show (21–25 February) on horse welfare and social licence, attended by representatives from Nordic and Polish federations, show organisers, equine researchers, the FEI and World Horse Welfare.

The Swedish federation’s secretary general Johan Fyrberg told H&H that “horse welfare must be addressed within the sport, but also outside it”.

“The pattern we have seen is horse abuse cases taking place in private business, at stables and in training. There are not very many cases, but there are some, and that is serious.

“The aim of the meeting was to be proactive and spread knowledge between countries, and look at how we can interact more as federations with what is going on in private training, and within the larger equestrian community.

“It’s important federations work together to tackle the challenges, and it’s not so much that we need new rules and regulations, we need to follow the rules that we have.”

An outcome of the meeting was a letter to the FEI signed jointly by the Nordic federations, the Swedish, Danish and Norwegian and Finnish, which have “joined forces to create change”

This letter called for the creation of an FEI dressage forum, where stakeholders “together can come up with initiatives for improvements” in the sport. The federations also want to address judging in competition, education and training of young horses, and the role of young horse championships.

“We need to consider why there are championships for young horses; is it to prepare the horses for a successful future or for commercial reasons? These are things we hope to discuss in the dressage forum,” said Mr Fyrberg.

An FEI spokesman said: “We have thanked the national federations for their constructive approach and for highlighting the importance of following the key themes outlined in the equine ethics and wellbeing commission (EEWBC) final report, notably, be a leader, be trusted, be transparent, be proactive and be accountable,” he said.

“All of these apply to the FEI and national federations alike and we are in complete agreement that it is our collective responsibility to ensure the welfare and integrity of our sport, both within and outside the arena.”

The spokesman added that “for this reason”, the EEWBC’s recommendations and proposed action plans will be discussed at the FEI Sports Forum on 29–30 April.

“It is likely that some actions may require rule changes, which would be submitted to the vote of the general assembly 2024,” he said.

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers spoke at the Gothenburg meeting and told H&H that one of the key messages is, “this is about actions and not words”. He also emphasised the importance of the equestrian community taking new developments in equine research and evidence on board.

“This is a long-term issue, and it’s never done with because public attitudes and our understanding of good welfare changes. Therefore, we always need to be progressing and developing,” he said.

“Often, a lot of these [horse welfare] issues are regional and there’s different contexts, but public acceptance is a collective responsibility and involves everyone.”

Mr Owers added that recent cases of horse abuse are “not only a concern for the dressage world, but a concern for the equestrian world”.

“Some people have a focus on particular disciplines, and previously we heard a lot about endurance and other disciplines. It would be a grave error to think this is just a dressage problem, because it most certainly isn’t,” he said.

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World team gold medallists named on Olympic longlist

Becky Murray — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 17:00:54 +0000

The reigning world team gold medallists are among the riders named on the Danish dressage longlist for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The Danish federation Dansk Ride Forbund’s (DRF) selectors have named the eight riders who will be in contention for a place at the Games, taking place at the Palace of Versailles. The equestrian events run from 27 July to 6 August, with the first day of dressage on 30 July.

The eight riders on the Danish dressage longlist for Paris 2024 are:

Daniel Bachmann Andersen
Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour
Carina Cassøe Krüth
Nanna Skodborg Merrald
Nadja Aaboe Sloth
Anna Zibrandtsen
Lone Bang Zindorff

All the riders except Nadja Aaboe Sloth have championship experience. Most recently Daniel and Marshall-Bell, Carina and Heiline’s Danciera, Catherine and Vamos Amigos and Nanna and Blue Hors Zack won gold at the World Dressage Championships at Herning in 2022, where Tokyo Olympic individual bronze medallist Cathrine also won two individual silvers.

Last year in Riesenbeck, Germany, Daniel and Vayron, Carina and Heiline’s Danciera, and Nanna and Blue Horse Zepter – alongside Andreas Helgstrand and Jovian – retained the Danish squad’s 2021 European team bronze. Nanna also claimed individual silver in the grand prix special.

