Great to be back in Herning
Even though the selection part fills a lot, there is much else on the program when Danish Warmblood occupies the exhibition centre in Herning for 5 days with experiences in a class of their own. Read on and hear about all the many results from Saturday during the stallion selection.
Pictured: From the presentation of the 3-year-olds in the lounge. Experienced Christian Springborg makes sure that the stallions show themselves in the best way.
3-year-old stallions in the spotlight
Let us start with the 3-year-old stallions, which all have to go through three inspections. On Thursday, they were shown on hard surface in front of the judging committee, while being shown in the lounge and in the free presentation on Friday. On the basis of the stallions' performance and a number of other parameters, the judges assess whether the 3-year-olds are allowed one year of breeding approval in Danish Warmblood. To get the final approval, they must be presented as 4-year-olds if they pass their 35-day test in the fall. All the 3-year-olds have presented themselves in a very nice frame, especially our premium- and reserve champion stallions did an outstanding job. Moreover, we are incredibly proud that several stallions sired by current and former Helgstrand stallions had found their way to the licensing, among others offspring by Jovian, Franklin, Janeiro Platinum and Springbank II VH. Saturday is a rest day for the colts, and then the decision falls Sunday.
Pictured: Be Sure by Benicio/Scuderia and Mette Sejbjerg Jensen.
As many as 9 four-year-olds with final breeding approval in DWB
For the 4-year-olds, the program is less crowded, although they have the opportunity to join the presentation classes with the older stallions. Although it was a bit overwhelming to step into Boxen for some, others took it with exalted calm. And the older stallions could truly show how far they have come in their training. True to tradition, Bjarne Nielsen commented and here it turned into funny comments, anecdotes and good tips for the dressage riders. Bjarne is a tributary piece, and with good energy and mood he makes the stallion presentations a real party.
Sunday is results day with the appointment of the 4-year-old Champion stallion, 3-year-old Premium stallions and so on.
Picture: Gandhi SS after Grand Galaxy Win/Florencio and Merita Hagrén.
Merita and Gandhi in the lead
Last year, the 4-year-old Danish Warmblood bred horses competed for the prestigious places for this year's young horse championship. A total of 47 now 5-year-old horses had found their way to Herning, and here Gandhi SS (Grand Galaxy Win / Florencio) won both preliminary tests. The third and final test is with a test rider, and Gandhi made a very good impression on test rider Daniel Bachmann Andersen. Daniel shared out words of praise, where he for example commented on the trot as being energetic and powerful as well as the canter being nice uphill. A horse he could just keep cantering on because it gave such a good feeling. Daniel also highlighted how well-prepared he seemed, as a beautiful recognition to his rider, Finnish Merita Hagrén. Gandhi got two 9s and is thus in second place, just one point from first place.
Worth mentioning is also, that the list of candidates consisted of several horses sired by current and former Helgstrand stallions. Actually, Revolution stood out in particular with as many as 22% of the participating young horses. This testifies to the great rideability and impressive paces he manages to pass on to his offspring.
In the class, we also brought Francisca-D, sired by Franklin. She was acquired by Louise Grønhøj, who has an agreement with our rider, Lovisa Wessblad about the continued training.
Pictured: Eric Martinez and Indigo by Dream Boy/Kennedy.
Eric with a double victory on Indigo
Indigo is 9 years old and sired by Dream Boy / Kennedy. Indigo and Eric won both the 3-star Prix St. George as well as the Intermediare I. Moreover, Marianne also participated with Elverhøj’s Raccolto, which is by Sezuan / Sandro Hit as well as Alexander and his relatively new partner, Belantis, which is by Benetton Dream / Expo.
Gala show with the headline "The Show must go on"
In Friday's and Saturday's gala show with the headline "The show must go on", Helgstrand joined with several horses and riders. We had the opportunity to show some of our breeding stallions, Alexander Helgstrand was part of the show "Men in the Equestrian sport", father and son - Hesselhøj Donkey Boy and his son, Downtown rode together, while Andreas finished the show on respectively Queenpark's Wendy and Jovian Saturday and Sunday. Another festive show with some important messages along the way as well as a flashback at some of last year's impressive results in the Danish Warmblood.
