Picture: Leonie Ricter and For Real.

As you may have noticed in recent months, we have welcomed several new riders to Helgstrand and especially Helgstrand Germany has strengthened the equestrian tea. Two of them are currently competing at the Bundeschampionate in Warendorf.

One of the new profiles in Syke is 25-year-old Leonie Richter, who will present three horses at the 2021 Bundeschampionate and even represent Germany at the World Championships for Young Horses later this month. Leonie has been working in our German division since April 1 of this year and already expresses great enthusiasm:

- I actually started studying economics alongside running my own place, but I quickly realized that horses were to be my livelihood. At Helgstrand, I love having the opportunity to ride so many different horses — ranging from 3-year-old stallions to older Grand Prix horses. You need to have a good feeling for the horse you are riding in order to adapt and in terms of riding it is a good quality to have, Leonie says.

From the very beginning, Helgstrand has been known for its high quality and that is also something Leonie appreciates.

- Everything is just more fun when you ride horses of that quality. Especially when I get the opportunity to ride at the big young horse events such as the Bundeschampionate and World Championships for Young Horses. This is the first time I’m going to WCYH, so I am really looking forward to it!

Although Leonie is only 25 years old, she already has several big victories. One of them is without a doubt her participation in the European Championships for U21 in 2016, where she helped win team gold and in addition achieved an individual bronze medal as well as silver in the freestyle. All of it on a horse bought as a 4-year-old and trained by Leonie herself. In addition, she has participated in many 3-star competitions on various horses with great results.

In Warendorf, Leonie will ride the 3-year-old breeding stallion For Real by Farrell / Lord Loxley I, the 4-year-old Vitalos by Vitalis / De Niro and the 6-year-old Famous K by Finest / Londonderry. At the World Championships for Young Horses, she will present 5-year-old Francis Drake by Franklin / Don Schufro.

PRESS RELEASE

Aviar Saddles and the Global Equestrian Group have commenced a new and exciting partnership to redeem even more potential for both parties.

Aviar Saddles is an exclusive, innovative and rapidly growing saddle brand owned and developed by international equestrian company, Custom Saddlery. Custom saddles are already globally known, but the time had come for a revolutionary change in the way saddles are being made according to Cary Wallace, founder and CEO of Aviar Saddles.

“We are absolutely thrilled about joining the Global Equestrian Group partnership platform and expect to achieve a lot together over the coming years,” Cary Wallace says about the new partnership. “There is no question that the reach of the brands and riders in Global Equestrian Group will bring Aviar Saddles to a new level and secure even more awareness about our product.”

The high quality of Aviar Saddles was quickly noticed by the world's leading sales- and training centre for elite dressage horses and Global Equestrian Group company, Helgstrand Dressage.

Andreas Helgstrand adds:

“We are very proud to welcome Aviar Saddles as a partner in our new partnership platform. Aviar Saddles are of absolute top quality, and I am sure this partnership will bring value to Aviar Saddles, our other partners and, especially, the training of our horses.”

The partnership offers multiple exciting co-branding opportunities for both parties to secure and improve the market position of Aviar Saddles. As the future brings many more activities within the Global Equestrian Group, Aviar Saddles will be present at multiple equestrian events across the world and also make sure that every dressage rider in the Global Equestrian Group is provided with the best custom saddle available.

“We are very excited to present our new Global Equestrian Group partnership platform, which we expect much more from during the coming months. And we are especially glad to welcome a unique company like Aviar Saddles as the first partner of Global Equestrian Group,” says Martin Thorbøll Pedersen, Head of Partnerships.

About the partnership

The partnership platform is established by Global Equestrian Group to offer more value and visibility to brands and companies who operate within the equestrian industry. A partnership not only offers multiple branding possibilities across our venues, it will also aid in reaching the desired audience within the equestrian world. A partnership with Global Equestrian Group is highly flexible as it is tailormade to match the individual brand and desire.

About Global Equestrian Group

Global Equestrian Group is established as a strategic alliance between Helgstrand Dressage, Ludger Beerbaum Stables, Waterland Private Equity and Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The company holds multiple brands within the equestrian industry aiming to become the world’s leading equestrian company.

