25 November 2021

”Academys participants: Knowledge provides extreme reassurance”

Today, November 25th, registration for Academy Dressage & Jumping opens at 12-21. This is Sweden’s largest rider training program and is given in a fully-accredited format. Young people aged 12 to 21 who are focused on competition in dressage or jumping can register. A parent or relative is welcome to attend the training with their youth, which is included in the fee.

But what does the Academy offer? One of the ”hopeful mothers” who has been involved is Therese Pettersson, the mother of 13-year-old Ellen Högström. 

– It has been great and educational. The main reason I wanted Ellen to be involved is the climate that young people live in today. Everyone is the best, and they take input from each other. Here, Ellen got real information from those who really know and can. Then she knows what is right and can stand by what she does, says Therese Pettersson.

Another plus was that a friend was completing his education and the two young people found each other during the year they attended the Academy. 

– And they have also seen that Instagram profiles that are quite old, like those a few years older, are also going through the training. They have seen that they need knowledge too. 

Ellen Högström herself thinks that the physical meetings were the best part. 

– Then you get to meet the other people in the academy and make new friends, and it’s a bit easier to ask questions, says Ellen Högström. 

Her goal is to get as far as possible. 

– Through Academy I have learned a lot of new things and it has been exciting. Among other things, I have learned about how the horse works and how to set up a schedule for my pony. 

Tuwa Nicklasson Rosendahl is 13 years old and competes in dressage. She thinks that the physical training sessions have been very rewarding.

– They have been very fun. I have also become more confident because I have learned more and my mom and I have had more discussions, including about how we should plan. I have also learned a lot more about how to load the horse more safely, says Tuwa Nicklasson Rosendahl.

Her mother Anna Nicklasson appreciates the organization surrounding the education. 

– It has been great information, emails and newsletters – very well organized. And Johanna (Halldén, who is the project manager for Academy) has been incredible, what a joy to be around. My daughter got so happy when Johanna remembered who she was, that’s important, says Anna Nicklasson.

She says that an already good relationship has developed through attending the training together, and that it is now easier to plan and discuss topics such as fitness and exercise together.

A statement from the daughter, however, contradicts all theoretical knowledge. 

– Tuwa said, ”You know, Mom, I feel like I’ve become much more courageous; I dare to go out and talk to people.” Then the fee is worth anything. This isn’t a training course in horse knowledge; it’s a course in personal development.

”Hoppmamman” Martina Ardenmark’s daughter is named Loviza Ardenmark and competes internationally. 

– My daughter hasn’t been to riding school because we have horses at home, so I felt she needed the theoretical part, says Martina Ardenmark. 

She estimates that there was a wide range of topics covered. 

– Traveling by horse was interesting, because Loviza wants to compete more in Europe. The feed and vets have also been appreciated. It has gone very well for Loviza now; she came second in a Grand Prix for Children in Belgium, and I think the knowledge of how things work gives an extreme sense of security.

Martina Ardenmark and her daughter have used a lot of the mental component that is part of Academy. 

– It gives a focus. 

The mother and daughter have not been able to attend some physical meetings, because there are so many competitions. 

– We have estimated that there was a lot of digital content available; it was great and you can go in and look at it later if the time isn’t right. 

For Loviza Ardenmark, the year has been significant. 

– What do I take with me? A lot of it. The theoretical knowledge has helped me in many ways; it has developed the way I view things. I have become more confident in everything I do, says Loviza Ardenmark.

She chooses a somewhat unexpected topic as the most interesting one: doping. 

– Considering that the course is doping-ridden, I didn’t know that. It’s very important to keep an eye on such things when you’re competing; it would be a shame to go there for something that isn’t meant to be.

Read more about Academy Dressage & Jumping and sign up here!