Pictured: Alexander Helgstrand and Quarton.
Pictured: Iron by Ibiza/Hohenstein and Mette Sejbjerg Jensen.
9 Helgstrand stallions with final approval in DWB
Yesterday marked the beginning of this year's Danish Warmblood Stallion Licensing. While the 3-year-old stallions already have been presented on hard surface, the time has come to show the 4-year-old and older stallions under the saddle at the Danish Stallion Licensing in Herning, Denmark. Last year, the 4yo received one year of breeding approval and finished the DWB 35-days test with great results.
Today, Helgstrand presented a total of 9 stallions and all of them received their final approval in Danish Warmblood.
Fortunate by Foundation/Quaterback
Be Sure By Benicio/Scuderia
Bonjour by Bon Coeur/Fürst Nympenburg
Straight Horse Finest Hour by Franklin/Zack
For Real by Farrell/Lord Loxley I
Franzé by Franklin/Sezuan
Rosebank VH by Revolution/Dalwhinnie
Zanetti by Zoom/Fürst Romancier
Vitalos by Vitalis/De Niro
Tomorrow, the 3-year-olds will be presented in the lounge followed by the free presentation. Sunday we are looking forward to receiving the final result of this year's stallion licensing.
Pictured: Be Sure By Benicio/Scuderia and Mette Sejbjerg Jensen.
Pictured: Bonjour by Bon Coeur/Fürst Nympenburg and Eric Guardia Martinez.
Pictured: For Real by Farrell/Lord Loxley I and Jeanna Högberg.
Pictured: Fortunate by Foundation/Quaterback and Michael Grønne Christensen.
Pictured: Franzé by Franklin/Sezuan and Moisés Jover Azuar.
Isabell Werth, new rider of So Unique
Pictured: So Unique and Eva Möller earning the Bundeschampion title in Warendorf.
The picture-perfect and highly impressive So Unique lives up to his name with the success he has already achieved. Double premium stallion, stallion performance test winner, Bundeschampion, winner of the 4-year-old class at the World Championship for young dressage horses in Ermelo are just some of the highlights from the career of the only 7-year-old Sezuan son. And now one of the world’s most successful dressage riders of all time will have the pleasure of further training this charismatic horse to hopefully enter the big arena one day.
- I’m very very happy and grateful that Madeleine bought this great, unique horse for me, Isabell Werth said after So Unique arrived at her stable.
- We spotted his potential at a very young age and he has proven himself to be one of the best. Among his greatest sporting achievements so far count Bundeschampion as a 3-year-old in Warendorf and winner of the 4-year-old class at the World Championship for young dressage horses in Ermelo. Two impressive achievements among young horses. We have been extremely happy with him and can only express our gratitude to Eva Möller for educating such an exceptional horse. Now we look forward to seeing Isabell take him on to international dressage, says a proud Andreas Helgstrand.
Not long ago, Isabell's sponsor, Madeleine Winter-Schulze, acquired Majestic Taongo by Toto Jr./Jazz from Helgstrand, and now Isabell can add another talented young horse from Helgstrand to her stable, which already includes the Sezuan son, Joshua.
So Unique is by the three-time World Champion, Sezuan, who is now successful under Patrik Kittel in international Grand Prix. The damsire Donnerhall belongs to one of the most influential breeding stallions of all time.
So Unique has already settled in well at Isabell’s place. He was co-owned by Stald Kleppenhus by Cathrine Rasmussen and Helgstrand Dressage.
Sa'Va' begins new chapter in Sweden
Pictured: Grevens Sa'Va' and Alexander Helgstrand together with Sa'Va's new owner, Olga Fischer.
Since 2018, Grevens Sa'Va' (by Soprano/Romancier) has been paired with 18-year-old Alexander Helgstrand, helping him make a successful transition from pony to horse thanks to her experience in sport. With great results at the Danish Dressage Championships, the Danish ECCO Cup tournament and internationally at junior level, the time has come for Sa'Va' to face a quieter life in Sweden with Olga Fischer at Hunneberga Gård near Flyinge, Sweden.
