The renowned Helsinki International Horse Show, a world-class five-star Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ event and 3* dressage competition, is making its debut at the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre next February. Expanding the historic 40-year-old event to two competition arenas has also increased the demand for high-quality fiber sand, and assuring top-level footing required for the valued equines. For that reason, the leading international footing experts Oliver Hoberg and Lars Roepstorff visited the site in Helsinki.
Together, the specialists tested and constructed the new footing with meticulous attention for three days.
“We want to make sure that we get the ground just right from the day one. That’s why we invited Oliver and Lars to Helsinki for three days in August to get to know the new conditions and the new material,” describes Managing Director Valtteri Gundersby.
When building a ground for the world’s top horses on a concrete base, both expertise and good preparation are required.
“There is no elasticity in stone. It is the right amount of water in the sand and good preparation that makes the ground perfect.”
The team measured properties like softness, elasticity, and friction using hygrometer and a mechanical hoof that simulates a horse’s landing.
The sand also needs to have just the right amount of grip. The horse’s hooves need to be able to move a little when landing, keeping up with the kinetic energy. On the other hand, the sand must have sufficient grip in tight, fast curves.
“The footing setup in the previous Ice Hall was unique with the hard foam insulation layer between the ice and the sand. It was highly rated by the riders, and the FEI recognized OBST “mechanical hoof” testing confirmed the rider´s opinion with excellent testing results”, explains Oliver Hoberg.
“To quantify the impact of the insulation material we set up a testing area with the footing installed on the insulation material and straight on a hard ground like we will have at the new location.”
“The tests showed the significant positive impact of the insulation material in the overall footing performance. As a conclusion, Helsinki Horse Show will take the extra effort and expenses for the welfare of the horse to compete on a footing setup of highest quality”, Hoberg thanks.
As not all necessary sand types are available domestically, some materials, like the fiber sand, will be imported from Belgium. Organizers of the Helsinki Horse Show are committed to providing world-class conditions for both riders and horses at the upcoming spring event.
The CSI5*-W and CDI3* Helsinki International Horse Show will be renewed in many ways with a new venue, Helsinki Expo Centre, and new date 26.2.-1.3.2026 as the last leg of the Western European League.
There will be two competition arenas and warm-ups for top sports and national competitions and shows, new tribunes and hospitality tables, and modern facilities will ensure that the atmosphere is set from the very first ride. Helsinki Expo Center also hosts stables, restaurants, and even the hotel under the same roof, protected from the weather. And not forgetting, of course, the extensive exhibition area that connects them all. This is the real sporting event – live, up close and personal, and at its best!
More information:
Valtteri Gundersby, Managing Director
valtteri.gundersby@helsinkihorseshow.fi
