Come to the Helsinki Horse Show to meet one of the world’s oldest horse breeds – the happy Icelandic horse.
The Icelandic horse is a small, strong, and cooperative riding horse. In addition to the basic gaits—walk, trot, and canter—it has one or two special gaits: tölt and flying pace.
At the two-day invitational competition held at Messukeskus, you will see four gaits and tölt at two different speeds in the four-gait class V1. In the tölt class T1, tölt is shown at two speeds as well as with speed transitions. There are three age categories: seniors, young riders, and juniors.
The six best seniors and the six best young riders and juniors from the first competition day will advance to the Saturday finals. The competitions feature the very best riders in the country.
Three judges—one of whom arrives from Sweden—evaluate the performances from the center of the arena, awarding scores for different sections on a scale of 0–10. The judging takes into account factors such as gait quality, speed, rhythm, the horse’s frame and self-carriage, and the use of the rider’s aids. In the final, all six horse-and-rider combinations perform in the arena at the same time.
The Kultajousi Arena at the Helsinki International Horse Show offers a diverse overview of fascinating equestrian disciplines, without forgetting our other beloved four-legged friends—dogs. Children will also, for the first time at the Helsinki Horse Show, have the opportunity to try pony lead-rein riding.
27 Feb – 1 Mar
Kultajousi Arena, Messukeskus
Icelandic Horse Gait Riding
Friday 27 Feb at 7:20 pm – Icelandic Horse Gait Competition
Saturday 28 Feb at 7:20 pm – Icelandic Horse Gait Competition
Western Riding
Saturday 28 Feb at 3:00 pm – Western Ranch Trail Competition
Paws at Full Speed – Hakunilan Seudun Koiraharrastajat ry
Saturday 28 Feb at 4:30 pm
Sunday 1 Mar at 12:50 pm
Lead-Rein Riding
Saturday 28 Feb at 2:00 pm – Pony lead-rein riding
Sunday 1 Mar from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm – Pony lead-rein riding
Please note that the schedule is subject to change. The times listed here are estimated starting times.
The program and schedules can be found here:
https://helsinkihorseshow.fi/kavijalle/ohjelma/
