Look Who's Back: Straight Horse Ascenzione

Fri, 01/30/2026 - 13:08
F.O.C.U.S.
Helen Langehanenberg and Straight Horse Ascenzione at the 2023 CDN Oldenburg, one of the last shows the mare did after which a two-year break followed :: Photo © Stefan Lafrentz

After a two-year absence from the show ring, the 2021 Nurnberger Burgpokal winner Straight Horse Ascenzione is back in the show ring, at Grand Prix level.

Straight Horse Ascenzione is a 13-year old Danish warmblood mare by Blue Hors Zack out of Bogegardens Don Romina (by Don Schufro x Lionell). She is bred by Mogens Pedersen and Eva Götzsche.

Denmark

The bay mare is the full sister of the triple world young horse champion and former licensed stallion Sezuan (now gelded).

As a 3-year-old Ascenzione was awarded a silver medal at the Danish Warmblood Elite Mare Show in Vilhelmsborg.

With Vallentin at the 2018 WCYH in Ermelo
In 2018 Victoria Vallentin rode her at the World Young Dressage Horse Championships in Ermelo and finished 8th in the 5-year-old Finals after placing second in the consolation finals.

Sold to the U.S.A., Stays in Germany

Andreas Helgstrand sold the mare to American Tiffany Goldman, who allocated the ride to German Olympian Helen Langehanenberg in the autumn of 2018.

The new duo competed at the 2019 World Young Horse Championships in Ermelo and were fifth in the 6-year old finals after placing third in the consolation finals.  

With Helen at the 2019 WCYH in Ermelo
In 2020 Helen established her further at small tour level with several starts at local shows right after the corona lockdown and followed by the CDI Vilhelmsborg in October 2020 where they won the PSG and Inter I. It was the pair's last international.

In 2021 Helen focused the mare on the Nurnberger Burgpokal qualifiers for developing PSG horses and ended up winning the finals in Kronberg. There were no shows in 2022 and Helen returned with the mare in the summer of 2023 at developing Grand Prix level after a 1.5-year break, contesting the Louisdor cup qualifiers. At the 2023 Louisdor Cup Finals they were 6th. 

Two-Year Break

After the 2023 Louisdor Cup another two-year competition break followed.

Their long-awaited come back happened this week at the CDN Ankum on 29 - 30 January 2026, where they posted 67.100% in the Grand Prix and 68.954% in the Special.

At the 2021 Nurnberger Burgpokal
Photos © Astrid Appels - Stefan Lafrentz

Related Links
Eurodressage Photo Database: Straight Horse Ascenzione
Straight Horse Ascenzione Wins 2021 Nurnberger Burgpokal Finals
Straight Horse Ascenzione, New Ride for Helen Langehanenberg
Revolution Wins Thrilling 5-year old Finals at 2018 World Young Horse Championships
Helgstrand Dressage Celebrates Golden Glory at 2018 World Young Horse Championships
Sezuanna Named 2016 Danish Warmblood Mare of the Year