”We’re a team and Amelia sets the pace.”

– Anett Lilliehöök

Anett Lilliehöök was a successful dressage rider for many years. She had her base with Kyra Kyrklund and Richard White in England, competed up to international Grand Prix level and represented the Norwegian national team for several years. In 2007, Anett decided to end her elite career. However, she did make a comeback to equestrian sports, albeit in a slightly different role than before. Today, she is the main trainer for her daughter Amelia, who trains and competes successfully with her dressage ponies.

Amelia was only five years old when she started to take lessons at the riding school. She was hooked immediately and Anett tells us that it didn't take long before Amelia started nagging about a horse of her own. But before they bought one, Anett wanted to make sure that Amelia had a genuine interest in doing stable chores and horses in general – and that it wasn’t a temporary interest. As a first step, they borrowed a pony from the riding school to see if she would really stick with it. But it didn't take long before it became clear that Amelia's interest in horses, riding and everything in between was real.

"Sometimes I need to be just a coach, others times just a mom.”

– Anett Lilliehöök

Today, Amelia has two ponies that she trains and competes with. Anett is her main trainer, but Amelia also rides with other trainers when the opportunity arises. The long-term ambition is to find an additional trainer whom she can train regularly with. Although there are many advantages to being both a mother and a coach, Anett sometimes finds it challenging to separate the roles – "Sometimes I need to be just a coach, other times just a mother".

According to Anett, the biggest advantage of being a mother and coach is that they know each other so well. Their close relationship means that Anett can read Amelia like an open book and can quickly tell how she’s feeling. Because they spend a lot of time together, they also have several opportunities (at home, in the car, etc.) to discuss training, development, goals, horse know-how, and the ponies and her being "happy athletes". Even though horses and riding take up most of their time together, Amelia takes two whole days off each week without anything horse-related.

– If Amelia herself got to decide, she would love to be in the stable every day. But as parents, we have to be responsible and need to set limits. Amelia's daily form is also something we always take into consideration. If she had a tough day at school or maybe is a little tired, then we hack out instead of training on the riding track.

Sports often involve discussions about how kids can start feeling stressed and uneasy at a young age due to the pressure of their chosen activities. Therefore, it has always been a high priority for Anett to find a balance where the riding can be both professional and serious, while also leaving plenty of room to just have fun.

– It is very important to me that Amelia gets to decide if she wants to continue riding and at what level. She shouldn't have to feel like she has to keep doing this because I think it's fun. Amelia is very mature for her age and has a strong idea of her goals, that’s something we talk about quite a lot.

"It's essential that Amelia enjoys what we do."

– Anett Lilliehöök

– She decides which shows she wants to go to and which training sessions she wants to participate in. She also sets her own goals. It is extremely important that everything we do is driven by joy and genuine love for the horses. We are a team and Amelia sets the pace.
 

Anett says that sharing their common interest in horses, and seeing Amelia's desire to constantly try to improve, has given her a lot.

– We have a lot of fun together! It is fantastic to see her passion for horses, riding and shows and at the same time to be part of her journey.

Spending just five minutes with Anett and Amelia is enough to understand what she means. Their dynamic is a mix of warmth, laughter, and mischief – just the way pony years should be if you ask us. 💌