Von Helldorff and Harsbo Prove "Readiness" In Junior Division at 2026 CDI Leeuwarden

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2026 CDI Leeuwarden

German Lilli von Helldorff and Danish Alberte Josefine Harsbo proved their readiness for a new challenge they are facing in 2027 by winning the junior division classes at the 2026 CDI Leeuwarden on 9 - 11 October 2026.

Von Helldorff Ready for Juniors

German pony team rider Lilli von Helldorff, who won team gold this summer at the European Pony Championships, has reached the age limit this year and proved in Leeuwarden that she is ready for junior riders level. With her 10-year old Hanoverian gelding Furst Rico (by Furst Belissaro x Don Frederico) she won the junior team test with 70.051%.

"We managed to put in a good performance; in fact, I don’t think we’ve ever ridden such a good test. The whole trot was a highlight; there were no flaws – it was just good all round," Lilli commented.

Von Helldorff has already been campaigned Furst Rico internationally since December 2025, but in Leeuwarden it was her first international win.

"I’ve been riding Furst Rico for just over a year now and he’s a really good horse who’s always willing to do anything for me," said Lilli. "He’s also very sweet. Incidentally, as well as him and the pony I’m competing with here (Nabaccu), I also ride another horse and another pony.

Von Helldorff grew up amongst horses with her family members being professional riders. When asked what the secret to her success is, she replied, "I started when I was very young. When I was ten, I was already competing in my first FEI championship in the Children’s class. My mum helps me every day, but I also take lessons from Janina Siemers."

A professional career in riding seems inevitable for Lilli. "Do I still have time for school?," she repeat the question and laughs. "A bit. My dream is to make a career out of horses in the future. The riders in the German senior team are all role models for me; that’s what I want to do too."

Harsbo Ready for Young Riders

The more experienced Danish junior rider Alberte Josefine Harsbo and the 13-year old Swedish bred Napoli TH (by Floricello x Flemmingh) aced the Junior riders kur to music with 74.625% while Von Helldorff dropped to 8th place with 69,610%.

"On Friday we still made a few small mistakes, so today we really tried our best," said Alberte. "The result was there, Napoli went great. There were some small things that could have been better, but no real mistakes. Actually, the entire walk and canter sections were highlights."

Harsbo has been competing Napoli TH internationally since May 2025 and represented Denmark at the 2025 Nordic Baltic Championships in Ypaja, although the Europeans are the dream. She trains with Carina Nevermann Torup.

"I am seventeen years old, so this is my last year in the Juniors," said Alberte. "Next year we can make the switch to the Young Riders straight away. Napoli has already competed in this class with his previous owner (Pernille Korsgaard Madsen), which is of course very nice for me. Besides this horse that is our own, I ride three horses belonging to others. Horses are my hobby and that could very well remain the case in the future; I don't really have an opinion on that yet."