DRF has yet to name which horses will be in the running for Paris, but among the hopefuls is Mount St John Freestyle – a former double world medal-winning ride of Charlotte Dujardin, owned by Mount St John Stud – who joined Cathrine’s string in October when her long-term supporters the Zinglersen bought a half-share. The pair enjoyed a super start to their new partnership, with two +81% scores for victory in their first international outing in December. Cathrine’s Tokyo Olympic individual bronze medallist Bohemian was sold to the US for Endel Ots as a Paris potential ride, and Vamos Amigos returned to his owners the Pidgley family.

A DRF spokesman said that for riders to be selected for Paris they must participate in one or more observation events, including at Herning, Hagen, and Compiegne, plus the Danish championships and Nation Cup events. The final team selection will be announced immediately after Aachen in July.

“The final selection is based, among other things, on results, fitness and the health of the team members according to the sport plan’s selection criteria,” said the spokesman.

‘I did the best for the horse’ says vet – top rider loses medal and fined over horse’s colic treatment

Becky Murray — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 14:53:17 +0000

Dressage rider Andreas Helgstrand has lost the bronze medal he won at the 2023 Danish national championships owing to veterinary treatment given to the horse the night before.

On 4 June Andreas and the nine-year-old stallion Jovian were third in the freestyle at the championships.

But on 19 September the Danish equestrian federation (DRF’s) appeal committee ruled that there had been a violation of the federation’s rules relating to veterinary treatment. In the decision published by DRF on 20 September, it was stated that Jovian was treated by a vet on the showground on 3 June for a mild (non life-threatening case) of colic, during which time two technical delegates passed the stable while the vet was examining him.

Following the treatment, the vet sent an email to the DRF’s veterinary consultant Mette Uldahl at 10.04pm that night, but this was not read until the evening of the day following the competition. The document states that no telephone calls were made to Ms Uldahl, or enquiries to the technical delegate, for approval of the treatment on Saturday – or before the start of the event on Sunday.

“The treating veterinarian supplemented Mette Uldahl with additional information about the treatment on 5 June and stated that the horse had been given 500ml of [electrolyte] duphalyte and 20ml of [painkiller] traumeel orally by tube,” read the decision, adding that within an hour Jovian had started eating again and for the rest of the night “behaved normally”.

“It is stated that the attending veterinarian was consulted by Andreas Helgstrand’s groom on 3 June in the evening. The vet examined the horse and carried out the treatment mentioned. Andreas was not aware of the treatment until he was informed on 6 June 2023 about the complaint filed in the case.”

The complaint, brought by DRF, is based on the fact there was a breach of its regulations on doping and medication.

“A horse has been medicated on a showground without the required assessment and permission from DRF’s veterinary consultant,” the document read.

The complaint decision added that horses may not participate in events under the influence of pain-relieving, performance-enhancing, stimulating or sedative substances – and that medication should not be administered via tube. If there is a need for medication at a showground in Denmark, permission must be obtained from DRF’s veterinary consultant prior to treatment, unless it is a “series or life-threatening situation for the horse”.

The document states that Andreas said the two medications used are not on the FEI’s equine prohibited substances list (EPSL), that the Danish federation follows the FEI rules, that he believes the administration via tube was not a violation, and that two technical delegates passed the stable while the vet was treating the horse.

The appeal committee said the fact the technical delegates passed the stable cannot be equated with an acceptance of a given treatment. The committee said it is the vet’s and ultimately rider’s responsibility to ensure regulations are complied with.

“It can be assumed that the treatment carried out would not be approved by DRF’s veterinary consultant, as the two drugs would not be approved for the treatment of the disease in question,” read the decision.

“The horse has been medicated on an event site without prior permission and it is irrelevant that the drugs do not appear on the FEI’s doping list. Four times the normal recommended dose of traumeel has been used, which the appeal committee finds to be striking. Duphalyte is liquid and administered by tube, which is not a voluntary intake of liquid and thus a violation.”

The appeal committee “assumes” that if the horse had only been treated with gut-relaxing medication after prior approval from DRF’s veterinary consultant, the horse could possibly be allowed to participate, had he been assessed as fit to compete prior to the event. But in this case, Andreas’ own vet carried out the assessment without the technical delegates and DRF’s veterinary consultant.

