On Saturday 9 December 2023. Danish Olympian Cathrine Dufour celebrated her marriage to Danish show jumper Rasmine Laudrup with another wedding celebration, dinner and party with the closest friends and family. The couple got engaged in June 2020 and were already officially married through a civil ceremony. This was their big official wedding at Castle Kokkedal in Copenhagen. The couple shared the dress and jewelry selection on their social media in the months leading up to the moment. At the wedding party the famous Danish DJ duo Safri Duo came to play as they danced the night away. (Photo @miamacom)
American professional dressage rider Lindsey Holleger has decided to leave her employer of six years, Jen Vanover at Maplewood Warmbloods, to begin her own business in Aiken, S.C. Holleger announced the move on Facebook stating that, "My dreams, goals, and focus remain the same and I look forward to the next chapter of my career." She further added that, "I am so grateful for the last six years I have been here. I made memories, friends, and horses that I will never forget. I met some amazing people and I have been able to build connections that will last a lifetime. I am so grateful for everything I have been able to achieve and learn." Vanover stated on Facebook that "Lindsey has decided for personal reasons to leave NY." Holleger was a gold medalist at the 2013 North American Junior/Young Rider Championships. With MW Ave Maria she is this year's recipient of $25,000 Debbie McDonald Fund two years after she received the $25,000 Anne L. Barlow Ramsay Grant for U.S.-Bred Horses. This year she also won double bronze on MW One More Dream and MW Fürstencharmant at the 2023 U.S. Young Horse Championships for 4- and 6-year olds.
The Austrian Equestrian Federation (OEPS) has announced that "the employment relationship with secretary-general Dietrich Sifkovits will end on March 31, 2024 in compliance with the legal provisions." This sudden end of the collaboration - after 10 years - comes in the wake of an article which Austrian website EQWO posted. The EQWO.net editorial team received a letter from OEPS employees directed to the OEPS President (Sissy Max-Theurer) and Board of Directors. EQWO wrote, "the secretary-general is accused of bullying, sexism and racism, among other things. The two-page list of incidents and conditions and a complaint email from an applicant paint a shocking picture of the inside of our association."
The British Hanoverian Horse Society announced with deep sadness and heavy hearts that Ted Green passed away at age 85. Ted served as the Honorary President of the BHHS and was an invaluable member, contributing significantly to the Society over many years. His passion, commitment, and unwavering support have left an indelible mark on the BHHS. The loss of such a respected and cherished individual has created a void that will be profoundly felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. More than a colleague, Ted was a friend to many. His warmth, wisdom, and sense of humour endeared him to those fortunate enough to work alongside him. The memories we shared with Ted are treasures we will hold dear.
Danish youth riders horse Blue Hors Dreamline has passed away on 7 December. He was an 11-year old Danish warmblood licensed stallion by Don Olymbrio out of Diddelu Kilen (by Hotline). He was bred by Åse and Henning Urup. He was licensed as a premium stallion at the 2015 Danish Warmblood stallion licensing and did his stallion performance test in the autumn, scoring 817.5 points. He stood at stud at Blue Hors for two years. In 2017 he was leased to the Warendorf State Stud and returned to Denmark in the summer of 2019. He was then trained and competed by Anders Uve Sjøbeck Hoeck in order to be sold. In 2020 he found a new owner in Danish junior rider Amalie Agerbæk Bang. She rode one CDI with him, the 2021 CDI Zakrzow and focused on national sport since then. Their last competition was at the end of October 2023 at small tour level. "He was my forever best friend, my dance partner, my partner in crime, and my everything. I can’t describe how much I will miss you dreamy," Amalie posted.