Danish youth dressage dominates CDIO Lier: “We really have a strong generation”

Everywhere around the arenas in Lier this week, the red and white Danish jackets kept appearing at the prize givings. And not just once. From Ponies to Juniors and Young Riders, Denmark completely dominated the FEI Dressage Nations Cups at CDIO Lier. The Danish teams claimed victory in all three age categories, while the Young Riders Freestyle to Music turned into a true Danish masterclass, with Denmark taking over the entire podium. First, second, third and fourth place all went to Danish riders.

Part of that Danish success story this week was Therese Rosenkilde and Blue Hors Zwobber. The Danish rider not only helped secure victory in the Young Riders Nations Cup earlier this week, but also rode to victory in the Young Riders Freestyle.

Good feeling
“It’s a really good feeling in the arena”, Therese smiles afterwards. “We have developed a lot since we were here at the beginning of the year.” Blue Hors Zwobber has been by her side for years already and clearly means far more than just another competition horse. “He is very special to me. We have been together for four years now and he has taken me through all the youth categories.” Like every ambitious rider, Rosenkilde continues searching for improvements, even after a week like this. “We still need to improve the trot work a little bit, but we are working on it and it gets better every time.”

Dream week for Denmark
“I think we have a really strong group of youth riders in Denmark. We have a very good team spirit together and we all know each other really well because we compete together so often. The squad trainings are also very important for us”, she reflects on the outstanding Danish results this week.

Silver medalist Brandtbjergs Divya
“My biggest goal one day is to ride Grand Prix at least once.” At the same time, another exciting horse is already waiting in the wings. Together with the seven-year-old mare Brandtbjergs Divya, Therese is aiming for qualification for the FEI WBFSH World Breeding Dressage Championships for Young Horses later this year. The mare already claimed silver at last year’s World Championships for six-year-olds. “Next week we have another competition in Denmark where we will try to qualify for the World Championships. Hopefully she can join me at these kinds of competitions next year as well.”

“Amazing to be here”
The young Danish rider fully committed herself to life with horses after finishing school last year and now trains fulltime at Randbøl Dressage Academy with Dennis Fisker. CDIO Lier has clearly become one of the highlights on the youth calendar for her. “It’s amazing to be here. The facilities for the horses are really nice and it’s lovely to compete here among so many good riders.” One thing became clear this week in Lier: Denmark’s youth riders are already having an exceptional season.

Results
1. Therese Rosenkilden & Blue Horse Zwobber: 74.750%
2. Anna Have Larsen-Ledet & Finnigan-Vizt: 74.392%
3. Luna Kølbæk Rosenberg & Kamar’s Extreme Noir-Hit: 73.950%