HIHS 2026 has also kicked off for the show jumping classes in the Pohjola Road to Helsinki series. Marie Granö, riding the mare Catlike Lady Leopard, won the first final class of the Pohjola Bronze Road to Helsinki, contested at the 125 cm level, while Mandi Kovalainen, riding Zuriso, won the class contested at the 115 cm level. A total of three classes will be contested in the Pohjola Bronze and Small RtH finals at the Helsinki Horse Show. Finnish horses will begin their own competition series tomorrow.
Pohjola Road to Helsinki, developed for the 2025–26 national show jumping competition season, has reached its final stage with the Helsinki Horse Show. A total of three Pohjola Bronze and Small final classes will be held at Messukeskus, the first of which took place on Thursday evening.
The Pohjola Bronze Road to Helsinki class, ridden over obstacles 125 cm high, was won by Marie Granö, 23, from Kokkola, riding her mare Catlike Lady Leopard. Granö trains under Kari Nevala.
“We managed to stick to the plan, and that was enough to secure the win today. It would be great if we could keep this winning streak going,” Granö sums up. Cranö describes the 11-year-old Catlike Lady Leopard as a naturally fast horse.
“Lady is a mare; at her best, working with her is absolutely the best. She’s a really fast and agile horse.”
The first final class of the Pohjola Small Road to Helsinki was won by 15-year-old Mandi Kovalainen from Turenki, riding her 12-year-old gelding Zuriso. Kovalainen was pleased with the Horse Show’s revamped format.
“I felt great the whole time today. I wasn’t trying to win, but we managed to put together a good, fast run. We’ll be looking to bring that same vibe to the other tracks this weekend. Zuriso is quite the guy—I’m still getting to know him a bit, but he’s really wonderful and always gives it his all on the track.”
You can follow the competition, both on the national and international stages, via the ClipMyHorse.TV broadcast.
26.2. National Show Jumping Results, Helsinki International Horse Show, Messukeskus
Pohjola Bronze Road to Helsinki 1 125 cm, basic course and jump-off. Started 14th, finished 4th.
1) Marie Granö / Catlike Lady Leopard, Myrkyn Yksityisratsastajat Ry 0-0/29.84
2) Shani Karavani / Donuts Dg Z, Eriksnäsin Ratsastajat – Eriksnäs Ryttare Ry 0-0/31.56
3) Ella Sisko Nuuttila / Nolan, Hattel Riders Ry 0-0/32.90
Pohjola Small Road to Helsinki 1, 115 cm, standard course and re-run. Started 18th, finished 5th.
1) Mandi Kovalainen / Zuriso, Kanta-Hämeen Ratsastajat R.y. 0-0/34.44
2) Doris Axelson / Honfleur, Vitträskin Ratsastajat Ry 0-0/34.61
3) Salla Määttä / Celabelle, Ruohojärven Kartanon Ratsastajat Ry 0-0/35.18
Full results: LINK
