By Isabelle Eklund (translated by Hillevi Brasch) / SWB
Photography: Camilla Hannell; Digishots; Roland Thunholm

We are talking to Lovisa Wessblad about young horse development, longevity, and soundness, and the road to the prestigious Breeders Trophy. With two well-known SWB talents in her barn, Lovisa gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how she prepares for a busy competition year.

A career built on dedication

Lovisa’s equestrian journey began at a riding school – she has no family background in horses. Early responsibility and relentless hard work paved the way to a thriving career. Today, she’s based at Hannell Dressage Stable, where she’s in charge of training and competing promising dressage horses.
Her rise to the national level came through a mix of cheeky ponies and talented young horses. Thanks to the trust of supportive horse owners, she gained valuable experience from an early age. At just 16, she got her first own horse – and not long after, was selected for the youth national team.
Four intense and formative years abroad followed. Now back in Sweden, Lovisa has spent the past two years at Hannell Dressage, where she focuses on developing sound athletes – starting with giving the horses the most natural life possible. “All our horses are turned out in large grass paddocks during summer,” she says. “It makes a big difference for the horse, both mentally and physically.”

Two SWB stars in the spotlight

This year, Lovisa is preparing two exceptional SWB horses for the competition circuit: KS Frank Sinatra (SWB) (2020: Franklin x Fürst Romancier), bred by Kärragårda Säteri AB. Lovisa has ridden the stallion since he was three. Sold at the Elite Foal Auction, he topped the dressage rankings at the young horse test in Osby, placed third at Falsterbo, and made the four-year-old final at the Breeders Trophy ridden by guest rider Benjamin Werndl...

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