Vincent Maranello and Thomas won the championship qualifier for 4-year-old horses in Aalborg. They obtained a total score of 9.10, scoring e.g. 9.2 in trot, 9.7 in canter and 9.4 in capacity. Even though Vincent Maranello found his first outdoor show quite exciting, he did a great job in the arena, and he made an excellent performance. Emma and Tørveslettens Fifty-fifty placed second in the class, obtaining 8.78 points, with e.g. 9.7 in trot and 9.2 in canter. In addition, Emma and Faximilliana placed fourth with 8.66. Finally, Severo placed 6 and 7 with Full Moon and Bambolero, respectively.

This weekend Daniel participated in Bundgaard Byg Cup and the U-25 Danish Championship at Broholm with Vladimir and Versace.

Friday morning started with Prix St. George as a warm-up for the Bundgaard Byg Cup. Daniel and Vladimir obtained 70.92% in this class and placed fourth. In Intermediare I on Saturday, Daniel and Vladimir made an even greater performance, and this was awarded with a score of 74.29%, making them the obvious winner of the class. Sunday, Daniel and Vladimir had their debut in Intermediare I Kür. Once again, they made a great performance, which matched the music beautifully. Vladimir seemed a bit tired after three days of competition, however, he did really well, and they obtained 75.04%. As a result Daniel and Vladimir finished as winners of Bundgaard Byg Cup.

Versace and Daniel started their first outdoor show this weekend. On Friday in the Intermediare II, the first qualifier for the U-25 Danish Championship, they did well, but the new surroundings were a bit challenging. They finished with a score of 68.63% and placed third. Saturday in the Grand Prix, Daniel and Versace showed a high level, and their great performance resulted in a score of 70.02%, which was enough to place second in the class. In the finals on Sunday, in the Grand Prix Kür, Daniel and Versace made an excellent performance, showing a programme with a high level of complexity. After obtaining 74.05% in the kür and finishing second in the U-25 Danish Championship, Daniel was able to bring home a silver medal for the second year in a row.

Congratulations on the great results.

Last weekend some of the riders from Helgstrand Dressage participated in the regional show at Morsø Rideklub. Daniel and Vladimir won MA0 as well as MA2, scoring 69.53% and 72.42%, respectively. Jens and Vilgot made a great performance and finished second in the unofficial Danish Championship for master rider students. Finally, Charlotte and Okavango won the Prix St. George with a score of 67.10%.

During the weekend, Emma participated in the championship for 4 and 5 years old horses in Holstebro Rideklub. In the class for 4-year-olds, Emma and Fleetwood won with impressive 9.0 points. In the class for 5-year-olds, Emma placed fourth with Zgander. 

Friday and Sunday, Emma and Zgander also went to Frederikshavn Rideklub. Friday, they placed third with 72.77% in LA1. Sunday, they won the class, scoring 70.74% also in LA1.

The first foal by Vincent Maranello was born on April 29 2014. It was a lovely filly with Negro as dam sire.

At a national show in Kolding this weekend, Jens and Severo obtained great results. Jens and Wellisimia finished 3rd in Prix St. George, scoring 67.54%. In the  Grand Prix on Saturday, Severo and N.O.H.'s Daijoubo finished 2nd with a great score of 70.10%. Jens and Vilgot placed 5th in MA1, scoring 65.92%.

Tonight, TV2Nord brought a programme concerning Akeem and Andreas. Watch the programme on the link below.

TV programme TV2Nord

Article from TV2Nord

Yesterday, on April 19 2014, Akeem Foldager was examined by a veterinarian as requested by the Danish Equestrian Federation (DRF).

The examination was requested due to a number of pictures presented to the Danish Equestrian Federation (DRF). According to DRF, the pictures gave rise to further examination, and Helgstrand Dressage has cooperated with DRF and the veterinarian in order to clarify the episode.

Akeem Foldager has now been examined by the veterinarian Peter M. Busk together with a representative from the Danish Equestrian Federation.

Peter M. Busk concludes in his report that the skin is normal everywhere on the horse without any scars, wounds or crusts. However, the veterinarian found some pain reaction in the right side of the jaw, where the curb bit applies pressure. "The mucosa in the area did not show any crust or other abnormalities," reads the report from the veterinarian Peter M. Busk.

He recommends that the horse does not compete or is trained before the pain reaction in the right side of the jaw is reduced or gone. A recommendation Andreas Helgstrand obviously intends to follow.

"Akeem will not be trained until he is 100% ready, and at the same time, we will go through his equipment and the use of it. Among other things, we have communicated with the manufacturer of the bit in order to find one that is more suitable for Akeem," says Andreas Helgstrand.

Helgstrand Dressage fully understands the debate caused by the pictures.
"It is totally unacceptable that Akeem has a blue tongue. This should of course never happen, and we have concluded that the curb chain had been fitted too tight. It was, therefore, adjusted immediately," explains Andreas Helgstrand.

"It is obvious that these pictures create a debate and we are completely focused on making the necessary changes - including adjusting the bridle," says Andreas Helgstrand.

Akeem Foldager was shortly after the episode examined by a veterinarian, however, Andreas Helgstrand welcomes the examination requested by the Danish Equestrian Federation.

"We support any initiative to secure the well-being of the horse and we will, of course, follow the recommendations from the veterinarian. Moreover, we will follow up with additional examinations of Akeem," explains Andreas Helgstrand.

"Anyone questioning Akeem's state of health is welcome in our stable," says Andreas Helgstrand.

See the veterinarian report on DRF's homepage: www.rideforbund.dk

One of the highlights of the year at Helgstrand Dressage is now getting closer, and we are so excited to welcome all visitors on Saturday for our open house and stallion show. The whole team has very worked hard all week to make sure that everything shines. The new stands are almost ready; and we are certain that everyone will be able to get a good spot this year.

It would be a good idea to arrive early, so that you have plenty of time to take a look at the stands from the visiting companies. Kinnerup Hesteartikler will have a big tent with Kingsland articles and lots of good deals. BMW will be exhibiting different cars. Hjallerup Maskinforretning will bring agricultural machines, and Equsana will be ready with good advice concerning horse feed. As usual, we have prepared sausages, bread and soft drinks. 

We look forward to welcoming everyone; and we wil, of course, do our utmost to give all visitors a fun and inspiring afternoon.

On Saturday, when our open house event takes place, you will experience much more than a traditional stallion show. Concurrently with the presentation of the stallions, we will cover the theme: which horses are in high demand? We would like to share our knowledge and experience with the visitors; we will discuss the qualities required by potential buyers and riders.

Besides our stallions, we will also show a few sales horses with "x-factor", making them attractive as sales horses and for participation in competitions. The Danish master rider Morten Thomsen will also join us. Morten is an acknowledged and highly respected trainer worldwide. He will comment on some of the stallions and in addition, he will demonstrate work from the ground with a young horse and an older, trained horse.

We hope to welcome a lot of breeders, riders and people with an interest in horses. We look forward to an exciting and educational afternoon with energetic stallions and a cozy atmosphere.