About Aviar Saddles

Aviar Saddles completely redesigned the saddle's skeleton by rethinking the shape and materials used. The saddle trees are extremely lightweight and anatomically shaped giving you a unique feeling of close contact while riding. The saddles are made from the highest quality leather, sourced from some of the best tanneries in Europe, and the handmade approach gives the saddles an artisanal finesse. Craftsmanship is the core of Aviar saddles, combined with a passion for innovation.

Picture: Patrik Kittel and Fiontini.

The only 11-year-old Fiontini was early on expected to have a promising career and time after time she has fulfilled the high ambitions. Only a few can boast of being a three-time World Champion – and since then she has advanced to international top sport, where she most recently was in the running for a spot on the Danish Olympic team. It takes a lot of resources to keep a horse at this level and especially participation in international shows became a decisive factor for Andreas. The growth ambitions of The Global Equestrian Group, which recently culminated in the acquisition of Ludger Beerbaum Stables and Riesenbeck International in Germany as well as the impressive Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in the US, take a lot of time.

- There is no doubt that Fiontini is truly special. One of those horses that you rarely get the chance to ride. Therefore, I also decided to take over the reins myself after Severo, who did a great job with her. I just have to admit that at the moment I do not have the time to participate in the many competitions it takes for a horse at this level. Therefore, I also feel like we have made the right choice by leaving the further education to Patrik Kittel, with whom we already have a great collaboration, says Andreas, who has not given up the dream of riding in the Olympic arena once again:

- COVID-19 made it possible for me to devote more hours to training, which breathed life into the dream of competing at the Olympics again. Unfortunately, this was not the year, but let’s see where we stand as the Olympics in Paris approach, Andreas adds, revealing his expectation to debut Revolution in Grand Prix this year and also preparing Jovian for the difficult Grand Prix exercises.

Following Andreas and Fiontini’s latest competition, the mare moved to Patrik Kittel’s place in Dulmen, Germany, where Patrik has spent the last months getting to know her.

- With her three World Championships, Fiontini is without a doubt a world-class horse and I am honored that Andreas shows this confidence in me. I have only ridden her for quite a short time and spend a lot of time getting to know her, but I feel like we are soon ready to see where we stand. We have to find each other and it’s a long process with a horse of this caliber. I hope for the best – Fiontini has everything it takes to make it in top sport, so now we just take it one day at a time and see what the future brings. One thing is for sure, I feel so lucky to get to train her, says Patrik Kittel.

We wish Patrik and Fiontini the best of luck in the future and look forward to following the pair as their partnership will develop.

Fiontini is co-owned by Danish Stud EVO and Helgstrand Dressage. 




Video: Patrik Kittel and Fiontini from their training.

It is no secret that we had extremely high expectations for the first crop of foals by our Dynamic Dream and to see the phenomenal offspring, which were represented at Oldenburg's auction, was absolutely fantastic. And luckily we - together with Deckstation Schockemöhle and HP Horses - had the chance to secure one of them.

Just have a look at Der Hit by Dynamic Dream/Fürst Romancier/Sandro Hit.

A true top hit for the future dressage stadium!

Acquired for 80,000 euro.

At the auction several stallions from Helgstrand were represented as sires, find video and further presentations here. 

Kastanjegårdens Charlie Brown by Springbank II VH - Ampere - Jazz

Due to the large attendance of high quality foals during our latest observations in Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands, we have chosen to expand the last auction. Intead of one, two auctions will be held in August.

No less than 41 jumping and dressage foals of the highest quality, after Helgstrand and Schockemöhle stallions, were selected at the last observation round. This means that once again a wide range of top quality foals are offered at our online auctions.

The first auction will be online from 11 - 17 August. After which the next one will be online from 25 - 31 August.

We look forward to be introducing you, once again, a collection of high quality foals.

If you have any questions about the auction, you are welcome to contact the auctioneer, Esben Møller by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone +45 52 24 85 15.

