Ridehesten reported the sad passing of the highly respected Danish rider, breeder and educator Bjarne Udengaard Thomsen. He was 70 years old.
Versatile
Because of his great commitment and broad knowledge, Bjarne worked for the Danish Riding Federation as a consultant for rider education, the Agricultural Advisory Center, Aarhus University/Foulumgaard, and Animal Protection.
He was a representative and board member for Danish Warmblood Region 5. Bjarne also served as a speaker for many years at both the Danish Warmblood Stallion Licensing and the Elite Mare Show.
Breeder and Scout
Bjarne was particularly passionate about dressage and dressage horse breeding.
He had a good eye for quality horses and bought mare Alicat (by Maerchenprinz x Sebastian), who was awarded the gold medal when there were only few in Danish Warmblood at the time.
He sourced the Hanoverian mare Debby (by Donnerhall x Pik Bube I) who became the dam to Bjarne's top horses Cavaler and Consequent, both by Blue Hors Cavan. Andreas Helgstrand won the Danish Warmblood Young Horse Championship in Herning for Blue Hors aboard Cavaler. The horse became an international Danish Junior Riders horse for imone Ahlers Pedersen and Kristine Koch Bejtrup. Debby also produced Rosemount Ransom (by Ritual), state premium mare Winnie (by Warkant)
Bjarne continued to breed on this mare line until his last foal in 2017.
Untimely Passing
Bjarne bravely fought for several years against a rare form of dementia.
Bjarne leaves behind his husband of 35 years, Claus Stefansen.
Source: Ridehesten
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