- Sa'Va' is just one of a kind, and she has taught me so much. It's always a big step to go from pony to horse, but I've hardly felt it. I've had so many great experiences with her and I know Olga will take good care of her, says Alexander.
- Sa'Va' has already settled in well with her new owner, where she continues to get plenty of time in the field, but is still kept busy. Because like many horses that have been competing at advanced level, they don't just thrive on being put in a field. Olga will look after her and I'm sure Sa'Va' can teach her a thing or two as well. That's why we know we've found the perfect match for Sa'Va', which was really important to us, adds Andreas.
Alexander has recently taken over the reins of Isabell Werth's Grand Prix horse, Belantis, and an exciting future now awaits the new pair, who are well on their way to getting to know each other.
Job openings at Helgstrand
Job opening: interesting position as veterinarian assistant
Right now, we are searching for a veterinarian assistant having experience with horses to join our team at Helgstrand Dressage in Denmark and help our veterinarian.
As our new veterinarian assistant, you will be working together with our veterinarian and assisting him with his daily duties. During the day you will be assisting orthopedic cases, helping with taking x-rays, ultrasounds, and all kinds of other things regarding the health of a horse. It can be a really interesting job for someone who is interested in sports horses and their health.
What we are able to offer you:
- the opportunity to assist our veterinarian who is doing the orthopedic work and vet check’s and gain valuable knowledge within this field
- a great job if you are interested in studying to become a veterinarian assistant or even a veterinarian
The person who we are looking for should:
- have experience in handling horses
- be older than 18-years due to radiation
- be responsible and proactive by anticipating what work needs to be done
- speak English as our veterinarian is from Holland
We are looking for a full-time employee with the possibility to start as soon as possible. Depending on your knowledge and experience we are offering a competitive salary.
How to apply
If this has caught your interest, you are welcome to send an application to our veterinarian Erik Zimmermann at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Feel free to call Erik, if you have any questions at +45 41 47 50 00.
For more information about Helgstrand Dressage, please visit our website; www.helgstranddressage.com.
Job Opening: Helgstrand is searching for an experienced reproduction veterinarian
Right now, we are searching for a veterinarian having some years of experience within the area of reproduction to join our team at Helgstrand Dressage in Denmark and assist our current veterinarian.
Helgstrand is one of the world’s leading sales and training centre with approximately 600 horses and 150 employees located in both Denmark, Germany, and the United States. Helgstrand Dressage purchases, develops, and sells elite dressage horses offering an outstanding service to customers all over the world. With world-class facilities and a highly skilled team of professionals, Helgstrand Dressage sets international standards for the future dressage sport.
Moreover, we breed our own top horses in order to meet the increasing demand for elite dressage horses combining some of our best mares and breeding stallions. In order to keep the mares in the sport, we are searching for a veterinarian independently being responsible for the reproduction. As a reproduction veterinarian, you know the importance of being flexible to succeed in the job.
What we are able to offer you:
- being responsible for the reproduction for around 10-15 mares (embryo’s), teeth and all the first line other things around the property. Experience with flushing embryo’s is a must!
- the opportunity to assist/work together with our current veterinarian who is doing the orthopedic work helping him with the vet check’s (clinical and radiological)
- something other than working on a clinic and the good part no shifts (just on call for our own horses)
- varied job with future perspective and a lot of personal responsibility
- possibility to go to courses and go to a congress
We are looking for a full-time employee with the possibility to start as soon as possible. Depending on your knowledge and experience we are offering a competitive salary.
If this has caught your interest, you are welcome to send an application to our vet Erik Zimmermann at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Feel free to call Erik, if you have any questions at +45 41 47 50 00.
For more information about Helgstrand Dressage, please visit our website; www.helgstranddressage.com. We are looking very much forward to hearing from you.
Job opening: Helgstrand Dressage is searching for grooms for our team
Are you looking for a job with horses as a focal point, where you can bring your own horse and develop yourself, make a lot of new friendships and see the horse world from the inside?
Then the job as a groom at Helgstrand Dressage might be something for you.
As a groom at Helgstrand Dressage, you help to prepare the horses for the rider with whom you will be working. This includes grooming and saddling the horses, and everything that goes with this. In addition, there are tasks such as taking the horses in and out from the paddocks, helping in the stable, and if you like you will have the opportunity to help at competitions and events.