Global Equestrian Group, Waterland Private Equity, and Wellington Equestrian Partners join forces to invest in the Globalization of Equestrian Sport

Andreas Helgstrand, CEO of Global Equestrian Group (GEG) and Mark Bellissimo, CEO of Wellington Equestrian Partners (WEP) announced an unprecedented partnership focused on developing international equestrian sport.  GEG, will acquire the Wellington, Florida based Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) and will invest in WEP equestrian lifestyle initiatives.  WEP’s largest partners, Mark Bellissimo, Roger Smith, Lisa Lourie, and Marsha Dammerman as well as Michael Stone will co-invest in GEG.   Mark Bellissimo and PBIEC have transformed Wellington into the world’s premiere destination for equestrian enthusiasts, with competitions and events across more than 40 weeks every year. PBIEC is home to the Winter Equestrian Festival, spanning 13 weeks and is the world’s largest and longest-running equestrian sports event. 4,000 families, 8,000 horses, and 250,000 spectators from 43 different countries converge on Wellington to compete for over USD 12 million in prize money.  A recent independent economic study highlighted the Winter Equestrian Festival’s annual economic impact on Palm Beach County of USD 279 million of total expenditures and 150,000 bed nights.  GEG is part of Waterland Private Equity, who manage a global investment portfolio worth around USD 11 billion.

PBIEC operates 16 competition arenas, 2,500 stalls, and provides participants and spectators with a variety of exclusive restaurants, shopping, hospitality areas, and other first-class facilities.  PBIEC management will remain intact with Mark Bellissimo continuing as CEO, Michael Stone as President, and David Burton as Chief Operating officer.  The GEG initiative will launch major investments in all areas of the facility ensuring that PBIEC will continue to be the pre-eminent sport horse venue in the world with increased exposure in Europe, Asia, and South America.  The purchase includes an 11-acre expansion of the Showgrounds.  To ensure continuity, the WEP partners required a 50-year deed restriction on the venue that guarantees USEF and FEI sanctioned shows on the property.  USEF CEO, Bill Moroney, commented, “As always, we are pleased to see a continued investment in US equestrian sport. This significant commitment to world class facilities, horse and rider welfare, and USEF and FEI competitions further validates the market’s demand, at all levels, for organized sport.” Andreas Helgstrand, co-owner and CEO of GEG added, “The Winter Equestrian Festival and PBIEC are fantastic brands within international equestrian sport.  Together, we will strengthen the offering and create a global market leader spreading our passion for equestrian sport and lifestyle to new markets.”  Outside of equestrian events the Group is active in other equestrian investments including Helgstrand Dressage, Ludger Beerbaum Stables, Helgstrand Jewellery, and the equestrian apparel and accessories company Kingsland Equestrian. At present, the total revenue of these combined is USD180 million.

GEG will now have event venues in the US, Germany, and Denmark. The partnership will benefit from knowledge sharing and a strengthened positioning of PBIEC within show jumping where Ludger Beerbaum Stables has a unique market position. Furthermore, the partnership enables the Group to leverage PBIEC’s experience and create a European equestrian sports event company.  ”Our goal is to enhance equestrian sport by providing superior venues and top sport so riders across the world can live out their passions and dreams. With the acquisition of PBIEC, we now have the perfect setting to do this in the US and with our current expansion of Riesenbeck International in Germany we will have two top professional and attractive show grounds,” says Ludger Beerbaum, four-time Olympic gold medalist in jumping and co-owner of Global Equestrian Group.  Bellissimo added, “We are pleased to be collaborating with both Andreas and Ludger, whose passion and commitment to equestrian sport is extraordinary.  Opportunities abound to take the sport to a new level”.   GEG and WEP are evaluating further investment opportunities in Wellington including a new state of the art Global Dressage Festival showgrounds.  Bellissimo will be announcing a comprehensive strategy and a series of investments to elevate Wellington as the World’s premiere equestrian lifestyle destination thus strengthening its international appeal. The acquisition of PBIEC establishes Global Equestrian Group as a true global market leader in equestrian sports with a strong financial foundation and exciting growth opportunities,” says Kaspar Kristiansen, Managing Director, Waterland Nordic.

