Inspired by the sad story of Maria Claumarch, who lost her right leg after an accident with a horse, Helgstrand Dressage has chosen to establish a grant, with the purpose of helping riders realize their goals.
"I know how difficult it would be for me if I wasn’t able to ride every day. For us, the horses are our way of life and it is our great passion," says Andreas Helgstrand, CEO and founder of Helgstrand Dressage.
The touching story about Maria Claumarch has spread like rings in the water, and especially within the horse world since the prosthetic she has been given can’t be used for riding. With this in mind, her friends and family have started a fundraiser for a prosthetic she can use for riding, so Maria hopefully can realize her dreams.
"I get moved by people like Maria and her friends, who fight so much for a cause. It got me thinking about how I got to where I am today. And it is the belief that you will succeed if you just fight for it. Therefore, I have no doubt that this year’s grant goes to Maria," says Andreas.
It is not only because it’s a touching story Helgstrand Dressage has chosen the first grant goes to Maria. No, because the idea behind the grant is to give it to people, who have set a goal and gives it everything to achieve it.
"The help I’ve received in my career has been crucial for where I’m at today, and therefore it is important for me to give something back to the sport. And I felt I can do that with this grant, says Andreas, and adds that the grant will be given once a year."
Andreas Helgstrand had no doubt about who should receive the first grant.
"This year we haven’t had the possibility of an application round, and therefore we had no doubt about the first grant should go to Maria. She has set up some great goals, which I respect tremendously. She wants to participate at the World Championships in 2022 in Herning, to show that you can do what you want. So here in the last few days of 2019, I only wish Maria good luck. I look forward to following you in the sidelines," Andreas added.
About the Helgstrand grant
The Helgstrand grant is awarded once a year based on an application round. In order to apply for the grant, you must be a rider and have a riding goal you are aiming for. Big, as well as small goals, are welcome no matter if it is jumping or dressage riders. In order to be a candidate, the applicant must make a video in English in which the applicant presents themselves and their goal and describes how the grant will help the applicant achieve their goal. It is possible for both Danish and foreign riders to be considered for the grant.
The deadline for applying is between April 1st and May 1st every year, and the grant will be given during Equitour Denmark, which is held at Helgstrand Academy in May. The grant has a value of 10.000 DKK. In order to be able to select the right recipient amongst the applicants, a jury has been founded, consisting of General Manager and rider, Thomas Sigtenbjerggaard, Manager of Helgstrand Academy and rider, Maria Anita Andersen, and CEO and founder, Andreas Helgstrand.
The application must be sent to it@helgstranddressage.dk, as well as questions regarding the grant.