Norwegian Grand Prix star Siril Helljesen has made her return to the international limelight since the the sale of her top GP horse Dorina. Aboard the 8-year old Hanoverian bred Rosenstolz, Siril became the triple winner of the small tour at the 2014 CDI Oslo on 16 - 19 October 2014.
Helljesen and Rosenstolz (by Rotspon x De Niro) took the Prix St Georges, Intermediaire I, and Inter I I Kur to music with 71.474 %, 71.211% and 72.350 % respectively.
“The show went really well,” Siril smiled. “Particularly as it was Rocky’s first time in such a big arena. He coped so well with the atmosphere, the lights, the audience, and the busy surroundings of a big show ground with World Cup jumping, and dressage.”
While the pair had small mistakes in all three tests, Siril felt that Rocky improved every day and gained more self-confidence as the show went on. “Everyday I could ride with more risk and power and I felt that the horse showed his potential. I am so very proud of him," she explained.
Training the horse for two years now, Siril described Rosenstolz as a super sweet horse, very uncomplicated, and easy in every way.
“He used to be very shy and very tender and careful in his behaviour, but he has really changed in that way," hse added. "I have tried to make him feel very important and feel like the star he is. He is more outgoing and cheeky than he used to be. He takes everything in his stride and is a horse that grows in the arena and always tries his best."
A typically rainy and cold autumn competition in Norway, the Oslo Horse Show is held indoors so the weather didn’t stop the crowds turning up, particularly as Carl, Charlotte and Valegro came to Norway to give a clinic and demo.
“We had a full house during the last two days of the show with great support from our home audience and the atmosphere was just amazing. My horse behaved so well, even though the noise level from the crowds sometimes was quite high. It was great for dressage in Norway and I feel the sport is on the rise. It was very special to ride in front of such an enthusiastic home crowd.”
With two other 9-year olds also competing at small tour level, Siril is kept very busy training them, while also running her stable 30 minutes south of Oslo.
“I have 26 boxes and very recently my boyfriend and I bought a place a little further south of where we live now and we are very excited about building a stable there so we can continue the training our horses, and the horses of our pupils." When asked about her plans for the future, Helljesen replied firmly, "to build up our new home and training stable, continue training my own and my clients horses, and keep doing what I love, and doing it well."
Text by Sarah Warne - Photos © Anette Augestad
Related Links
Scores: 2014 CDI Oslo
Siril Helljesen Backed Up by Norwegian Dressage Enthusiasts
Helljesen and Dorina Award Recipients at 2012 Norwegian Horse Gala
Siril Helljesen Sells Dorina to Austria