Come to the Helsinki Horse Show to meet one of the world’s oldest horse breeds, the cheerful Icelandic horse.
The Icelandic horse is a small, strong, and cooperative mount that, in addition to the basic gaits—walk, trot, and canter—also possesses one or two special gaits: tölt and flying trot.
At the two-day invitational competition held at the Exhibition Center, you’ll see the four gaits and tölt at two different tempos in the V1 four-gait class. In the T1 tölt class, tölt is performed at two tempos, along with tempo changes. There are three age categories: seniors, youth, and juniors.
The top six seniors and the top six youth and juniors from the first day of competition will advance to Saturday’s finals. The country’s top athletes are competing in the event.
Three judges, one of whom is from Sweden, evaluate the performances from the center of the arena, assigning scores for various elements on a scale of 0 to 10. The judging takes into account, for example, the quality of the gait, tempo, rhythm, the horse’s conformation and how it carries itself, as well as the rider’s use of aids. In the final, all six horse-and-rider pairs will perform in the arena at the same time.
The Kultajousi Arena at the Helsinki International Horse Show offers a diverse overview of the fascinating disciplines of equestrian sports, without forgetting our other beloved four-legged friends: dogs. And for the first time at the Helsinki Horse Show, children will have the chance to try pony riding.
27.2.-1.3. Kultajousi Arena, Messukeskus
Icelandic Horse Gaits Competition
Friday, Feb. 27, at 7:20 p.m. Icelandic Horse Gaits Competition
Saturday, Feb. 28, at 7:00 p.m.20 p.m. Icelandic horse gaited riding competition
Western Riding
February 28 at 3:00 p.m. Western Ranch Trail Competition
Paws in Full Swing – Hakunila Region Dog Enthusiasts Association
Saturday, Feb. 28, at 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, Mar. 1, at 12:50 p.m.
Horseback Riding witha Lead
Saturday, Feb. 28, at 2:00 p.m. Pony Riding with a Lead
Sunday, Mar. 1, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Pony Riding with a Lead
Please note that the schedule is subject to change. The times listed here are estimated start times.
The program and schedules can be found here: https://helsinkihorseshow.fi/kavijalle/ohjelma/