The appeal committee ruled there was a breach of the regulations and Andreas is disqualified from the class, and must return the prizes. He was also fined 5,000 DKK (£582). He can appeal the decision within four weeks.

Andreas Helgstrand told H&H he had “nothing to do with the matter”, and asked H&H to obtain a statement from the treating vet.

The vet, Dyrlæge Jonas Rasmussen, told H&H he was called by the groom to examine Jovian who had “discomfort”, and he suspected colic.

Mr Rasmusseen said part of the examination including tubing Jovian, and the reason he used duphalyte and traumeel was because he knew that they are not on the FEI ESPL. He added that Jovian made a fast recovery, and within an hour and a half to two hours, he was “normal” again and eating.

“Straight after my exam and administration of traumeel and duphalyte, I emailed the veterinary consultant, Mette Uldahl. I wrote the email to be sure that nothing was hidden in what happened to the horse. Mette Uldahl did not respond to my email until the beginning of the following week,” said Mr Rasmussen.

“During the night and next morning Jovian was completely normal, and Andreas Helgstrand competed the horse. We have no intention to ride a horse that is not fit to compete.

“The Danish federation has now decided to take away Andreas’ title and fine him. The reason for this is that I should have made a phone call to Mette Uldahl before starting the ‘treatment’ of Jovian, and that Mette Uldahl disagreed with the treatment done. This is my mistake. I am very confused about this ruling, and I feel sorry for Andreas in this situation. I am still confident that in this situation I did the best for the horse.”

50 horses found buried at major stud farm after violent clashes between stable staff and protestors

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 14:55:01 +0000

Danish authorities have found the bodies of 50 horses buried at a major stud farm in Jutland, in the last of a series of inspections, after violent clashes between stud staff and protestors.

The Central and West Jutland Police, Viborg municipality and the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration finished their inspection of stud farm Viegård on Wednesday evening (23 August). The three authorities are “continuing to work on the case”, a police spokesman said.

“We have carried out a large and unannounced check today. Buildings and fields that the police know about, among other things through reports and inquiries from citizens, have now been thoroughly investigated,” said deputy police inspector Christian Toftemark.

The police spokesman said the authorities dug at “several places at different addresses” and that “approximately 50” horses were found buried.

“During the inspection, we found that there were buried horses. Permission for burial has neither been sought nor granted. It is illegal and a breach of the Environmental Protection Act,” said Hans Jørn Laursen, director of engineering and environment in Viborg municipality.

Flemming Kure Marker, head of veterinary medicine at the Danish Food and Drug Administration, added: “Parts of the excavated horses will also be sent for examination, where pathologists will try to determine whether the horses died as a result of starvation.”

Some 390 living horses were checked at the farm.

On 9 August, the police force said it was increasing its presence in the area of the stud, after “several confrontations between employees at a stud farm in the Viborg area and other citizens who stay in the immediate vicinity of the stud farm to protest and demonstrate”.

“We are now working with several cases of violence as well as other violations that relate to the attention that the stud has received over the summer,” Mr Toftemark said at the time.

“It has gone too far, both when legitimate protesters are physically confronted by stud employees during demonstrations, as well as when citizens outside the stud block the roads for stud employees to inspect cars entering and exiting different addresses.”

By 9 August, authorities had made six unannounced visits to the stud this year, resulting in “four charges, which contain a total of 35 conditions for, among other things, violations of the Animal Welfare Act”, police said.

“The charges are not in the nature of neglect or mistreatment,” the spokesman said at the time. “Therefore, they also do not have a character where sanctions such as removing the horses or appointing a manager could come into question. The stud farm has provisionally complied with the orders that have been given.”

H&H has approached the stud for comment.

Home favourite sets up thrilling battle for gold, with the results to go down to wire

Polly Bryan — Sat, 13 Aug 2022 12:45:45 +0000

Denmark’s penultimate rider has laid down a mighty score to take the home side into a tussle for gold that is set to go right to the wire. Tobias Thorning Joergensen has scored just a fraction under 80% in the Orifarm Healthcare FEI World Para Dressage Championships with Jolene Hill to set up a truly thrilling finale to the team competition.

