In the preliminary four-gait on Tuesday there were some pleasing performances, especially from the camp of the young riders. They don’t have the experience of the old champs and might get nervous in front of crowds. Yet you can feel their ambition and childlike love of horses. Often they handle the reins tentatively, but also as respectfully.
Gústaf Ásgeir Hinriksson on Björk frá Enni. Photo: Henk Peterse.
Gústaf Ásgeir Hinriksson is one of the youngest participants in the 2013 World Cup. He was chosen for the Icelandic national team after the qualifying summer tournament Sumarsmellir Harðar a few weeks ago, with a horse that arrived at his parents’ farm only late spring.
The black mare Björk frá Enni, is elegant, light-footed and a modern sport horse type, whose movements give hints to a rather masculine training.
Gústaf didn’t have much to train the mare himself but on Tuesday he showed that he had done a good job. The two completed a clean performance with dancing tölting parts, the ambition was clear but the horse looked pleased too.
“I like her, because she is so spectacular,” says Gústaf. “You don’t want to step down from her. In Iceland I have been riding her a lot in the field; she is such a wonderful riding partner!”
Gústaf particularly praises the mare’s positive attitude and that she always gives everything. “I think we have a chance of reaching the top,” he adds confidently when asked how he estimates his chances for a medal.
Unfortunately Gústaf has bid to black beauty goodbye on Sunday because it has been sold to Sweden. But back home in Iceland two foals by Björk are expected next summer, growing in surrogate mares, and Gústaf is looking forward to welcoming them.
Here you can watch a video of Gústaf and Björk.
Dagmar Trodler reports for Iceland Review from Berlin.
