Danish Dressage trainer Leif Sørensen has resigned as focus group trainer for the Norwegian Equestrian Federation and will stop training the Grand Prix riders. Sørensen is conducting a last two-day training session with the Norwegian focus group riders in Ellingsrud, Norway.
Sørensen was appointed team trainer in April 2011 by the Norwegian Equestrian Federation.
The "Focus Group" in Norway includes the top Grand Prix combinations as well as the upcoming FEI pairs. It includes a larger group of riders not yet in the national team, but with intension of making it there.
"Leif Sørensen wanted greater challenges at a higher level and in dialogue we agreed to terminate the relationship," Nina Johnsen, Sport Director of the Norwegian Equestrian Federation, told Eurodressage. "The Norwegian Equestrian Federation was very pleased with Leif's expertise and we will continue with clinics for our dressage riders."
"We are very pleased with Leif Sørensens training and progress, that is why we have plans using him for clinics in the future," Norway's dressage sport co-ordinator Glenn-Tore Finstad added. "Marianne Heltzen is our National Team Captain for two years and she will continue in this position."
The Norwegian Grand Prix team riders will gather today 20 March too meet with the branch leader Elizabeth Farbrot and chef d'equipe Heltzen to talk about a new focus group trainer. On the same day mental coach Rasmus Bagger will give a session on mental preparation for high performance competitions.
Bagger held a first session on mental training in January and his teachings were well received by the attending riders.
Photo © Maja Farup
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