Dr. TanDY
Joined: 02 Nov 2005
Posts: 1346
Location: Selangor, Malaysia
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| Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2006 7:18 pm Post subject: [News] Love for horse riding keeps princess active |
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Love for horse riding keeps princess active
Source: The Star Online
Date: 30 April 2006
KUALA LUMPUR: She rode her first pony when she was a young child.
At a sprightly 62, Princess Benedikte of Denmark is still an active rider and has also become a highly respected breeder of sports horses.
Princess Benedikte: ‘I go horse riding whenever I can. I try to ride everyday when I’m back home because it’s good exercise’
“I go horse riding whenever I can. I try to ride everyday when I’m back home because it’s good exercise,” she said in an interview on the sidelines of the Federation Equestrian Internationale (FEI) World Cup Jumping Final here.
The tournament, which started at the Putra Stadium on April 26, ends today.
The tall and elegantly dressed princess exuded a warm, friendly demeanour and appeared healthy; something which can be easily attributed to her active involvement in the physically demanding sport.
“I started (horse riding) as a young child when my mother bought me a pony.
“It was one of the first ponies to be brought into Denmark as they only had big horses then,” said the princess, who is the patron of the World Breeding Federation for Sports Horses.
Her interest has rubbed on to her daughter Nathalie, who has become a well-respected professional dressage rider.
The younger princess rides Rigoletto, a horse bred for her by mum.
Apart from her involvement in the equestrian sport as a rider, spectator and breeder, Princess Benedikte plays an active role in the FEI and will be contesting as its president at the federation’s upcoming general assembly.
“Hopefully I’ll win. I hope to turn the FEI into a modern sports federation, by making sure all national federations get to play an important part in the decision-making process,” she said.
Asked about Malaysia, the princess said it was her third trip here and she was happy to be back.
“The people here are extremely friendly,” she enthused.
“Malaysians have a good sense of humour, just like the Danes!”
She singled out a Malaysian rider she saw at the competition for special praise.
“I forgot his name, but he was an excellent rider and did very well. He’s a very good rider.” |
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