The Danish FEI dressage pony riders have their eye wide open and aims set for the 2011 show season. Following a first official training seminar in Middelfart, Denmark, on 29 - 30 January 2011, Danish pony chef d'equipe Vibeke Degn Andersen has invited potential team candidates for the 2011 Danish team and laid out the team qualification criteria.
Two major events are the goal of this season: the 2011 Nordic Baltic Championships on 29 June - 3 July 2011 and the 2011 European Pony Championships in Jaszkowo, Poland, on 26 - 31 July 2011.
Degn Andersen stressed that a positive attitude towards the team is vital for team selection. Not only consistent high scores count for team seletion but also "the rider's ability to contribute to the team's success through a positive atitude towards team-mates and other persons involved with the competitions." Andersen stated that, "it is expected that all riders are ready to contribute positively in all the actions to achieve the best possible outcome for the team and individually. This includes participating in training sessions to help team mates and have a positive attitude at all shows. Furthermore, it is important to communicate in an honest way on both rider and pony throughout the selection process."
The Danish pony riders are stimulated to compete in the national ECCO cup shows to be considered for the A- and B-team. The Ecco qualifiers in Herning and Broholm will be observation trials.
Potential team candidates will be invited to compete at international competitions such as the CDI-P Stadl Paura (21-25 April), CDI-P Saumur (28 april - 1 May), CDI-P Moorsele (18-22 May), CDI-P Compiegne (3-6 June) and CDI-P Hagen (15-19 June).
At the first official training seminar in Middelfart the Danish pony riders got tips and instruction from Danish I-judge Susanne Baarup on Saturday. Sunday morning kicked off at 7h30 with Vibeke's morning work-out: the riders were divided into two groups and they had to battle each other in different disciplines including relay race, wheelbarrow race, push-ups on the kickboard. Afterwards they saddled their ponies and were coached by Degn Andersen.
Riders present included, for instance, Victoria Vallentin (Bell), Kristine Koch (Dornick Son) , Alexandra Sorensen (Klooster's Eltino), Anne-Mette Strandby Hansen (Cuba), Caroline Bording Smidt (PSW Desperado), Cathrine Hansen (Kalita), Emma Nymand Hansen (Kinski), Philip Lindberg (Vermont), Sille Engermann (Lasco and Milan), Caroline Aarosin (SL Lucci), Celine Boddum Clausen (Ramses), Emilie Toft (Dream Girl and Starlight), Simone Fersner (Proud Don Caruso), Maja Andreasen (Armando), Maria Lange Pedersen (Windsor Vom Guick), and Caroline Vang Klemmensen (Blondie).
A further official team session seminar will be held in Middelfart on 2-4 April 2011 and the team will meet in Middelfart before departure to the Nordic Baltic Championships on 28 June 2011.
On 14 February 2011, Vibeke Degn Andersen will announce the official Danish A and B team. The long list for the Nordic Baltic Championships will be published on 17 May. The final cut off day for the Nordic Baltic Championships is 20 June and on 4 July 2011 the official team for the 2011 European Pony Championships will be announced.
Photos courtesy: Caroline Aarosin
Related Links
Danish Equestrian Federation Renews Contracts with Team Trainers
The Ecco Cup Prepares Danish Youth Riders for the International Show Scene