Sophia Ludvigsen Leaves Blue Hors Stud

Dressage

Denmark

Sophia Ludvigsen, the wingman of Nanna Skodborg Merrald at Blue Hors stud in Martofte, Denmark, has decided to leave her position after six years

Ludwvigsen began riding for the Kirk Kristiansen family at Blue Hors in Randbol in 2020, first as a young rider. She gradually moved up the levels to Under 25 and Grand Prix under the supervision of Merrald.

From Youth to Senior Sport

Originally from Gråsten (DEN), Ludvigsen began her international dressage career on ponies in 2017, competing Kentris Afrodite. In 2018 she moved to junior level with the now 10-year old Gorklintgards Jericho (by Jazz x Sunny Boy). In 2019 she moved up to Young riders level aboard Safari Klintgaard (by Sunny Boy x Don Schufro),

She joined the Blue Hors' talent program in 2020. She was first allocated the ride on Blue Hors Quintana (by Quantensprung x Desperados), which took her to team bronze at the 2021 European Junior Riders Championships and into the Under 25 division. In 2022 Blue Hors Elliott (by Erlando x Romanov) brought her into the Young Riders division and earned her team silver and an 11th place in the Kur finals at the 2022 European Young Riders Championships. With schoolmaster Atterupgaards Orthilia she gained experience at Grand Prix level.

She won the Danish Championships as a young rider in 2020 and 2022 and as an Under 25 rider in 2023 and 2024.

Her last international start was at the CDI Herning in March 2025 at small tour level with breeding stallion Baron (by Benicio x Sir Donnerhall).

Next Phase

In the autumn of 2025 Sophia had an accident which left her pelvic fractured. She stayed close-lipped about the incident and only mentioned it on social media months later in January 2026, when she had returned back to the saddle on Blue Hors Zepter.

At the start of May, Ludvigsen announced her leaving Blue Hors.

"After almost 6 incredible years, I’ve decided it’s time to turn the page," she said. "I’m deeply grateful for everything I’ve experienced and learned – the amazing horses, the inspiring people, and all the moments that have shaped me along the way. I feel that now is the right time for me to explore something new. I don’t yet know exactly what the next chapter will bring, but I’m excited to find out."

Merrald still has Danish Paralympian Tobias Thorning Jorgensen as an assistant rider at Blue Hors.