In your spare time, there are plenty of opportunities to spend time with your new colleagues. Several of the employees have brought their own horses, which they sometimes train together after work, and otherwise, there is great support for eating together or other pleasant activities.
From you as a person, we expect that you are used to handling horses, attending work regularly, are smiling, and have the drive and willigness to learn and develop your personal skills.
The position is a full-time position.
If you want to become a part of the Helgstrand Dressage family, do not hesitate to contact our stable manager Line at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Feel free to send us an application already today, as we regularly invite candidates for an interview. If you have any questions, you are also very welcome to send Line an email.
We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Lars Petersen to be in charge of Helgstrand USA
Pictured: Lars Petersen and Mariett. Photo: Sara Hellner Photo.
When Waterland Private Equity bought them into Helgstrand, an exciting journey started – and once again it led us across the Atlantic to the equestrian mecca of Wellington, Florida, USA. Because here we have just entered into an agreement with one of the dressage sport's biggest profiles of all time, the successful dressage rider and trainer, Lars Petersen, who was born in Denmark.
- We are very proud to welcome Lars to Helgstrand Dressage. Lars has an in-depth knowledge of the USA and has built up a large network over the past many years. But it has not yet fully dawned on me, that he has said yes. It is really big for us, says a happy Andreas Helgstrand, owner and founder of Helgstrand Dressage.
Over the past 17 years, Lars and his wife, American Melissa Taylor, have built a successful business in Wellington, Florida, where Helgstrand recently announced the acquisition of the area's most attractive show venue, the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. He has achieved many victories and competed well-known horses such as Uffe Korshøjgaard, Mid-West Ibi-Light, Blue Hors Cavan, and much more. He has competed at the World Cup, European Championship, WEG, and Olympics over time and has built up valuable experience and most recently helped to develop some of the USA's most successful and upcoming riders - skills that now benefit Helgstrand.
- It takes time to make a name for yourself in the US, but we are well on our way. Lars is respected worldwide for his achievements as both rider and trainer, and it has great value for us in the desire to expand our activities in the US, where we see a huge unfulfilled potential, adds Andreas, who has had a good friendship with Lars throughout his professional career.
Lars Petersen and Melissa Taylor will both be part of Helgstrand USA, which they are looking very much forward to. While Lars gets the overall responsibility, Melissa will help with all the practical stuff around the horses.
- I have enormous respect for what Andreas has built up, and I look forward to being a part of the further journey. I will do my utmost to make Helgstrand USA an even greater success and continue the amazing work that Dr. Ulf Möller and his team have started, in collaboration with them, says Lars Petersen, who notes that the sport is currently undergoing an impressive development in Wellington in parallel with an increasing demand for top dressage horses.
- It's a dream come true for us. We are very overwhelmed by this opportunity. For whom do not want to be a part of something so big - we will at least do our part to make Helgstrand even more successful here in Wellington and contribute to many more riders getting their dream come true, adds Lars, who is looking forward to getting started.
Lars Petersen and Melissa Taylor will take up their new positions at Helgstrand Dressage USA on April 1st, 2022, while Dr. Ulf Möller will continue to lead Helgstrand Germany and be part of Helgstrand USA during the competition season.
Christmas Greetings from Helgstrand
The ending of this year is approaching and we would like to send our Christmas greeting. Last year we made our own Christmas song, and we have the idea to make it a tradition, to create a little extra joy during Christmas time. This year's Christmas greetings again contain a lot of great moments that write themselves into the history of Helgstrand, and we hope that you will relive them with us.
It has been another busy year, even though the pandemic once again left its mark on various events. Especially the stallion station has been very busy, with many new stallions finding their way to Helgstrand. In addition, there are of course the sporting results, where, among other things, the many medals and placings at the World Young Horse Championships and the Bundeschampionate testify that we not only have some of the world's best horses, but truly also a fantastic team.
Finally, a big thank you for your support throughout the year. We hope that 2022 will be just as successful for you, and we are delighted that you will be joining us on our exciting journey. We can already reveal that the new year will bring at least as many exciting new projects, and we look forward to sharing them with you
Remember to mark your calendars for our open house at Helgstrand US hosted together with Beerbaum Stables on January 11th (sign up before January 3rd to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and our Open House with Stallion Show in Denmark on April 2nd 2022. More info to come early in the new year.
