Texting with: Wilma Hellstrøm
She runs Dreeling SportsHorses together with her fiancée and describes herself as an empathetic, determined and organized rider. She always needs to adjust the saddle just little bit before entering the competition arena and she loves to bake when in need of unwind. We have texted with Wilma Hellstrøm!
Published: May 12th, 2022
Hi, Wilma! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I think of myself as quite a happy person. I like to have things organised and I don’t like to be late!
You work as a professional show jumper at Dreeling SportsHorses in the Netherlands. How did you end up in the Netherlands and what is the core business at Dreeling SportsHorses?
When I met my fiancée, Ciaran Dreeling, I was still living in Sweden. Ciaran, on the other hand, lived in Switzerland, but most of the time we went to Netherlands and Belgium for competitions and to look at horses. Therefore, the decision to have a base in the Netherlands came quite easy. At Dreeling sporthorses we find, produce, and sells young showjumper talents to the top sport.
Are there any differences working as an equestrian in the Netherlands vs. in your home country, Sweden?
I don't think working as a rider is very different in Sweden compared to the Netherlands. However, it's a lot less driving to shows! There are also more shows and training events at all levels in the NL.
How many horses do you ride a day? Is there one (or more) horse that is a little more special/closer to your heart?
I ride around six horses a day. My mare Cicci, that we've had for 5 1/2 years, is very close to my heart. All of the horses I ride and get to work with has a high quality and are very nice horses, but there’s just something special with Cicci.
Why showjumping?
Well, I was in a dressage saddle once or twice when riding ponies and it just wasn't for me, hehe. I have always loved show jumping and, as a kid, I used to play this little game where I build courses and jumped myself in the garden. My older brother made poles in different colours for me to jump, hehe. Both my mum and my sister were riding and did show jumping, so I had the privilege of always having horses around me.
Have you ever considered doing something else than working with horses?
At one point in school, I was thinking that if I wasn't going to make it in the equestrian sport, I'd like to be a sports psychologist. Luckily this thought crossed my mind very briefly and I have always worked hard to be able to have horses as my living.
Describe yourself as a rider with three words?
Empathetic, determined and organized.
Which qualities are you looking for in a horse?
When we are looking for new horses, most often young horses, we look for a good character, carefulness, scope, braveness, and that they feel sound. These factors are very important for us.
Working full time as an equestrian is truly a lifestyle. What keeps you motivated?
I often like to spend my afternoons doing something else, like a change of scenery from the horses and the stable work. It can for example be baking. Baking takes my mind off from things and is quite meditative.
What do you miss the most with your home country, Sweden?
I miss my family a lot. And of course, my friends, and not to forget the Swedish supermarkets!
The highlight in your equestrian career so far?
Honestly, I can't really put a finger on it as I don't see the results like that. Maybe because I haven't gotten the greats result as I aim for yet. But when I compete in a big show where I do some good rounds and the horse jumps good, and that gives me with a good feeling, I value that very high. The 2nd place in Drammen GP and the top 10 place in 5* GP in St Tropez was great. I hope there's more to come!
Favourite event destination?
I love Sweden Gothenburg and Falsterbo. It's just something special with competing at home.
3 things you always bring with you to the stable?
Well this one's easy- we have 3 dogs and they always come with!
Do you have any special routines when preparing for a competition/before entering the arena?
Before a class I like to have a couple of minutes for myself to get focused. I also almost always need to adjust the saddle a little bit. Just something silly that I think I need to do.
Three tips for someone who wants to get a promising young show jumping horse?
Look for a good character, carefulness, and rideability.
Favorite TV-show?
Yellowstone.
Taco, pizza or hamburger?
Taco!
Goals for 2022?
My goals for this year are to get established at 5* level and hope to get the chance to represent Sweden in NC.
What would you have told yourself 10 years ago?
Don't rush into things.
Where are you in 10 years?
In 10 years, we have our new stable up and running and some offspring from Cicci after she finish her career. I hope to have been doing some championships/ games in the sport. But mostly, I hope that our family, friends, and horses get to stay healthy!
Thanks for the interview, Wilma!