Such are Tobias’ high standards that he was little disappointed with his mark of 79.27% – he said he had hoped for 80% today – but he also explained that his warm-up had been far from ideal.

“There were some things with Jolene in the warm-up and everything went kind of crazy,” said Tobias, declining to go into more detail.

“I went from going in thinking I would smash 80% today to just thinking I would just go though the test without mistakes and make a fluent and pretty test and not go for the extra.

“It was a good score – there were no mistakes and it was pretty fluent I think but I would have liked some more [energy] in the trot. The walk and the halt were better today, but I missed the last bit of action and activity.”

Tobias’ test has sent Denmark surging to the top of the World Para Dressage Championships results leaderboard and his teammate Nicole Johnsen also laid down a valuable score of 73.31% to give the team a finishing mark of 229.75%.

Their main rivals for the gold medal, reigning world champions the Netherlands, have a rider left to go: Frank Hosmar on Alphaville NOP, who will need to slightly improve on his individual competition score and record 75.31% for the Netherlands to go ahead and claim gold.

‘Now I can maybe turn it up’: 10-year-old gelding contains his enthusiasm to deliver another +76% for Denmark at World Dressage Championships

Becky Murray — Sun, 07 Aug 2022 15:02:31 +0000

Danish rider Daniel Bachmann Andersen has strengthened the home side’s medal hopes in the Blue Hors FEI World Dressage Championships with a +76% in the grand prix.

Daniel contained the 10-year-old Marshall-Bell’s enthusiasm to deliver an impressive test, which put the combination into sixth in the World Dressage Championships results at this stage.

The Blue Hors Don Romantic son, who shone in Aachen last month finishing third in the grand prix freestyle, produced expressive half passes in the first stage of the test however lost a bit of energy in the first piaffe. He really relaxed into the extended walk, and although he became a little overactive in the latter passage and piaffe work – his enthusiasm worked well for the pair in the one and two-time changes. The pair finished on 76.58%.

“The feeling in there was absolutely fantastic,” said Daniel.

“I loved my ones, they were really good and soft – and he was really walking nicely today and settling good. The piaffe passage can be much more energetic but I liked overall that he was just with me listening all the way, that was a good start for the next day.”

Daniel, who was part of the bronze medal-winning team at the Europeans in Hagen last year, said Marshall-Bell has grown in confidence.

“He hasn’t done many shows, he’s still just 10 years old. We didn’t do the World Cup season last year because I didn’t want to that with a nine-year-old,” he said.

“He’s got more strength and become softer in the body now. The first day here he was a bit spooky so we really had the tactic today of slow it down and get a safe round. He surprised me how calm he was in there, I was thinking ‘Ok, come on’ – but it worked and he really listened. From now on I can maybe turn it up a little bit because there’s lots of power, it’s just being able to control it and get that soft feeling, because it can also tip a little bit the other way, then you get a mistake which we don’t want.”

Marshall-Bell was sold earlier this year to 22-year-old Israeli rider Nicola Ahorner but Daniel said the gelding will remain with him for the moment.

“I’ll keep riding him, and Nicola will fly in and train with me. Then we will make a show programme for Marshall and Nicola so they can start competing together,” he said.

“I’m so excited to join that journey as well. I’m also a trainer not just a rider, I like to teach and bring my knowledge further on, that makes me better.”

Medal favourites Denmark sit in a strong position at this stage in the World Dressage Championships results, with Nanna Merrald Rasmussen and Blue Hors Zack delivering 76.72% yesterday, and Carina Cassøe scoring 76.86% on Krüth Heiline’s Danciera. Cathrine Laudrop-Dufor will be last to ride for the team on Vamos Amigos at 7.18pm local time (6.18pm BST).

Danish rider Nanna Merrald Rasmussen takes the lead in World Dressage Championships grand prix

Becky Murray — Sat, 06 Aug 2022 12:59:19 +0000

Home side rider Nanna Merrald Rasmussen has stormed into the lead in the grand prix opening day at the Blue Hors FEI World Dressage Championships.

Nanna and the 18-year-old stallion Blue Hors Zack delivered a stunning test to post 76.72%, a personal best grand prix score.

