SWEDEN (by Hillevi Brasch) Traditionally held in the beginning of October, the highlight for any breeder is the Breeders Trophy, the Swedish Warmblood Association’s young horse championships. This is the event where not only horses, riders and owners are recognized, but the breeders are at the forefront.
The prize money awarded is an ample €100,000, and comes out of a Breeders Trophy fund originally deposited through registration fees for each year’s foals dating back to 1985 when it was first established. But more than the financial reward comes the pride of producing a horse that not only qualified to compete, but is perhaps placed in the event. Competition is fierce and only the top horses in the country, three to seven years of age, in dressage, jumping and eventing are invited to the finals. This year, a total of 410 horses showed during the busy week at the fabulous Swedish National Equestrian Centre, Flyinge, which dates back to the 1600s.
The young-horse finals took place alongside the mare championship, the SWB stallion trophy, as well as the SWB elite foal auction, plus a highly-anticipated test riding by Britain’s Olympic gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin – a sold-out event.
The guest dressage judge this year was Isobel Wessels, Britain. A new acquaintance for the Swedish audience who, with a clear and prompt voice took on every horse with a passion and explained well for everyone to understand what it was she was looking for and why...
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