Equitour Aalborg – The new top class International Horse Show in the north

If you like to combine watching dressage and showjumping, enjoy youth classes alongside Nations Cups and at the same time enjoy a top class music concert, then Equitour Aalborg is the place to be. Held from the 1st – 5th of June, you may be lucky enough to enjoy some excellent Danish summer weather too!

Text, photo and video by Therese Alhaug.

Equitour Aalborg took place for the very first time this week in the north of Denmark and included the FEI Nations Cup in both dressage and jumping, attracting participants from the absolute world elite in both jumping and dressage.

A Stallion show presenting some of the world’s best stallions, and a historical foal auction were also part of the program.

The EQUITOUR Horse Show strives to recognise itself as one of the greatest and most attractive Horse Shows in the north, and if you ask me – they DO succeed.

The organisers, who combine two of the most influential people from Danish equestrian sports, the dressage rider Andreas Helgstrand (Owner at Helgstrand Dressage), and the highly experienced Danish Horse Show organiser Jens Trabjerg, sort of make it all fall into place. When combining these two personalities, the EQUITOUR AALBORG seem to cover it all with a clear vision. Which is: To make Equitour Aalborg one of the most attractive legs of the FEI Nations Cup series for both riders and audience.

Andreas Helgstrand (organiser) says:

“We have high expectations for Equitour, and we wish to place Helgstrand Academy on the world map as a melting pot for elite dressage and show jumping. The agenda is filled with entertainment for all ages. This is going to be huge, and we are super excited!”

Alongside the sports activities, different activity areas were set up on the showground for the families attending. These included a children’s fairground, a food market, a great exhibition area and a concert space. Enclosures were covered with a roof to protect spectators from sun and rain, and the park-like landscape offered well-manicured lawns settled with beautiful walkways, hedges and benches.

Martin Dinesen Neergaard (Danish showjumping rider) says:

“I think EQUITOUR managed to create a very good show.  I appreciate that we have people willing to organize a Horse Show of this caliber. The great locations and facilities available here at Helgstrand makes it even better. Having people like Helgstrand, willing to create a show like this, serves the Danish Equestrian Sport well. The fact that Denmark won the Nations Cup on home ground, and that the Danish rider Lars Bak Andersen won the Grand Prix, made it all fall into place.  I am really happy with the event, and I am looking forward to next year. “

The VIP building is quite impressive, allowing the guests a panoramic view of the dressage, showjumping and warm up arena through large windows, at the same time being able to enjoy the very best dishes from the kitchen ( and believe me – it was the very best). The only thing missing was a proper inside restaurant (or a heated tent) open for all visitors, as it could be a bit cold when the sun disappeared. But this is something I am sure will be solved for next year’s event.

The only thing missing was a proper inside restaurant (or a heated tent) open for all visitors, as it could be a bit cold when the sun disappeared. But this is something I am sure will be solved for next year’s event.

In other words, EQUITOUR has a fantastic atmosphere, with something to suit the whole family. Guaranteeing a world-class tournament. With the Danish teams winning both of the Nations Cups on home ground, the whole stadium seemed to have it all.

Jennifer Kathrine Fogh Pedersen (Danish showjumping rider) says:

“I think Equitour was a super nice show. Top facilities and nice surroundings. The ground the first days was a bit too deep, but it got better during the show. I would have wished for a kind of restaurant where you could sit down and have proper food for the people who didn’t have VIP tickets – but overall I found it a very good show.”

Alexandra G. Andresen, Norwegian dressage rider, says:

“The facilities were fantastic! I will give EQUITOUR my best recommendations!”

Video from our 2017 visit:

READ MORE ABOUT EQUITOUR AALBORG 

Therese Stub Alhaug

Editor

Therese is the editor of Equilife, and is truly dedicated to equestrian sports and horses. She started riding as a little girl, and enjoys her free time with her two horses back home. Portrait interview is her favorite topic, as it has the gift to inspire others through peoples stories, knowledge, training and general life-philosophy, and certainly, their lives with horses.