Nanna, currently ranked 10th in the world, said she was “thrilled” with Zack.

“My favourite part was the overall impression, there were no big mistakes. It’s really so expensive to make mistakes,” she said.

“He was fresh and I was maybe a little bit careful in the beginning. In the extended trot I was not going for a nine, but slowly building it up. I’m so proud of him and myself that we could do it.”

Zack, the former ride of Nanna’s teammate Daniel Bachmann Andersen, has only made one international appearance since his Tokyo performance last year.

“He has been very busy breeding,” explained Nanna, who added the lack of outings had been part of the plan.

“He has done so many shows, so he has to be a little bit hungry to go out. If I do too many shows with him he gets a little bit bored with it. He has to be really fresh and happy to go out, and that was really the plan here. It’s why I didn’t take him to Aachen; I did the Danish Championships [in June] and that was a ‘Maybe it will be fun to go’ – and he was on fire. Then we thought ‘Ok, maybe if we do the same routine for here’, no shows before and a lot of normal work at home.”

The home crowd showed appreciation for Nanna’s test, rewarding her with an applause as she made her way down the final centre line.

“I’m super proud. It was a super atmosphere – [the crowd] supporting me like crazy. My tears were almost coming out, it was really nice,” said Nanna.

Nanna’s thrilling ride puts Denmark into the lead in the World Dressage Championship results at this stage. Under the World Dressage Championships format, the team medals will be decided solely on the results of the grand prix, with the three best scores per team to count. The grand prix will also serve as an individual qualifier through to the grand prix special on Monday, 8 August.

‘The picture looks nicer but we’re not finished yet’: dressage ponies banned from competing owing to mouth wounds

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 05 Jun 2022 20:01:34 +0000

Ten ponies were banned from competing in Denmark at two shows — and comments were made about 13 more — owing to injuries in their mouths.

The Danish equestrian federation (DRF) had warned competitors in the pony ECCO Cup qualifier that tack checks would be carried out at two events, two weekends running at Sundeved Rideklub.

Ponies were checked on their way into the warm-up area, by DRF veterinary consultant Mette Uldahl, and any with broken skin were not allowed to compete.

At the first event, on 21 March, four ponies showed “wounds in the oral cavity” and were not allowed to compete, while six “received a remark”.

DRF club and sports manager Anne Silfwander said: “We are naturally sorry to see that four of the horses were not fit to compete due to wounds in the oral cavity, and that another six horses received remarks.

“Optimally, we should like to get to the point where you, as parents, riders and trainers, think preventively and make sure to check the horse regularly, so that you do not show up at the venue with a horse that is not fit to compete. Fortunately, many people have already embraced this way of thinking, but there is still room for improvement. ”

On 28 March, six ponies were denied for the same reason and seven crews spoken to. Reasons for the remarks included redness and “wear marks” in some of the ponies who were allowed to compete.

Ms Silfwander said: “It is by no means optimal that we see more ponies that are not fit to compete due to wounds in the oral cavity, and that there are also more who receive remarks.

“Although the picture basically looks nicer in pony dressage than in previous years, we are not finished yet, and that is why it is so important that both parents, riders and trainers think preventively and make sure to check the ponies regularly. It is a good habit we must have established, and it takes time.”

DRF said there was overall support from the tack checks, from riders, parents and trainers, which Ms Silfwander said was a good sign.

“We know that equipment control can make people nervous regardless of the outcome, so we are really happy to see that the general reception is good and that people are basically understanding and cooperative,” she said.

Tight nosebands outlawed by national federation

Lucy Elder — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 16:14:11 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

A noseband tightness limit is to be enforced in all disciplines in Denmark from 2018.

The move follows research by the Danish equestrian federation, headed by FEI vet Mette Uldahl, which found a correlation between tight nosebands and mouth lesions.

The 2018 rule will require a gap of 1.5cm between the horse’s nasal plate and the noseband (see illustration above).

Selected technical delegates will be trialling measurement methods at 2017 events in readiness for the rule change. No sanctions for too-tight nosebands will be imposed this year.

