Kristoffersson, Kittel, Haward, Etzner, Dan Brown and Don Auriello Honoured at 2015 Swedish Riders Gala

Dressage

Swedish Dressage News

Dressage horses, riders, trainers and owners snatched the majority of the trophies handed out at the 2015 Swedish Riders Gala in Stockholm on Wednesday 25 November 2015. The Swedish Riders Gala are the annual Oscars of the Swedish equestrian world.

Numerous dressage horses and personalities became award winners at the gala, taking the spotlight away from show jumping or eventing.

The trophy for "Tomorrow's Horse" went to Jeanna Hogberg's 7-year old Dan Brown (by Dancier x Hohenstein). "He has all the potential to become a super star. He's fantastic," said an ecstatic Hogberg at the gala.

Ida Kristoffersson became the "Comet of the Year", an award decided by popular vote by the readers of Tidningen Ridsport. The trophy is presented to the most successful upcoming Swedish young rider in one of the three Olympic disciplines. "This is great," said a happy Ida. "Especially with this horse (Rolex TP) which we bought as a two year old. It's very been difficult but also a lot of fun. He is really special and was not easy as a youngster. I've cried a lot of times, but with a lot of hard will you get far."

Patrik Kittel was named "Rider of the Year" as he has achieved the highest amount of ranking points this year. "I won last year so it's great to make it a double," Kittel commented.

Marie Haward, the breeder of Kittel's number one Grand Prix horse Deja (by Silvano x Don Schufro), was named "Breeder of the Year". "This is magical. I was already so honoured just to be nominated, but to win is absolutely fantastic. It is cool to be on this journey and to have such a great partner in Patrik (Kittel)."

Dressage trainer and rider Louise Etzner won the award for "Fighter of the Year" handed out by Patrik Kittel. Etzner cracked her skull in a riding accident in 2011 and suffered multiple hemorrhaeges. She has slowly made her way back into the saddle.

Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven's Hanoverian gelding Don Auriello (by Don Davidoff x White Star) was named "Horse of the Year". The 13-year old gelding is owned by Antonia Ax:son Johnson. "It's a great honour to be riding such a nice horse. He has a great personality and always does his best. He loves to show off," said Vilhelmson.

Karin Holmqvist was named "Groom of the Year". She grooms for Swedish Grand Prix rider Kristian von Krusenstierna and is considered a control freak by her boss.

Source: Tidningen Ridsport - full report with photos here (in Swedish)