Finnish Olympian Mikaela Fabricious-Bjerre has passed away on 13 February 2023 after a brave battle against cancer. She was 53 years old.
Denmark
Born in Turku, Finland as Mikaela Lindh, the professional dressage rider built her career in Denmark, where she initially went for training and then became a resident there in 2001.
She first competed at national level in Denmark in 2002 on Trophy (by Aron x Port Royal xx). Her first international horse was the youngster Hagels Malachit (by Midt-West Ibi Light x Perlkönig) which she competed at the 2002 World Championships for young dressage horses in Verden. In 2003 she returned to Verden with Feramo K (by Fidermark x Damenstolz). He later on sold to Lyndal Oatley.
Her first international Grand Prix horse was the Finnish warmblood Königs Kronos KS (by Konigin's Son x Waidmanndank x Lago) whom she competed at the 2005 Nordic Baltic Championships. At the same time she briefly showed Jorgen Olsen's Milan (by Michellino x Manstein), which then sold to Austrian Nora Motwurf. In 2008 she competed Golden Dancer (by Jazz x Pershing) at international Grand Prix level.
Solyst Dressage
Between 2010 and 2020, horses such as Alpha de Jeu, Gorklintgards Domello, Fyrst-Quist, Versace (by Flemmingh x Goodtimes) were produced by Lindh, amongst many others.
Skovlunds Mas Guapo
Mikaela's career making dressage horse was Skovlunds Mas Guapo, a Danish warmblood by Master out of Ramshojs Gambling (by Cannon Row xx).
The black was originally owned by York Stutteri and came into Mikaela's barn in 2009 to be sold. Instead, Mikaela and her husband Poul purchased the horse themselves.
The pair competed at the 2011 and 2012 World Cup Finals in Leipzig and 2011 and 2013 European Championships, twice making it to the Special. They represented Finland at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, where they were 30th place in the Special. Lindh and the 16-year old Mas Guapo finished their show career as a combination at the 2014 World Equestrian Games, where they were 50th in the Grand Prix.
Skovlunds Gamin G
With Gamin G she returned to the Finnish team one last time, at the 2019 European Championships in Rotterdam, where she was 47th in the Grand Prix with 67.702%. This was her last international show.
At national level, Mikaela continued to compete with Dam's Duchess (by Zack x De Noir ) and Aqua Marin (by Ampere) until January 2022. Bellissimo L had been sent to Henri Ruoste to be sold and in January 2022 her young stallion Hesselhøj Darwin (by Hesselhøj Donkey Boy x Solos Landtinus) went in training with Cathrine Dufour.
Untimely Passing
Mikaela Fabricius-Bjerre or simply Fia has passed away.
We are so sad to write that Fia has passed away peacefully after a long course of cancer.
Fia has never taken a no for a no, and even with the serious illness, she was never in doubt that she would make it through unscathed.
She fought a brave fight and was as usual the center of the family throughout. There was never a time when Fia complained about her serious illness or felt sorry for her situation.
A true giant with an incredible mindset.
A loving, funny and beautiful girl with lots of power and an incredible love for her family, our animals and her beloved horses.
We will miss you so incredibly much
We meet in LAND OF DREAMS
Poul & Ida as well as our dogs, horses, cats and the animals in the forest.
Fia will be buried from Karlebo Church on Saturday at 13:00 and later at a memorial service in Turku for our Finnish family as well as friends and acquaintances from Finland.
Photos © Astrid Appels - Barbara Schnell - Stefan Lafrentz
Related Links
Eurodressage Photo Database: Mikaela Lindh -
Mikaela Lindh's Skovlunds Mas Guapo Passed Away
Scores: 2003 World Championships for Young Dressage Horses