“From 1st January 2018, officials will check at the venues if there is a suspicion that the noseband is too tight,” said a statement from the federation.

“The aim is to ensure in cooperation with the riders that riding at the venues always takes place with sufficient governance of horse welfare.

“If officials find that a noseband is too tight, the rider will be asked to loosen it according to the rules, after which the competitor can participate in the competition.

“If the rider refuses to loosen the noseband, or if there are repeated violations of the noseband tightness rules, sanctions will be imposed.”

The federation started the study in 2014 to record types of riding equipment and tack used on competition horses and establish the impacts these have.

The results are expected to be published in a scientific journal by the end of this year.

More than 3,000 eventers, showjumpers, dressage and endurance horses were examined in the study.

The bit and type of noseband were recorded, the tightness of the noseband measured and the corners of the horses’ mouths inspected for lesions and blood.

Some horses were recorded as having oral lesions, most of them in dressage.

According to the study, the there was a “very clear correlation” between the tightness of the noseband and the occurrence of these lesions.

“The tighter the noseband was, the more oral lesions were recorded,” adds the statement from the federation.

“Horse/rider combinations at higher level of competition had a higher prevalence of oral lesions than at lower level.

“Based on these findings the regulation of noseband tightness is found to be an important focus area in the aim of reducing the frequency of oral lesions findings in competition horses at all levels.”

Article continues below…

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(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Tight nosebands can cause distress, study finds

Researchers found horses showed physiological stress responses when

Spurs and whips

The researchers found a low proportion of horses had spur-associated lesions or worn hair on the flanks.

“The study indicated that spurs are technically more difficult to use correctly for riders at a low level of competition compared to riders at a higher level of competition,” said the federation’s statement.

“For all riders, regardless of level, a relatively longer spur presented a significantly greater risk of finding hair on the spur and worn hair on the horse’s ribcage compared to a shorter spur.

“We are pleased that the occurrence of lesions caused by spurs was relatively low, but we will use the results and the correlations found as a tool for future control of equipment and training of the riders.”

Horses were also inspected for lesions on their shoulders and quarters from use of the whip.

Incidences of lesions in these areas were “very low”.

The federation added that it is “pleased” at the lack of these incidences, but is aware individual cases of lesions from use of the whip must be identified and addressed at events.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

In pictures: FEI European dressage championships in Denmark

Alice Collins — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 11:36:36 +0000

Today’s Horse & Hound magazine is a bumper issue packed full of reports from the ECCO European Championships in Herning, Denmark.

As a special treat, here are some extra pictures of the dressage action which we didn’t have room to include in the magazine. We hope you enjoy them…

Here are some more picture collections from H&H:

QIPCO British Champions Day: in pictures

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A crowd of over 24,000 gathered at Ascot racecourse on Saturday (19 October 2013) to watch top Flat horses in action at QIPCO British Champions Day.

Top riders from the world of eventing — including Emily King, Harry Meade, Laura Collett and Oliver Townend — enjoyed a day out alongside Paralympic gold medallist Natasha Baker.

Alongside top racing there was plenty to do for horse lovers — including a “jockey school” for budding young riders and pony rides.

And fans of Sir Henry Cecil remembered the great trainer at a special exhibition.

In pictures: youngsters by Chilli Morning, European eventing bronze medallist

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To celebrate the stallion Chilli Morning winning an individual bronze medal for William Fox-Pitt at the HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships in Malmö, we bring you a gallery of his offspring, sent in by our readers.

Paras in pictures: highlights from the European Championships

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As we released a bumper issue packed full of reports from the ECCO European Championships in Herning, Denmark, we published some extra pictures of the para dressage action which we didn’t have room to include in the magazine. We hope you enjoy them…

Royal International Horse Show in pictures

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Enjoy highlights of the Longines Royal International Horse Show 2013 through the eyes of our on-site photographers and H&H readers.

Andrew Nicholson at home: in pictures

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Following his four four-star wins in less than a year, Horse & Hound visited New Zealand’s Andrew Nicholson at his Wiltshire home to discuss his top horses, how he stays motivated and how he found a new edge.

Enjoy some photos from the shoot, plus some pictures of Andrew in competition.