Finally, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and New Year. May the holidays and the New Year bring joy to you and your family.
Greetings,
Helgstrand Dressage.
Helgstrand and Beerbaum to educate future medal winners and entrepreneurs with new Master Rider Education
Ludger Beerbaum and Andreas Helgstrand joined forces in the Global Equestrian Group earlier this year. Now, the Olympic riders and equestrian entrepreneurs are set to initiate an innovative Master Rider Education for talented jumping and dressage riders.
The equestrian industry is growing rapidly worldwide, and horses getting better every year as our sport increases in level. Developments are seen in horse welfare, breeding, sports, and business, which create opportunities but also require highly educated riders, trainers, and entrepreneurs.
- Performing on the highest level in the sport is not only about having a good horse anymore, says four times Olympic Champion Ludger Beerbaum, partner of Global Equestrian Group and founder of Beerbaum Stables. He continues; The ability to stay consistent at the top of the sport comes with a lot of knowledge, proper horse care, and smart training.
Running a business with horses has been lifted to higher grounds as well.
Understanding key aspects to become a successful entrepreneur and running a profitable business in the modern equestrian industry is very important. I would have loved for this educational program to exist when I was young and full of dreams, says Olympic rider Andreas Helgstrand, CEO of Global Equestrian Group and founder of Helgstrand Dressage.
Global Equestrian Group launches the Master Rider Education with strong focus on the equestrian sport and industry of today and tomorrow. The educational program will consist of theory and practice, not to mention a strong focus on personal development. The theory inspires, is relevant to riders and sport performance, and gives students a strong knowledge which can directly be applied to practice. Learning from the very best in the world is also a key element.
Andreas Helgstrand emphasises the importance of educating young adults for what is to come in the future equestrian industry:
- We have learned so much during the last decades and I would love to pass on that knowledge.
Ludger Beerbaum agrees and looks back on his own career path with appreciation:
- When I was 15, professionals as Hermann Schridde and Paul Schockemohle opened doors for me which allowed me to gain a lot of knowledge. Without a doubt, those days turned out to have an incredible influence on my career. I want to do the same for others.
Would you like to know more about the new Master Rider Education?
Learn more: www.masterridereducation.com
Or are you interested in a dialogue, then please contact Anders Bjørnstrup Bech of Global Equestrian Group at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Pictured: Ludger Beerbaum on the left and Andreas Helgstrand on the right.
For Real supreme winner of the Stallion Performance Testing
Pictured: Winner of the 2021 Danish Warmblood Stallion Performance Testing; For Real by Farrell/Lord Loxley.
15 stallions from Helgstrand were inspected for the Danish Warmblood Stallion Performance Testing in October, and today the stallions received their final evaluation. A lot of people took the opportunity to see the new generation before they go to Herning next year in March. But although many people watched the evalution, the stallions were not affected by the crowd. All stallions delieverd a solid performance and once again, Allan Grøn was invited to test the dressage stallions.
The stallion For Real by Farrel/Lord Loxley was awarded top marks, scoring a total of 874.5 points. Second best was the impressive Be Sure by Benicio/Scuderia with 868.0 points and third best the charismatic stallion by the name Zoom In sired by Zoom/Waterford with 866.0 points. Another highlight of the day was Vitalos by Vitalis/De Niro, who scored the highest marks of the 4-year-olds with 869.0 points.
3-year-olds:
- For Real - 874.5
- Be Sure - 868.0
- Zoom In - 866.0
- Hesselhøj Donkey Boss - 841.0
- Franzé - 838.0
- Zanetti - 837.5
- Rosebank VH - 836.0
- Straight Horse Finest Hour - 835.5
- Forever Love - 830.0
- Bonjour - 828.5
- Zaunkönig - 814.0
- Fortunate - 806.5
- It's Easy - 804.0
- Lordswood Bernstein SL - 802.0
- Hallifax Lyng - 800.0
- Homerun - 787.5
4-year-olds:
- Vitalos - 869.0
- Heaven Dancer - 750.0
Video: Winner of the 2021 Danish Warmblood Stallion Performance Testing; For Real by Farrell/Lord Loxley.
