Swedish Riders Top Lövsta Future Challenge

“It was just as fantastic as always to ride into the arena. Today ‘Maja’ felt much more secure and confident, so I could simply enjoy the ride. I don’t think I’ve ever ridden this calmly before,” said a delighted Cecilia Bergåkra, who was rewarded with a score of 75 percent for her test.

Cecilia’s horse My Friend is now 15 years old and a true Bergåkra success story. The mare was bred by the family, Cecilia’s mother Sigrid rode her as a young horse, and younger sister Emilia later took over and competed her in the children’s classes.

“But she became a bit wild, so Emilia and I swapped horses,” Cecilia explained.

Now the partnership is well established, and the pair will take on the senior classes together as they reach the end of their final year as a U25 combination.

Finishing second in the class was Hedda Thunberg, who rode the 18-year-old mare Diva to a score of 74.22 percent. Diva also showed great confidence on the day.

“We could just ride around and have fun. I think you could see that as well,” said Hedda Thunberg.

Linnéa Holmgren placed third in the class aboard QC Sir Dennis with a score of 71.55 percent.

“It was great fun. I’m really pleased with my freestyle today. I’ve never experienced the audience starting to applaud at the end of a freestyle before. It was a wonderful feeling,” said Linnéa Holmgren.

The Lövsta Future Challenge aims to help riders become less affected by the atmosphere when they later compete on international arenas as seniors. Cecilia Bergåkra has competed in the Lövsta Future Challenge final at Scandinavium three times and has taken part in the nationwide series for ten years.

“These are experiences I wouldn’t have gained otherwise. They mean everything to me, especially this international tour, which really is the icing on the cake. It’s amazing to be part of this kind of competition atmosphere alongside world-class riders, with all the facilities that come with it,” said Cecilia Bergåkra.

The Lövsta Future Challenge International Dressage Tour U25 spans three events: World Cup Herning, Jumping Amsterdam and Gothenburg Horse Show.