For further information, please contact:

Global Equestrian Group – Andreas Helgstrand, CEO Tel. +45 40100000

Waterland Private Equity- Kaspar Kristiansen, Managing Director Waterland Nordic Tel. +45 21182244

Ludger Beerbaum Stables – Ludger Beerbaum, CEO Tel. +49-(0)5454-99654

Wellington Equestrian Partners – Mark Bellissimo, CEO Tel. +1 828 571 0953

Palm Beach International Equestrian Center- Michael Stone, President +1 561 727 9353

Horse Scout Agency –

• For media enquiries: Ellie Kelly Tel. +1 866 312 6668
• For sponsorship enquiries: Lucienne Elms Tel. +1 828 289-4078
• horsescoutagency.com

About Palm Beach International Equestrian Center

Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) was founded by Mark Bellissimo and Wellington Equestrian Partners in 2006 and has contributed to transforming both equestrian sport and Wellington, Florida’s position as the world’s premiere destination for equestrian enthusiasts. PBIEC arranges 40 weeks of events and operates the Winter Equestrian Festival through its management company, Equestrian Sport Productions. The Winter Equestrian Festival, held over 13 weeks, is the world’s largest and longest-running equestrian sports event with more than 8,000 horses and participants from 50 states and 43 countries. Over 250,000 spectators attend the events. 

www.pbiec.com

About Global Equestrian Group

Global Equestrian Group is the world’s leading equestrian sports group based on a strategic partnership between internationally acclaimed Helgstrand and Ludger Beerbaum Stables as well as Palm Beach International Equestrian Center and private equity firm Waterland. The Group has 250 full-time employees. Global Equestrian Group has activities in dressage, show jumping and events as well as the jewellery company Helgstrand Jewellery and equestrian apparel and accessories company Kingsland Equestrian as well as other equestrian sports investments.

www.globalequestriangroup.com

About Waterland

Waterland is an independent private equity investment group that supports entrepreneurs in realizing their growth ambitions. With substantial financial resources from the firm’s eighth fund of EUR 2.6 billion and committed industry expertise, Waterland enables its portfolio companies to achieve accelerated growth both organically and through acquisitions. To date, Waterland has made investments in over 700 companies. Waterland consistently achieve top tier investment ratings among private equity firms and is the only fund that has consistently been in the top 5 in the HEC/Dow Jones Private Equity Performance Ranking for 10 years. Waterland manages more than EUR 9 billion of investor commitments and has offices in Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, France, Ireland and the UK.

www.waterland.nu

Picture: Brandtbjergs Fiji by Fynch Hatton.

Yesterday evening, the 1st online auction ended and a great number of international top-offspring was sold to new owners. 

On the first auction of the year, we had 21 carefully selected offspring by either Helgstrand or Schockemöhle stallions at stake - these were selected based on inspections in Denmark, Germany and The Netherlands.

Catalogue number 1, the lovely Fynch Hatton daughter, Brandtbjergs Fiji was without a doubt many’s favorite and ended with a price of no less than 79.500 EU and that way also became the highlight of the auction. Fiji is bred in Denmark by Erik Buhl, however she will now have a bright future ahead with her new home by the German Olympics rider Sissy Max-Theurer at Gestüt Vorwerk. The second-highest price of the auction was catalogue number 7, Tonight’s Symphony by Totals/Sir Donnerhall who was sold for 30.000 EUR. 

-It is absolutely amazing- we are thrilled. Our experience with the whole process related to this online auction has been very good. And it is always a pleasure to sell a horse to a professional, Erik Buhl says

Watch all the foals here!

- As usual, our expectations are high, but an average price of 135.000 DKK and a price highlight of 600.000 DKK is very well, and I think we can be very satisfied! I already look forward to the next auction, Esben Möller says.

Inspection dates for the 2nd online auction:

10. july 2021: Weert, Holland

12. july 2021: Helgstrand, Uggerhalne – Randers and Middelfart.

13. July 2021: Hillerød and Ringsted 

16. July 2021: Mühlen, Tyskland

17. July 2021: Mühlen, Tyskland

This auction will take place during August.

Any questions - you are more than welcome to contact Esben Möller This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone +45 52 24 85 15.

Registration 

Helgstrand-Schockemöhle International Online Auction is directed to the breeders with top offspring from 2021 by either a Helgstrand or a Schockemöhle stallion which they wish to sell. The auction committee selects the foals based on the inspection and the breeders will be informed about the selection afterwards.

