28 SIDELINES NOVEMBER 2011
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
On
Course
with
Bjorn
Ikast
By Jan Westmark-Allan
Danish rider Bjorn Ikast has proven he knows a thing or
two about competing in the grand prix ring. In addition to
being the Danish, Scandinavian and Norwegian Champion,
Bjorn recently won his 81st grand prix, which adds up to a
lot of clean and fast rounds. Bjorn said taking care of his
horses is his top priority so he doesn’t push them in the
ring. Thanks to putting his horses frst, Bjorn has racked
up hundreds and hundreds of second and third place grand
prix fnishes.
One of Bjorn’s current partners is a small bay Danish
Warmblood named Brave Heart. A crowd favorite because
he doesn’t know he is small even when the jumps are big.
Brave Heart holds the bragging rights at Ikast Showjumping
for the most grand prix wins in the barn – a grand total of
26!
Bjorn and his family divide their time between Colorado,
Arizona and their farm in
Mexico. “For 16 years we
have traveled up and down to
shows in the USA and Mexico,”
Bjorn said. “I love to show as
well as fnd and produce top
horses.”
With his lengthy career still
going strong, Bjorn said he
enjoys life with his family and
horses. “I also like to teach
young people and see how
they develop over the years,
as well as teach clinics,” he
said.
Sidelines:
What do you
like about having a farm in
Mexico?
BI:
I love everything about
Mexico -- the people, the
horse shows and the climate.
We have an average of 73 degrees year round at our farm located
just outside of Mexico City. It is up in the mountains with lots of
water and it’s full of pine trees. We have a great facility with 30
boxes, two outdoor rings, a covered arena, Euro walker and grass
paddocks. It has everything you need to keep the horses in tiptop
shape.
Sidelines:
Looking back at your career, can you name a few
highlights?
BI:
The highlight of my career is the satisfaction of getting the
best out of whatever horse I am riding -- either a young horse that
has come all the way to the grand prix or a misunderstood horse
that deserves a second chance to prove themselves.
Sidelines:
Do you have a favorite horse?
BI:
I have had many good horses. My favorite horse at the
moment is Brave Heart. Even though Brave Heart is only 15.3
hands and doesn’t have all the scope in the world, he doesn’t
Bjorn and Brave Heart, a little horse with a big heart
All photos by Isabel Ikast
H
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S
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S
H
O
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Bjorn and Royal Flush, a six-
year-old Danish Warmblood.