When details were announced to reveal the judges for The Australian Young Horse Championships for 2014, dressage enthusiasts were elated to learn that the World No 2 rider, Helen Langehanenberg from Germany would take on the role as “Riding Judge” on the judging panel for 4,5 and 6 YO Young Ponies and Horses at this prestigious event.

Saddleworld got busy to ensure that the guest riding judges for dressage (Helen Langehanenberg, sponsored by Prestige, Italian) and jumping (Yves Houtackers, sponsored by Pessoa saddles) were available to present a Masterclass to enable a keen Aussie audience to share their training and competition philosophies and routines.
Pictured right - Helen with D&JWTS Event Director Susan McKay

As the leading Australian saddlery specialists, Saddleworld understands the connection between a talented rider, a competitive horse with a trainable disposition and the right saddle to bring together all of the necessary components to succeed.  Experts acknowledge that the right saddle will ensure rider and horse comfort, harmony in training and competing and too, optimising potential through the application of correct aids and influences.

Saddleworld’s Product Manager Simon Mamouney said, “we are delighted to have two riders so closely associated with Saddleworld brands, visit Australia and share their wisdom with us.  We are very proud to be associated with Prestige Saddles and greatly respect their commitment to make a saddle to suit every rider and horse.  We have looked into the dedication and care that has gone into the development of the Prestige X-Helen which was designed by a rider at the top of her game to meet her exacting requirements and to give both horse and rider optimum comfort.” Pictured above left - Saddleworld Product Manager, Simon Mamouney.

Helen Langehanenberg (right) has taken the International dressage scene by storm with her inspiring performances on the fabulous Licensed Trakehner stallion, Damon Hill NRW (Donnerhall/Rubenstein) having notched up 2014 wins at the Dortmund  CDI 4* and the Neumunster World Cup event.  Helen recently defended her 2013 World Cup Championship at the 2014 final in Lyon France with just the smallest margin between herself and the Olympic Champion Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro.

Australia loved Helen (right) – and why not.  This capable, generous yet modest champion held nothing back in her Saddleworld Dressage and Jumping with the Stars Masterclass and her thorough, patient and “horse friendly” approach to training was appreciated by all.  (click here)

Saddleworld had the chance to talk to Helen at Dressage and Jumping with the Stars and asked about her life, her horse, her career, her future plans and her association with Prestige Italia.

Saddleworld – How are you liking Australia?

Helen – There were no surprises , I have seen a lot of Australia on TV.  I slept all the way on the plane, but I am still tired. I spent 3 days in Sydney with the Oatley family and enjoyed a boat trip on the harbour and a trip to the Blue Mountains.  Clemens (Dierks) showed me Koalas and some dead Kangaroos on the road.

I would like to stay longer, but I have to get back home for the World Cup final and then prepared for Aachen and the German Championships.

Saddleworld  - What do you do to keep riding fit and how do you keep Damon Hill going while you are away.

Helen – I keep in condition with jogging and Sebastian (Helen’s husband) takes care of Damon Hill.  He spends some time in the field and has a roll in hand.  I hope he is doing good as I have the World Cup Final three weeks after I return home.

Saddleworld – Do you have any other horses besides Damon Hill?

Helen – yes, I have 2 other Grand Prix horses, a 10 YO by Rodiamont and a Trakehner/TB cross.  I also ride a number of other horses from Young Horses through to Grand Prix, for clients.

Saddleworld – You are known as a Young Horse/Pony specialist is this your preference.

Helen – I love a mixture of Young Horses and Grand Prix.  I ride 10-12 horses a day and if I have trouble at a competition, I like to come home and face the little problems and solve them.  I do not like it if the horse goes crazy but I do not mind if they are hot.  I can remain calm and relaxed as this is my nature.  I control my nerves and stress and this allows me to do my best – no sense to be crazy! Damon Hill is great, he loves the atmosphere, we have a close connection and we know each other well.  He trusts me and I trust him!  When he is good, it feels like I sit on a 2 metre horse.

Saddleworld – Helen you have been coaching a few of our riders, what do you think of the quality?

Helen – The quality, so far, so good. The riders have a good relationship with horses.

Saddleworld – What do you think of the ponies?

Helen – Ponies … I love my time with ponies.  Everyone who wants to ride ponies, then they should.  Ponies with good movement and temperament are ideal for people and kids to start.

Saddleworld – How did you come to establish your association with Prestige Saddles in Italy?

Helen – I was aware of Prestige because of competing, the saddles are well respected in Europe.  I got a Prestige Saddle and then they asked me if I wanted to make a saddle together with them.  They asked me what I would like to see in a saddle I designed, and I said, a deep seat feeling and very soft for the rider and comfortable for the horse (X-Technology).  We have included two options for the knee blocks.  One is fixed and then to give the rider flexibility, we have the blocks secured with Velcro with two changeable blocks in different sizes.  I love the Prestige leather and my saddle gives good grip and is not slippery. 

Right - World No 2 Dressage rider, Hele Langehanenberg and her Prestige X-Helen Saddle.

I used to use “gel” to get a good fit, but my Prestige saddle gives the horse freedom of the shoulder and is light. I LOVE THEM!

Saddleworld – Is it true that you achieved your best percentage ever when you rode in your new saddle?

Helen – Yes that is true.

Saddleworld - Thankyou for coming to Australia and sharing your knowledge and experience with us.

Pictured right - Helen Langehanenberg is thanked by Saddleworld's David Sharp and Event MC Roger Fitzhardinge.

NOTE - The Prestige X-Helen Saddle is now available in Australia in Black and on order Tabacco ( beautiful rich dark brown)

Go To http://www.saddleworld.com.au to find your nearest store.

Story and Pictures - Saddleworld Media