Video: Second highest score, Be Sure by Benicio/Scuderia
Video: Third highest score, Zoom In by Zoom/Waterford
Video: Vitalos by Vitalis/De Niro
Impressive number of qualified horses for the DWB Championship for Young Horses
Pictured: Eric Martinez and Global Connect, who received the highest score of the qualified horses for the DWB Young Horse Championship.
In total, Helgstrand has qualified 4 horses for the Young Horse Championship, which is going to take place next year in March at the 2022 Danish Warmblood Stallion Licensing. On top of the list, we have Eric Martinez with the Grand Galaxy Win offspring Global Connect (damsire Don Schufro), who scored impressive 930 point.
But Helgstrand is represented more that only 4 times, as a total of 25 horses sired by either Hesselhøj Donkey Boy, Revolution, Franklin or Grand Galaxy Win have also secured a ticket for the championship, which makes us so proud!
Qualified horses from Helgstrand:
Eric Martinez/Global Connect by Grand Galaxy Win/Don Schufro
Michael Grønne Christensen/Triumph Villa by Vitalis/Zack
Maria Vasconcelos/Atterupgaards Franz by Franziskus/Bon Bravour
Merita Hagren/Gandhi SS by Grand Galaxy Win/Florencio I
Horses qualified sired by Revolution:
Søren Wind/Roxette by Revolution/Quite Easy
Kenneth Damgaard/Diva Unik by Revolution/Don Schufro
Nana Christine Christiansen/Hafsjolds Ranger by Revolution/Hohenstein
Silje Bakken/Heiline’s Dancing Queen by Revolution/De Niro
Josefine Hofmann/Don Revelou by Revolution/Don Schufro
Caroline Hansen/Rosie K by Revolution/Romanov
Simone Blomme Rasmussen/Rally von Rosing by Revolution/Tailormade Temptation
Anne-Marie Hosmond/Myou De Jeu by Revolution/Florencio I
Caroline Hansen/Sandbæks Rio-De Chanell by Revolution/Fürstenball C
ecilie Broholm Christophersen/Lomus Maresh by Revolution/Milan
Mette Riisager/Revel Enshøj by Revolution/Uno Don Diego
Horses qualified sired by Franklin:
Lovisa Wessblad/Francisca-D by Franklin/Romanov
Mette Rasmussen/Glorina Kilen by Franklin/Hotline
Mette Svare Ehlers/Final S DWB by Franklin/Stedinger
Steen Steensen Blicher/Dørr’s Frankie Boy by Franklin/Romonov
Louise Søgaard/Fransisca by Franklin/Romanov
Horses qualified sired by Grand Galaxy Win:
Emma Ahlberg/Skovsøgaards Galaxy Gangster by Grand Galaxy Win/Carano
Horses qualified sired by Hesselhøj Donkey Boy:
Anders Hoeck/Hesselhøj Double Up by Hesselhøj Donkey Boy/Tailormade Lancelot
Allan Grøn/Søbakkehus Maude by Hesselhøj Donkey Boy/Wilkens
Jan Møller Christensen/Divine by Hesselhøj Donkey Boy/Sezuan
Anders Hoeck/Donkey King by Hesselhøj Donkey Boy/Don Schufro
Camilla Ahlers/Plushorses Pinklady by Hesselhøj Donkey Boy/Michellino
Anne-Marie Hosbond/Danesa Nord by Hesselhøj Donkey Boy/Belissimo M
Jeppe Houmann/Jolene W by Hesselhøj Donkey Boy/Coronado
Helena Hansen/Lindegårds Donkey Dancer by Hesselhøj Donkey Boy/Holland
Congratulations to breeders, riders and owners of the qualified horses.
Find alle resultaterne her
Contact us
We would be pleased to help you choose the perfect horse for you, based on your budget and your requirements.
Andreas Helgstrand andreas@helgstranddressage.dk Thomas Sigtenbjerggaard thomas@helgstranddressage.dk Uggerhalnevej 80, 9310 Vodskov