Denmark reveals dressage team for World Equestrian Games

Horse & Hound — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:22:41 +0000

The Danish Equestrian Federation has revealed the team that is likely to be one of Britain’s direct rivals for the dressage bronze medal in the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.

Danish team trainer Rudolf Zelinger has chosen the following riders for his squad:

Nathalie zu Saeyn-Wittgenstein riding Digby
Anne van Olst riding Clearwater
Anne Troensegaard riding Seduc
Sune Hansen riding Gredstedgaards Casmir

The reserve rider is Sanne Hennigsen on Atterupgaards Molberg.

Read the latest World Equestrian Games news

Danish exchange for Holcombe hunt

Charlotte White — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:29:48 +0000

Lancashire‘s Holcombe hunt is to host a group of Danish riders at a meet next season and then travel to Copenhagen so the Danes can repay their hospitality.

The exchange is the first of several planned by hunting campaigner Midge Todhunter through his website www.themastersvoice.co.uk

Lulu Birger Christensen, who is organising the exchange from the Danish side, said: “Eight of us will go to England in December to hunt with the Holcombe. Many of the Danes will not have experienced trail hunting before.”

The Sports Rideklubben meets each Sunday during spring and autumn in an ancient deer park to follow “foxes” — mounted members, carrying fox brushes — across a prepared 12-14km run of jumps and open country. No hounds are involved.

Holcombe master Susan Simmons said: “We are looking forward to the exchange.”

Exchanges are under discussion with hunts in Belgium, Italy, Germany and America and Mr Todhunter is keen for more British packs to volunteer to act as hosts.

For more information, contact Mr Todhunter, tel: 01768 860616.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (20 August, ’09)

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‘A grave error to think this is just a dressage problem’: new forum agreed to help tackle welfare concerns

The Swedish federation’s secretary general Johan Fyrberg told H&H that “horse welfare must be addressed within the sport, but also outside it”.

“The pattern we have seen is horse abuse cases taking place in private business, at stables and in training. There are not very many cases, but there are some, and that is serious.

“There’s a big discussion about this in the whole of the equestrian world right now, and the discussion is very intense in the Nordic countries,” he said, adding that although this applies to all equestrian disciplines, the recent cases “have mostly been related to dressage”.

“The aim of the meeting was to be proactive and spread knowledge between countries, and look at how we can interact more as federations with what is going on in private training, and within the larger equestrian community.

“It’s important federations work together to tackle the challenges, and it’s not so much that we need new rules and regulations, we need to follow the rules that we have.”

An outcome of the meeting was a letter to the FEI signed jointly by the Nordic federations, the Swedish, Danish and Norwegian and Finnish, which have “joined forces to create change”

This letter called for the creation of an FEI dressage forum, where stakeholders “together can come up with initiatives for improvements” in the sport. The federations also want to address judging in competition, education and training of young horses, and the role of young horse championships.

“We need to consider why there are championships for young horses; is it to prepare the horses for a successful future or for commercial reasons? These are things we hope to discuss in the dressage forum,” said Mr Fyrberg.

“All of these apply to the FEI and national federations alike and we are in complete agreement that it is our collective responsibility to ensure the welfare and integrity of our sport, both within and outside the arena.”

The spokesman added that “for this reason”, the EEWBC’s recommendations and proposed action plans will be discussed at the FEI Sports Forum on 29–30 April.

“It is likely that some actions may require rule changes, which would be submitted to the vote of the general assembly 2024,” he said.

“A dressage forum, as proposed in the letter, will be organised after this year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games. We are grateful to the national federations for their concern and share the same determination to make a positive impact swiftly and effectively.”

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers spoke at the Gothenburg meeting and told H&H that one of the key messages is, “this is about actions and not words”. He also emphasised the importance of the equestrian community taking new developments in equine research and evidence on board.

“This is a long-term issue, and it’s never done with because public attitudes and our understanding of good welfare changes. Therefore, we always need to be progressing and developing,” he said.

“Often, a lot of these [horse welfare] issues are regional and there’s different contexts, but public acceptance is a collective responsibility and involves everyone.”

