Sune Hansen to Replace Helgstrand as Head Rider of Blue Hors Stud

Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:00
Danish Dressage News

Blue Hors Stud has found a replacement rider for Andreas Helgstrand. Director Esben Møller has hired Sune Hansen as head rider. Hansen has returned to Denmark after working for 15 years in Germany.

Breeder Klaus Munkedal sent Sune Hansen to Germany in 1993, where he was working for Palle Thomsen, Allan Gaihede, and Alexander Moksel and competing for the Riding Clubs of Bad Worishofen and Oberland Thann. Hansen also briefly stayed in Holland where he mainly rode young horses. Blue Hors' new rider has competed in the German Bundeschampionate and trained a young horse all the way up to Grand Prix level.

"When I heard Andreas was leaving Blue Hors, I really thought that would be my dream job," Sune Hansen told Ridehesten. However, he did not take immediate action to contact Møller.

"I was at the Oldenburg stallion selection and was talking to a German colleague who had heard we were looking for a new rider," Møller explained. "A few days later he called me to say, "I think I have the man for you." Until then Esben had never heard of Sune who only returned to Denmark to celebrate Christmas and visit some friends.

On 2 November 2008, the two met for the first time for a try-out. Sune was to ride three of Blue Hors' top stallions: Hotine, Romanov and Rush Hour. "It's been a long time, since I had so much fun! It was great sitting on three world class horses of such quality," Hansen said.

Hansen will principally be riding Blue Hors Romanov and Gredstedgårds Casmir at Grand Prix level and Blue Hors Leredo at small tour level.

Text and Photo source: Ridehesten.com

Related Links
Andreas Helgstrand to Leave Blue Hors Stud
Sune Hansen Competes in 2008 Pavo Cup Semi Finals
Young Guns in Dressage: Andreas Helgstrand