The 2016 Nordic Baltic Championships in Ypaja, Finland, saw the junior and young riders team competition conclude in a Danish team gold celebration on the third day of competition on Friday 1 July 2016. For years Denmark has dominated the Nordic Baltic Championships across the levels and this year during the Finnderby in Ypaja it is no different.
This year Denmark has won the team gold medal in both pony divisions as well as the junior and youth riders categories, with Sweden each time coming second and Norway third.
The team competition at the Nordic Baltic consists of two rounds: the team championship test and individual test scores combined. Junior Anne Mette Lyager led the Danish train to victory with two wins scoring 72.973% and 72.000% on Brandtoftes Sjubell. She was assisted by Victoria Kuusisto Pedersen and the routinier Donna Fetti (by Don Schufro) with 69.784% and 70.947% and Sandra Aagaard Hyrm on Cash with 69.432% and 69.658%.
I'm very happy with the result and my horse today," said Victoria Kuusisto Pedersen. Scratch score rider Malene Ronhoff Gejl was also proud of the team effort. "It's great to ride under Danish flag and win gold," Malene stated. Hyrm concurred: "Team Denmark is great, we support one another." Top scoring rider Anne Mette Lyager was pleased with her horse's strong nerves and solid performance.
Young rider Pernille Koch Rasmussen and Heslegaards Robert spearheaded the Danish push for team gold with two number one places and 70.833% and 69.868% scores. Nana Gajhede and the bay Zoom In worked her experience as a team rider after having competed at the 2015 European Championships and scored 69.474% and 67.421% in Ypaja. Celine Boddum Clausen and San Rabino were up to par with Gajhede and posted a 68.421% and 66.658%. The fourth team member Rose Marie Henriksen could not compete as her Donna Silver had to be withdrawn because of an injury.
"It was a struggle when we lost one of our team members, but the team could still pull it together and we are really happy with the result," said Danish team leader Pernille Koch Ramussen. "We lost fourth member of our team in vet check. It was nerve-wrecking, but we could win still," added Nana Gajhede. Celine Boddum improved her performance in the second test. "I'm very happy with my horse today. Yesterday he was a little wild," she admitted.
Only five children rallyed in Ypaja for the brand new Children's division and 14-year old Swedish Clara Isaksson placed first twice so far. Aboard her 9-year old Swedish bred gelding Fridolin sche scored 70.056% and 67.917% for victory.
"Clara's horse is like a dog so even though he is quite big a small girl can handle him easily. Fridolin is home bred Clara has known him since he was a foal. At home she also has a pony, Wallarps Dorado, with which she competes in national level both in dressage and jumping," said Clara's mom. Isaksson has her future mount secured as the family also owns a 7-year old stallion, Frans Andreo II, which is now trained and competed by Swedish Olympic short listed rider Mads Hendeliowitz.
In the Grand Prix Special Swedish Caroline Darcourt and the Swedish warmblood gelding Paridon Magi topped the board with 72.265%. She bested a field of 18 riders. The top 15 moves on to the Kur to Music finals on Sunday.
"My horse felt a little tired," said Darcourt. "But I had a pretty good feeling in the ring. It's nice to be awarded for the good feeling."
Photos © Senja Holpainen
Related Links
Scores 2016 Nordic Baltic Championships
2016 Nordic Baltic Championships Kick Off in Ypaja, Finland, with Team Competition