Helljesen Coaching Developing GP Riders at Grenutvalg Dressage Clinic

Dressage

Norwegian Dressage News

Norwegian Grand Prix rider Siril Helljesen, who has been appointed Norwegian team trainer for Developing Grand Prix and Under 25 riders, recently hosted a clinic at the Tune Riding centre in Sarpsborg, Norway, on Saturday 3 December 2016.

A group of Under 25 riders as well as senior riders competing at small tour level but working towards Grand Prix gathered in Sarpsborg for this one day clinics, hosted by the organisation Grenutvalg Dressage, a stakeholders group of dressage enthusiasts and volunteers who work on behalf of the Norwegian federation.

"Our goal is to spot potential senior team horses and encourage riders at small tour to train towards Grand Prix or improve their small tour performances," Helljesen told Eurodressage. "This is the first time Norway has had any official training for U25 combinations, and our goal is to build on more team riders for the future, and take care of, and help young riders who feel left alone after their Young riders' careers has ended."

This year Norway had three combinations qualifier for the inaugural 2016 European Under 25 Championships in Hagen, Germany, in July. Two pairs actually competed there: Catharina Lorentzen Lund (on Helios) and Jenny Holthe Rognes (on Ostergaards Eros).

"Hopefully by next season we have added a few more combinations to that list. I spotted a couple that weekend I think will be able to compete at that level next year," said an optimistic Helljesen.

"These training sessions are also meant to be a place where riders can get training, meet friends/competitors, watch each other train and create a positive training environment. The daily trainers are invited to watch the training and I am in dialogue with both rider, trainer and support team about the combination's current level and their challenges and development," Siril stated.