Lövsta Future Challenge International Dressage Tour extended for two years

Cecilia Bergåkra, Linnea Holmgren and Hedda Thunberg, photo Madeleine DB

The Lövsta Future Challenge International Dressage Tour, a U25 Grand Prix tour held alongside FEI Dressage World Cup™ events in Herning, Amsterdam and Gothenburg, has been extended for a further two years. The tour was created to give promising young riders the opportunity to compete in the same arenas and professional environment as the world’s leading dressage athletes, creating an important bridge from U25 Grand Prix to senior international sport.

The extension comes at a time when the impact of the initiative is clearly visible. Since its launch in 2022, several riders from the tour have progressed to compete — and secure placings — in the FEI Dressage World Cup™. Around a dozen riders from the tour have established themselves at international CDI3* level.

German rider Moritz Treffinger is a clear example of the pathway in action. After competing in the Lövsta Future Challenge as a U25 rider, he is now qualified for the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final in Fort Worth this April.

- “For sure, I’ve benefited a lot from competing in the Lövsta tour. It gave us young riders the chance to ride at these major events, but above all it has been fantastic to see and learn from the top riders up close. I’ve taken every opportunity to watch their training, ask for advice and be inspired. I made my international U25 debut in Herning in 2023 with Cadeau Noir, and to think that I’m now riding the World Cup Final feels crazy. I’m so excited!”

Antonia Ax:son Johnson, owner of Lövsta Stuteri and founder of Lövsta Future Challenge, explains the thinking behind the initiative:

- “The vision behind Lövsta Future Challenge has always been to actively improve international dressage sport by investing in the next generation. We believe that if talented riders are given the right platform at the right stage of their careers, they will grow into the top sport stronger and more prepared. Watching former participants now compete — and succeed — in the World Cup makes me both proud and incredibly grateful. It shows that our vision is working, and that long-term commitment truly makes a difference.”

The partnership with Gothenburg Horse Show, Jumping Amsterdam and World Cup Herning remains central to the concept, with the U25 competitions integrated into the programs of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ events.

Tomas Torgersen, Show Director of Gothenburg Horse Show, says:

- “Having the Lövsta Future Challenge as part of our event adds another important dimension to our program. It allows us to present both today’s top sport and tomorrow’s talent in the same arena, which is valuable for the riders, the audience and for the long-term strength of the sport. We are already seeing young riders step forward and establish themselves at the highest level. A great example is Sara Hyrm, who won the U25 classes here in Gothenburg in 2025 and returned the following year to place in the World Cup. That progression shows why initiatives like this are so important for the future of international dressage.”

With the extension confirmed, the Lövsta Future Challenge International Dressage Tour continues its commitment to strengthening the pathway from U25 Grand Prix to the very top of international dressage.

About the Lövsta Future Challenge International Dressage Tour

• Events: World Cup Herning, Jumping Amsterdam, Gothenburg Horse Show

• 8–9 riders per event

• Host nations are allocated two entries per leg, while the tour is open to riders from all nations

• Classes include U25 Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle

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