Show jumper Jone Illi, 15, won the European youth championship in July. On Saturday, he will compete with the world’s best at the Helsinki International Horse Show.
will show the steeplechase in the Grand Trophy Arena on Saturday starting at 14:05. On Sunday, the show jumping world cup in Areena from 1:50 p.m.
The show jumping world cup series International Horse Show has landed in Helsinki after a two-year break. The stars of show jumping will be seen on the stage, one of whom is the summer’s young European champion Jon Illi. The 15-year-old steeplechase rider is looking forward to the Helsinki competition.
– It’s exciting to compete there, but I’m more than happy. Great that the Horse Show is back, I missed the event. I will raise the level in Helsinki, that is, I will jump five stars there.
With five stars, Illi refers to the steeplechase category, which is the most challenging in terms of difficulty. The obstacle height for Saturday’s competition is 1.60 meters. Illi competes in Helsinki on her horse Eolita L.
Obstacles would catch up
Horses have been a part of Illi’s life for a long time, as his parents own a riding stable in Myrky, Karijoki. As a hobby, riding didn’t immediately attract Illi, but eventually he found a passion for the sport.
– I started riding in dressage, and I wasn’t immediately enthusiastic about the sport. The spark struck when we started jumping obstacles and lifting booms. It felt like my own.
The goals of Illi, who is at the beginning of his career, were already clear from the beginning of his riding hobby.
– I wanted to get to the top as soon as I started riding. I have been riding purposefully for five years. Now I have already taken big steps forward, says Illi.
Not just a girl’s game anymore
For years, riding has been thought of as a sport for women and girls, but most of the world leaders in the sport are men. In Finland, this image is changing as more and more boys choose horse riding as their hobby.
– In Finland, the situation has gone in a better direction. You see more boys riding. In the summer, you can already see more boys at riding camps. Everyone should try horse riding, says Illi.
Personally, Illi has not heard a bad word about his choice of sport, but he is aware that many are criticized for their choice of sport.
The future with horses
Horse riding keeps Illi busy every day, and there is not enough time for other hobbies. At the stable, Illi says that he easily spends more than 20 hours a week.
– I played football before I started riding and I drove karting when I was younger. The competitive spirit has been involved in everything we do.
The school also employs a young obstacle expert, as Illi is in the ninth grade of elementary school. What happens after elementary school is not yet known.
– After elementary school, I have no plans. I want to stay with the horses. I live one day at a time with this sport. Hopefully I can go as far as possible with this sport. It would be great to beat the world’s best at the Games, says Illi.
The Helsinki International Horse Show will be contested at the Helsinki Ice Hall from 19th to 23rd. October
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