At Helgstrand we desire to support our breeders and therefore, we also offer free sales material on the foals that take part in the inspection but will not get selected for the auction.

Registration to the inspections per e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone +45 22 57 44 11. No later than Monday July 5, 2021

Picture: Jeanna Högberg, one of the judges at this event.

We have found the winners in our latest ZyberRide event in Helgstrand & Zibrasport Equest Online Tour, where Anne-Mette Strandby Hansen and Jeanna Högberg have judged the tests. The winners will receive both rosettes and cool prizes from Kingsland.

Congratulations to the winners

The participants in Helgstrand & Zibrasport Equest Online Tour part 2 have been able to compete in two horse classes and a pony class. It was Christina Karlsson on Stanley, who with a nice result of 68,205 % have won a navy halter from Kingsland in Helgstrand Medium Tour1* Horse.

In Helgstrand Small Tour1* Horse it was Josephine Skov Buch on Kgs. Hørgaard Tornado who won with 74,815 % and got a navy box curtain from Kingsland, while Mathilde Kragh Thaysen on the pony Helena won with 67,969 % in Helgstrand Medium Tour2* Pony, where the 1st prize is a saddle pad and a cap from Kingsland.

Congratulations to the placed riders

In addition to the cool prizes from Kingsland for the winners, there are also ZyberRide ribbons for the placed, which you can see below - congratulations.

Helgstrand Medium Tour1* Horse

1st place: Christina Karlsson on Stanley

2nd place: Christina Karlsson on Torres

3rd place: Matte Lauridsen on Hyggebos Felia

4th place: Tine Thrane on Zackery

Helgstrand Small Tour1* Horse

1st place: Josephine Skov Buch on Kgs. Hørgaard Tornado

2nd place: Emilie Knudsen Brun on Kayan

3rd place: Lenette Nielsen on Captain Morgan

3rd place: Zoe Löschner on Fredendals Brillant

5th place: Anne Trier on Trikkilds Rebecca

6th place: Mia Hofstedt Holst Nielsen on Mace The Ace W

Helgstrand Medium Tour2* Pony

1st place: Mathilde Kragh Thaysen on Helena

2nd place: Laura-Katrine Sørensen on Close To You

3rd place: Rose Wegge-Larsen on Heart Of Fire

See all results at zyberride.com. 

Skovdals Jake by Janeiro Platinum/Romanov (bred by Jørgen Skovdal) sold at the 2020 Helgstrand-Schockemöhle International Online Auction

While we eagerly await the first Helgstrand-Schockemöhle online auction on the 16th of June, we can announce the new inspection dates for the second foal auction of the year.

Inspection dates:

10. July 2021: Weert, Holland

12. July 2021: Helgstrand, Uggerhalne – Randers og Middelfart.

13. July 2021: Hillerød og Ringsted

16. July 2021: Mühlen

17. July 2021: Mühlen

Helgstrand-Schockemöhle International Online Auction is directed to the breeders with top offspring from 2021 by either a Helgstrand or a Schockemöhle stallion which they wish to sell. The auction committee selects the foals based on the inspection and the breeders will be informed about the selection afterwards.

At Helgstrand we desire to support our breeders and therefore, we also offer free sales material on the foals that take part in the inspection but will not get selected for the auction.

Registration to the inspections per e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone +45 22 57 44 11. No later than Monday July 5, 2021.

Picture: Mette Sejbjerg Jensen and Suarez. 

This weekend team Helgstrand was busy showing the youngsters in Billund.

With the qualifications for the DRF Young Horse championships, Helgstrand horses and riders were present in all young horse classes.

We can proudly mention the results of the weekend:

In the 4-year-old qualification, Eric Guardia and Freddie Murcury by Fürstenball won the class with 8,7, Merita Hagren and Fan Amour by Foundation came in 2nd with 8,4 and placed as number 5 was Moisés Azuar and Sir Floresco by Sir Heinrich with 8,2.

Mette Sejbjerg Jensen and Suarez by Sezuan won the 6-year-old qualification with 8,9.

Marianne Helgstrand and Elverhøjs Raccolto won the 7-year-old qualification with 8,1.