Cecilia Bergåkra Reflects on Her First Year at NorCordia

Sales and Training

One year ago, Swedish dressage rider Cecilia Bergåkra moved to Denmark to join NorCordia and establish her daily training base in Randbøl. Twelve months later, she can look back on a season that has taken her to the top of the U25 world ranking and further into senior sport.

Together with her long-time partner My Friend, known as Maya, Bergåkra became the first Swedish combination to reach number one on the FEI U25 World Ranking. The pair also won bronze at the Swedish Senior Championships, made their Nations Cup debut and were in contention for a place on the Swedish team for the 2026 World Championships in Aachen, ultimately finishing as second reserve.

A Strong Start in Denmark

In September 2025, Bergåkra moved her horses and daily training set-up from Sweden to Randbøl to join NorCordia, which operates internationally within the training and sales of dressage horses.

Denmark was already familiar territory from years of competing there, and the move felt like a natural next step in her career.

Only a month after arriving, Bergåkra and NorCordia's Fürstenklang won the Danish five-year-old championship final – giving the new partnership an early sporting highlight.

Looking back, Bergåkra says one of the most important parts of the first year has been the relationship that has developed between herself and NorCordia.

“Many things have exceeded my expectations. NorCordia and I have built a great deal of trust in a relatively short time, and that is something I never take for granted. Trust is incredibly important in our sport, and sometimes you also need patience and confidence in the process.”

From U25 to Senior Sport

Cecilia and My Friend at the 2026 CDIO Hagen

The past year has brought several milestones for Bergåkra and Maya.

They became the first Swedish combination to win the Lövsta Future Challenge International Tour at the Gothenburg Horse Show. In June, another milestone followed when they became the first Swedish pair to reach number one on the FEI U25 World Ranking.

For Bergåkra, the achievements with Maya have been among the most memorable moments of the year. The mare has been her partner for many years, making their progress from the youth divisions towards senior sport particularly meaningful.

The pair also stepped up their senior campaign in 2026. They claimed bronze at the Swedish Senior Championships before making their Nations Cup debut for Sweden in Hagen, where they scored 69.543% in the Grand Prix.

Over the summer, they were in contention for a place on the Swedish team for the World Championships in Aachen and eventually finished as second reserve.

The progress has only strengthened Bergåkra's ambitions for the future.

“I dream even bigger now because I can see what we can achieve together. And I know NorCordia has big ambitions too.”

A Varied Role at NorCordia

Bergåkra's work at NorCordia extends beyond competing her own horses. Her daily schedule includes training and developing NorCordia horses at different levels, receiving training herself and presenting sales horses to prospective buyers.

On Norcordia saleshorse Fleur de Vie FRH

Variety is an important part of her approach to training. Alongside work in the arena, she incorporates canter work in the fields and rides in hilly terrain to help build strength and fitness.

One thing she misses from Sweden is the large lake where swimming with the horses was part of her training routine – and, of course, having her family close by. Her family still regularly joins her at competitions, where they support and help her while also getting the chance to spend time together.

The connection to Sweden also continues through Naturlära Ridgymnasium, the equestrian high school founded by Cecilia’s family, whose students regularly gain practical experience with Cecilia at NorCordia in Denmark.

Another part of the job she particularly enjoys is working with sales horses and finding the right match between horse and rider. Seeing a new partnership develop and being able to follow the combination afterwards is an important part of the process for her.

Outside the saddle, Bergåkra is also involved in the day-to-day development of the team in Randbøl, including recruiting and introducing new staff. She is in regular contact with clients, horse owners and trainers, while also sharing life behind the scenes with her nearly 42,000 social media followers.

The first year in Denmark has also challenged her to develop beyond her role as a rider.

“I learn something new every day – from the people around me, but especially from the horses. This first year has helped me grow as a person, a leader and a rider.”

Bigger Ambitions Ahead

Looking back on her first year at NorCordia, Bergåkra is particularly proud of what the team has achieved together and the relationships that have developed along the way.

She also highlights the support from the wider NorCordia team as an important part of the progress made during her first year in Denmark.

Now, the focus turns to year two.

“I am looking forward to seeing how far we can go with both the horses and the team. With trust, patience and hard work, I believe there is a lot to look forward to.”