The Danish Equestrian Federation (DRF) has announced that Andreas Helgstrand will not be availeble for Danish Grand Prix team selection for an uncertain period of time. This most likely means that Helgstrand and his top horse Akeem Foldager are out of 2014 World Equestrian Games contention.
At the end of April the Danish federation decided to transfer the Helgstrand case to the appeal committee to ensure a thorough and objective investigaion.
Following photos taken at the open house day at his yard, Helgstrand has been accused of animal abuse. This created an avalanche effect of sponsors withdrawing their contract with the top Danish rider, him being reported to the police, as well as threats being made towards Andreas, resultating in the brief arrest of one individual. Furthermore it has caused one more unhappy client to speak publicly about a horse deal gone bad which Helgstrand carried out at his yard.
"Andreas has given us hil full co-operation and we are given the appeal committee all the time to work it out," said Jens Erik Majlund, the secretary-general of the Danish Equestrian Federation.
"The DRF and I both wish for the best possible solution in this matter. We have taken the decision that the committee can take its time to work on it, and I can turn my attentioon to my family and staff who have been through a lot lately," Andreas commented.
The committee's decision has been put on hold due to the fact that Helgstrand has been reported to the police. The committee waits for the police report before taking any decisions. Until then it remains unsure how long Helgstrand will be out of team contention.
The first mandatory Danish WEG team selection trial takes place at the Danish National Championships in Broholm on 5 - 8 June 2014.
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
What's Happening: May 2014 - Part 1
Statement from Andreas Helgstrand on Epona.tv Training Photosc
Andreas Helgstrand Under Fire After Publication of Training Photos