In week 5’s Lövsta Future Challenge qualifier, Sweden’s Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén brought out the high-profile former licensed stallion So Perfect, who is now a gelding. The Sezuan x Sir Donnerhall nine-year-old produced the best of the 10 tests, with his 70.941% sealing the blue ribbon. Ashley Holzer (USA) finished second on her own 10-year-old Liberty L (by Toto Jr.) with 69.235%. Sarah Tubman (USA) and Gorklintgards Smarties rounded out the top three with 67.677%.

Photo – Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén & So Perfect. (©Centre Line Media)

The Lövsta Future Challenge is open to horses between eight and 11 years old and aims to encourage riders to show their up-and-coming international quality horses in a championship-type environment without the pressures of a CDI, such as having to stable away from home. All qualifying rounds held throughout AGDF 2026 use the FEI Intermediate II test, with the final being the FEI Young Horse Grand Prix test.

First Time

Despite Vilhelmson Silfvén’s long-time connection to and enthusiastic support of the series, this was her first time competing in it.

“The chance to get the young horses in the international arena and meet the international judges is super,” said the seven-time Olympian who has been riding So Perfect for just over six months. “To be able to do this with him every second or third week is the perfect thing to build up our partnership. It’s a unique chance to get these horses in a big atmosphere.

“I absolutely love So Perfect,” she continued. “He’s great to ride and to train and to have around. He’s such an ambitious, sensitive, big horse and also green. He’s young, and I’m really careful with that, so this Intermediate II is perfect for him. It’s exactly what he should do and it’s exactly why we have this class; it’s made for him. I don’t think he’s had this show experience before, but I enjoy giving him that, and we are doing it together.”

All the Ingredients

Vilhelmson Silfvén believes So Perfect has all the ingredients for top sport, but given his age, she is in no hurry to jump into the grand prix ring.

“For sure he’s going to do it, but it’s more that I want to keep it simple and we have trust in the arena first,” she added. “I don’t want to rush it because I want him to stay healthy and with me for a lot of years. I’m being careful and pampering him a little bit.”

AGDF 5 concludes on Sunday, February 8, a day that features the next Buffalo Wild Wings Prix St. Georges Future Challenge for emerging small tour horses. AGDF, which hosts seven weeks of CDI competition, runs through March 29. For more information, results, and to live stream the classes in the International Arena free of charge, visit www.wellingtoninternational.com.