Mr Owers added that recent cases of horse abuse are “not only a concern for the dressage world, but a concern for the equestrian world”.

“Some people have a focus on particular disciplines, and previously we heard a lot about endurance and other disciplines. It would be a grave error to think this is just a dressage problem, because it most certainly isn’t,” he said.

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A DRF spokesman said that for riders to be selected for Paris they must participate in one or more observation events, including at Herning, Hagen, and Compiegne, plus the Danish championships and Nation Cup events. The final team selection will be announced immediately after Aachen in July.

“The final selection is based, among other things, on results, fitness and the health of the team members according to the sport plan’s selection criteria,” said the spokesman.

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‘I did the best for the horse’ says vet – top rider loses medal and fined over horse’s colic treatment

The complaint, brought by DRF, is based on the fact there was a breach of its regulations on doping and medication.

“A horse has been medicated on a showground without the required assessment and permission from DRF’s veterinary consultant,” the document read.

The appeal committee said the fact the technical delegates passed the stable cannot be equated with an acceptance of a given treatment. The committee said it is the vet’s and ultimately rider’s responsibility to ensure regulations are complied with.

“It can be assumed that the treatment carried out would not be approved by DRF’s veterinary consultant, as the two drugs would not be approved for the treatment of the disease in question,” read the decision.

The appeal committee ruled there was a breach of the regulations and Andreas is disqualified from the class, and must return the prizes. He was also fined 5,000 DKK (£582). He can appeal the decision within four weeks.

Andreas Helgstrand told H&H he had “nothing to do with the matter”, and asked H&H to obtain a statement from the treating vet.

The vet, Dyrlæge Jonas Rasmussen, told H&H he was called by the groom to examine Jovian who had “discomfort”, and he suspected colic.

Mr Rasmusseen said part of the examination including tubing Jovian, and the reason he used duphalyte and traumeel was because he knew that they are not on the FEI ESPL. He added that Jovian made a fast recovery, and within an hour and a half to two hours, he was “normal” again and eating.

“During the night and next morning Jovian was completely normal, and Andreas Helgstrand competed the horse. We have no intention to ride a horse that is not fit to compete.

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50 horses found buried at major stud farm after violent clashes between stable staff and protestors

“We have carried out a large and unannounced check today. Buildings and fields that the police know about, among other things through reports and inquiries from citizens, have now been thoroughly investigated,” said deputy police inspector Christian Toftemark.

The police spokesman said the authorities dug at “several places at different addresses” and that “approximately 50” horses were found buried.

“During the inspection, we found that there were buried horses. Permission for burial has neither been sought nor granted. It is illegal and a breach of the Environmental Protection Act,” said Hans Jørn Laursen, director of engineering and environment in Viborg municipality.

Flemming Kure Marker, head of veterinary medicine at the Danish Food and Drug Administration, added: “Parts of the excavated horses will also be sent for examination, where pathologists will try to determine whether the horses died as a result of starvation.”

Some 390 living horses were checked at the farm.

On 9 August, the police force said it was increasing its presence in the area of the stud, after “several confrontations between employees at a stud farm in the Viborg area and other citizens who stay in the immediate vicinity of the stud farm to protest and demonstrate”.

“We are now working with several cases of violence as well as other violations that relate to the attention that the stud has received over the summer,” Mr Toftemark said at the time.

“It has gone too far, both when legitimate protesters are physically confronted by stud employees during demonstrations, as well as when citizens outside the stud block the roads for stud employees to inspect cars entering and exiting different addresses.”

H&H has approached the stud for comment.

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“There were some things with Jolene in the warm-up and everything went kind of crazy,” said Tobias, declining to go into more detail.

“I went from going in thinking I would smash 80% today to just thinking I would just go though the test without mistakes and make a fluent and pretty test and not go for the extra.

“It was a good score – there were no mistakes and it was pretty fluent I think but I would have liked some more [energy] in the trot. The walk and the halt were better today, but I missed the last bit of action and activity.”

Tobias’ test has sent Denmark surging to the top of the World Para Dressage Championships results leaderboard and his teammate Nicole Johnsen also laid down a valuable score of 73.31% to give the team a finishing mark of 229.75%.