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Mikael Forstén Finnish Champion

Sep 10, 2012

Mikael Forstén won the Finnish showjumping championship this weekend in Ypäjä, Finland. The championships were ridden over the weekend in all age categories as well as for ponies cat. I and II. The main championship was of course the one for seniors which was ridden over three days and four different 140-155cm tracks.

The first leg was ridden against the clock in a 1.40 table C class and was won by Mikael Forstén riding Nandele. Sanna Backlund was second aboard Wiseguy before Mikael on his second ride Isaac du Jonquet. Saturday's course was ridden over a 145cm track under difficult windy conditions and the only clear came from Sanna Backlund and Wiseguy. Mikael Forstén was second with only a time penalty on Isaac du Jonquet after suffering a fall from Nandele. Germany based Lotta-Riikka Rintamäki claimed third place with FIM Fräulein Smilla.

Sunday's two courses were a bit more technical than the ones from the previous days and it was Mikael Forstén's and Isaac du Jonquet's experience that surpassed the others. Their 0/4 score over the 150cm fences secured them the gold medal which was a fourth for Mikael in the senior category. Sanna Backlund took her first ever silver and Emma Broända received the bronze medal on a FWB mare MB's Ragna.

The riders praised Ypäjä's derby showground's magnificent footing which was in top condition. Mikael also gave all credit to his 16-years old Selle Francais gelding Isaac du Jonquet whom has been jumping on Grand Prix-level for eight years and is still as happy and fresh as ever.

Source World of Showjumping