We met our profile rider Kristian Von Krusenstierna to ask him how he trains during the competition break.

How do you train your horses during the competition break?

Kristian: For me, the competition break gives me the opportunity to make us even better. I put pressure on myself to be better and at a higher level than I was when the competitions started after the winter. You have to look ahead all the time. If there's one thing I've learned from all my years in dressage, it's to never stop developing yourself and your horse. Everything can always be improved. There's always more looseness, energy, carriage and lightness. Ride better, train better and you will get better. It's something I carry with me every day in my riding. And, not least, practising how to quickly find the right feeling after a break in the pace. That's where I think many people lose a few points. You sit still and take off your pads, stride to the track, etc. Shortly after these procedures you get the start signal and the maximum level should be performed. This is something you simply have to practice.

What is the structure of the riding school activities? Are activities continuing as usual? If not, are the horses ridden as usual or are they rested?

Kristian: The riding school continues as usual. People have more time now it seems, no travelling etc. So our riders want to ride their lessons and preferably more than usual. We are constantly working to ensure that our customers remember and follow the general recommendations. The riding school runs for a few more weeks then it's day riding camp June out. After that, the horses have 4-5 weeks of summer work. We are fortunate to have the bait on our home turf. We let them out to pasture as early as the beginning of June and bring them in every day for lessons. It is always wonderful to see the pony herd of about 30 ponies and the big horse herd of the same number walking and grazing peacefully in our pastures and to be able to have them under constant supervision. Safe for us and comfortable for our four-legged friends.

Curious about how our profile riders Nathalie and Anna have handled the competition break? Read part 1 of Training during a break in competition here.