Marten Luiten wins the Lövsta Future Challenge International Tour Grand Prix in Amsterdam
25 January 2023
The arena at Jumping Amsterdam was filled to capacity when the U25 riders entered the arena in the second leg of Lövsta Future Challenge International Tour.
It was the home rider, 22-year-old Marten Luiten together with the mare Fyonona, who drew the longest straw in a really strong starting field and won the opening class, the U25 Grand Prix by 72.051%.
-" I'm so happy with mine and Fyonona's ride today, especially the canter program. We don't have much experience at this level and she definitely felt the atmosphere in this massive arena. It's really amazing to have the opportunity to compete here , I'm already looking forward to riding freestyle on Friday", says a satisfied Marten after the ride.
Second in the class was Danish Thea Bach with Dionysos at 71.624%. Third place also went to Holland via Jessica Poelman with Chocolate Cookie R.D.P of 70.855%. The best Swedish rider was Evelina Söderström with Cilantro, who finished in fourth place, just below the 70% mark.
Lövsta Future Challenge International Tour was launched in 2022. Through a completely unique collaboration between Lövsta Future Challenge and the world cup organizers Gothenburg Horse Show, Jumping Amsterdam and World Cup Vilhelmsborg, it is a brand new tour aimed at dressage U25 riders. The concept creates opportunities for U25 riders to compete in the international arenas where competitions in the FEI Dressage World Cup™ are also held.
During the Gothenburg Horse Show, an "Overall Winner" can also be chosen and a bonus of SEK 100,000 will be awarded. The bonus is awarded to the team that has started at least two of the sub-competitions, where the Gothenburg Horse Show must be one of the two, and that has the highest average percentage in the FEI U25 Grand Prix.
On Friday, it's time for the riders to settle in the Grand Prix Kür.