Danish young gun Sofie Jeppesen is certainly making her mark in her final year in the under 25 division. Aboard the Danish bred Hedebo's First As (by First Flair x A-Dur) she was victorious in the Under 25 Short Grand Prix and Under 25 Grand Prix kur at the 2013 CDI Munich on 9 - 12 May 2013 with 70.163 and 73.100%.
"I think I had the best conditions both before and during the cup in Munich," said 24-year old Sofie. "However First As was a bit anxious about the huge crowds and the beautiful but different settings, so I made sure I took him for lots of walks so he could get comfortable with the surroundings."
Riding a bit carefully on day one to finish third in the under 25 Intermediate II with 68.974%, Sofie received new instructions from her coach not to play it safe. They changed the strategy for the next day. "We decided we were going all the way and it was an incredible experience winning the Grand Prix and Kür in Munich. I loved the excitement from the crowd, the beautiful settings and last but not least, I was very happy about the terrific prize I won."
Putting her win down to a mistake-free test and music that fitted perfectly to her kur design and horse, Sofie is now producing the outcome of years of riding experience.
"When I got my first pony I quickly became better and better in the dressage. Dressage was soon my biggest passion and I am very happy about that today.
I have now been riding dressage since I was 5 years old and I got my first pony when I was 9 and on that pony I became Danish Champion in 2002 and Nordic Champion in 2003."
Winner of the Neubeeren “Isabell Werth Trophy,” Sofie received numerous medals as a Young Rider, moving on to compete in the U25's at the 2011 European Championships in Rotterdam. "Finally, I became Danish Champion in the U25 Category in 2012."
Discovered by her coach Michael Søgaard when the horse was 5, First As was too small for him and when Sofie was 15 years old with a single year left as a pony rider, her parents talked with Michael and he recommended them to buy First. "As a young horse First As was very wild and excited so Michael offered to ride it the first year," Jeppesen explained. "Michael was challenged because for a long time First As could not ride a circle in the centre because the horse was so affected by the surroundings. In time however, First became better and better and now we see the result."
Giving a fantastic ride every single time, First is very flexible and co-operative, and now at age 15 the horse has been at Grand Prix level for the past 2 to 3 years. "It is not until now that I think we both have acquired the sufficient experience in the drills to compete at this level," she added.
With a lot of gymnastics, loose exercises, speed drills, and tempo control, Sofie and coach have been fine-tuning their training for the past 11 years and Sofie believes it has been an incredible cooperation. "I think that one of the reasons I now compete in Grand Prix level is that we have been focused on that practice for many years while paying close attention to the cooperation between us."
In addition to First As, Sofie also has a mare called Giovana (by Hertug), who is currently at a Prix St Georges level. Furthermore she has a 5 year-old gelding by Gribaldi which she owns together with her coach.
Jeppesen is set to finish school at the end of June and hopes to get into college but she wants to leave time for her own dressage dreams and also the chance to motivate others less fortunate than her. "Twice a week I also help out at a school for children with special needs. I teach them to ride and it is a very fulfilling job.”
Sofie's next goal for 2013 is riding in the Danish Championships in June. "After that I look forward to an exciting event in Aachen, and the European Championships in Herning in August. In the autumn it is my plan to ride some international events including the CDI-W Odense. I hope that First and I have some more years together so we can ride some more Grand Prix. In the mean time I hope that my mare gets ready to begin Grand Prix level. Besides that I hope to buy some more young horses that I can develop in the years to come."
Photos © Astrid Appels
Young guns Profile
Date of birth: 23 October 1989
Nationality: Danish
Place of birth: Roskilde, Denmark
Sign/horoscope: Libra
Profession: Student
Hobbies I have a big interest in eating right and being healthy
Personal qualities: Always a positive and happy person
Personal defects: I am very shy
Favourite book: The girl with the blue bicycle
Favourite film: The Blind Side
Favourite actor: Julia Roberts
Style of music: Pop music
Favourite singer or band: Michael Jackson, Adele
Favourite car: Audi TT
An unforgettable holiday: Paris with my family
Favourite food: Fruits like strawberry, melon, grapes, etc.
Related Links
Sofie Jeppesen Wins 2004 Danish FEI Pony Championship
Robin DVH Sold to Sofie Jeppesen
Photo Report: Dancing in the Rain at the 2013 CDI Munich
