Young Star Lilli Mellström Heads to Pony World Cup Final
Sweden’s Lilli Mellström is preparing to compete in the FEI Jumping Ponies Trophy Final in Mechelen, Belgium, with her pony Sparkling Lackaghmore Joey. Often dubbed the “pony World Cup Final,” this prestigious event brings together the top 20 pony riders in Europe.
“I’ve loved him since the day I got him. He’s so kind, sweet, and sociable.”
A National Selection
Lilli’s journey to Mechelen began with a national selection process. “Each country can choose two riders to represent them in the series, and the Swedish national team management selected me and Viggo,” Lilli explained. Viggo Bergstrand, a seasoned competitor in this final, was recently profiled by Tidningen Ridsport (read more here).
Lilli secured her spot through strong performances in Herning and Lyon, where she and Joey finished fifth in the Grand Prix against some of Europe’s best pony combinations.
First Time on the Trophy Stage
While Lilli is a member of the Swedish pony national team’s A-squad and has extensive international experience, this marks her debut in the FEI Jumping Ponies Trophy Final. “It’s a little nerve-wracking. This is something completely different,” she admits.
A Bond Beyond Competition
Lilli has partnered with Joey for nearly two years. The 13-year-old pony, of unknown breeding and originally from Ireland, presented initial challenges. “The first few months were tough. He was very energetic, and I wasn’t as experienced then, so I didn’t quite know how to approach things.”
Lilli describes a period of experimentation and patience. “I started by removing the martingale, doing a lot of trail riding, and taking things very slowly. I tried everything I could think of. But once he felt I was calm, he started to settle.”
Their relationship has blossomed into a deep friendship. “He’s my best friend. I’ve loved him since I got him. He’s so kind, sweet, and sociable – almost like a school pony at home in the stable. He’ll stand and doze while you’re grooming him. He’s just wonderful.”
Preparing for Mechelen
Preparation for the final has focused on building confidence at a faster pace, an area Lilli identified for improvement after her ride in Lyon. “I went to the jump-off there but felt a bit unprepared. Things move very quickly at these competitions, and I was a little hesitant.”
Working with her trainer, Daniel Svensson, Lilli has been practicing riding with more speed while maintaining her usual style. “We’ve been working on me feeling comfortable riding a little faster, but still doing what I normally do. It’s a lot about adapting to your horse, and I think I’m pretty good at that.”
Team Support in Belgium
Lilli will be supported in Belgium by her family and team. “As it looks now, I’ll be traveling with my mom, maybe my dad, my twin brother, my groom, and Daniel. We’ll be carpooling to Mechelen with Viggo.”
The competition in Mechelen will be fierce, with Europe’s top pony riders vying for the title. “I’m trying not to think about it too much. My focus is to ride as I usually do and give Joey the best possible conditions.”
The competition in Mechelen runs from December 26-30. Alongside the pony classes, the event also hosts a leg of the Western European League World Cup, featuring Swedish riders Marcus Westergren and Petronella Andersson.
Event Website
Start Lists and Results
Live Coverage on SVT Sport
Live Streaming on FEI-tv/ClipMyHorse
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FAQ: FEI Jumping Ponies Trophy Final
What is the FEI Jumping Ponies Trophy Final?
It’s an annual competition that brings together the 20 best pony riders in Europe, often referred to as the “pony World Cup Final.”
How do riders qualify?
Riders qualify through performances in designated qualifying events throughout the year, with each country selecting two representatives.
What is the age limit for ponies competing?
Ponies competing must be 148cm or smaller.
What is the format of the competition?
The competition consists of several rounds of jumping, with the field narrowing down to 15 combinations for the final jump-off.
Pro Tip: Pony riders often develop exceptional skills in horsemanship and adaptability, which translate well to larger horses later in their careers.
Did you know? The FEI Jumping Ponies Trophy Final has launched the careers of many successful senior riders!
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your predictions for the competition in the comments below, or explore more articles on Ridsport’s equestrian news section.
