Norwegian Grand Prix rider Jonas Elvebakk has sold his 12-year old Grand Prix horse Cartier to Norwegian young rider Astrid Westberg Rikheim, who is trained by Norwegian Olympian Siril Helljesen.
Bred by Ejgil Bugge Skjødt, Cartier is a Danish warmblood gelding by Cavan x Romancier. He was acquired by Elvebakk as a 5-year old and one year later the pair won the Breeders' Finals in Norway for young dressage horses. The combination made a consistent ride up the levels and competed internationally in the small and big tour.
"It was a hard decision, but it made sense once the opportunity presented itself," Elvebakk commented on the sale of his top horse. "It feels right that a talented young Norwegian rider like Astrid Westberg Rikheim takes him over."
Astrid Westberg Rikheim is a former Norwegian pony team member. On Dumbledore B she competed at the 2007 and 2009 European Pony Championships. In 2010 Astrid made the transition to junior riders' level competing Stall-K's Åtoftens Donovan and represented Norway at the 2011 European Junior Riders Championships. In 2012 she became a young rider with Sylvester Alcor Nord Z and placed fourth at the Norwegian YR Championships.
"I'm very impressed that Astrid and Cartier found the connection so quickly," Elvebakk said about the new partnership. "I know Cartier will be a real gentleman for Astrid and do his best to teach her all that he can."
Elvebakk will now be focusing himself on a few youngsters, including the 5-year old Hamsun (by Hotline x Sandro Hit) and Skip My Heart (by Sir Donnerhall I x De Niro).
Source: Ridehesten
Photo © Astrid Appels
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