Lövsta Future Challenge is proud to continue their series in the United States, supporting young horses to reach their full potential, in both dressage and jumping.
“What began as a national tour in dressage for U25 riders and young Grand Prix horses has grown into one of the world’s leading initiatives to nurture the next generation of equestrian talent,” says Antonia Ax:son Johnson, owner of Lövsta Stuteri and founder of Lövsta Future Challenge.
“We’re delighted to support the sport here in Wellington and to expand our commitment to the most essential part of our sport—the grooms. These dedicated caretakers are the ones who look after the most valuable part of our sport, our wonderful horses.”
This season, Lövsta Future Challenge is introducing a $3,000 Groom’s Award for each discipline, given to the grooms of the top three placed combinations in each final.
From Sweden to the rest of the world- the journey of Lövsta Future Challenge
Founded in 2011 by Swedish dressage icons Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén and Louise Nathhorst, with the support of Antonia Ax:son Johnson, Lövsta Future Challenge was created to advance Sweden’s standing in the equestrian world while serving as a model of sustainable competition. Over a decade later, this vision has grown internationally. Lövsta Future Challenge now includes national tours in Sweden for U25 riders and young horses in dressage and jumping, along with international events around Europe.
In show jumping, the U25 competition during the Global Champions Tour in Stockholm is an annual highlight, while in dressage, Lövsta Future Challenge hosts an international U25 series in partnership with World Cup Herning, Jumping Amsterdam, and Gothenburg Horse Show. By providing these young athletes with a stage at iconic venues, the program aims to prepare future stars for the world’s elite competitions.
Lövsta Future Challenge Dressage in Wellington
The Lövsta Future Challenge Dressage – USA is about to enter its sixth season, offering a tour for young Grand Prix horses (from 8-11yo) with five qualifiers in Wellington. The top two riders from each qualifier will secure one of the highly sought after spots in the finale during week 12. The qualifiers will be held in Intermediate II and the final in Grand Prix for Young Horses. With $15,000 in total prize money and no entry fees, Lövsta continues to support the riders and teams around them.
Jumping into 2025: Lövsta Future Challenge vision for future show jumping stars
The Lövsta Future Challenge Jumping tour provides seven-year-old horses the chance to gain invaluable experience in a competitive environment. This upcoming season, the tour will host seven qualifiers throughout the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit, culminating in a grand finale at Wellington International with $25,000 in prize money.
Reflecting on last year’s season, Sophie Mörner, founder of Lövsta Future Challenge Jumping US, says, “We were thrilled about the outcome of last year’s season. With over 200 entries from more than 15 nationalities, we saw how crucial it is to put future stars into the spotlight. By giving them the opportunity to compete at Wellington International, we hope to equip them with the experience they need for a successful future.”
Honoring Horsemanship and Giving Back to the Community
Beyond competitive success, Lövsta Future Challenge remains deeply committed to sustainability, horsemanship, and community. One example of this commitment is the ongoing collaboration with Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, a facility that among other things provides equine-assisted therapy for people with disabilities. For the 2025 season, Lövsta Future Challenge will donate $100 for each participant in its U.S. events to Vinceremos, helping to support its life-changing programs for people of all ages.
“It’s equally important for us to look beyond the arena to places where these incredible animals bring joy, healing, and hope in ways that far surpass medals or trophies,” Johnson concludes.
