For Ingrid Bjørklund, horses were never just a hobby. Growing up in Norway, surrounded by stables and ponies thanks to her mother’s passion for horses, riding became part of her everyday life almost naturally.
What started at home in Norway has now developed into an international career in showjumping, with the young rider building her future in Belgium under the guidance of trainer Yves Houtackers.
“I always had horses around me,” Ingrid explains. “My mom had horses, so riding just became part of who I am.”
After spending years training in northern Norway, she moved south with her trainer before eventually deciding to take a much bigger step: relocating to Belgium in December 2024. Inspired by Norwegian senior national riders who trained with Yves Houtackers, Ingrid knew she wanted to learn in that same environment.
“I was really inspired by them and dreamed about training here,” she says. “So I contacted Yves, and I’m super happy I made the move.”
Despite her young age, Ingrid is already competing internationally and fully embracing the demanding lifestyle that comes with it. For her, however, the hard work is outweighed by the joy she finds in the sport.
“I’m having so much fun with this life,” she says with a smile. “I really enjoy it.”
Learning through experience
One of the defining moments in Ingrid’s career came during the 2022 European Championships, where she entered the final in fourth position before eventually finishing twelfth overall. “That championship really stayed with me,” she reflects. “It was an important moment in my career.”
But success has not come without setbacks. Last year, Ingrid underwent eye surgery and was sidelined for three months. Returning to competition required patience - something she admits does not always come naturally to her.
“When I came back, I wanted to go straight back into everything immediately,” she says. “But I realised I needed to build everything up again step by step. Looking back now, taking that time made me much stronger.”
That lesson in patience has become an important part of her development, both as a rider and as a person.
A passion for developing young horses
Although Ingrid enjoys competing at the highest level possible, her true passion lies in developing young horses.
“I love seeing them improve and take the next step,” she explains. “I really enjoy buying horses young and following their development.”
That passion is reflected in her daily routine. Her days begin around 7 a.m. with stable duties before hours of riding, training, grooming and caring for the horses. “I don’t want to be someone who only gets on to ride while others do everything else,” she says. “I genuinely love spending time with the horses - grooming them, cuddling them, being around them.”
For Ingrid, horsemanship goes far beyond competition.
“If I couldn’t ride anymore, I would honestly still love to work as a groom,” she says. “I just love being around horses.”
The story behind Cornet’s Idol
One horse currently playing a special role in Ingrid’s career is the talented young gelding Cornet’s Idol. Interestingly, purchasing him was never part of the original plan.
“It was completely random,” Ingrid laughs.
She first saw the horse at an auction connected to friends in the sport. At the time, she had no intention of buying another horse, but one detail immediately caught her attention: his pedigree.
“He had the same Cornet Obolensky x Darco cross as my previous top horse,” she explains. “I saw that and thought, ‘Okay… maybe this could be interesting.’”
What followed happened quickly. Within about an hour, Ingrid had made the decision to buy him. “It was really spontaneous,” she says. “I wasn’t even looking for a horse.”
At the time, Cornet’s Idol was only four years old and still quite undeveloped physically. “When he first arrived, he looked a bit like a pony - small and heavy,” Ingrid jokes. “But from the beginning, he was incredibly willing to learn.”
Now five years old, the gelding has developed far beyond expectations. “He’s probably one of the easiest young horses I’ve ever ridden,” she says. “He’s so positive and always wants to do the right thing.”
While many riders place huge emphasis on pedigree, Ingrid prefers to focus on the horse itself before looking at bloodlines.
“I always look at the horse first,” she explains. “The pedigree comes second.” Still, she recognises similarities between Cornet’s Idol and other Cornet Obolensky offspring she has ridden; particularly in their canter and athleticism.
“In modern sport, horses need to be extremely adjustable,” she says. “You need to lengthen and shorten the canter very quickly because the lines come so fast now. He’s naturally very athletic and very intelligent in the ring.”
Yet for Ingrid, the horse’s greatest quality lies elsewhere.
“His mindset,” she says without hesitation. “You can have a horse with all the scope in the world, but if they don’t want to do the job, it becomes difficult. He really wants to do well.” When asked to describe Cornet’s Idol in one word, her answer comes instantly: “Positive.”
Ambition beyond medals
Like many young riders, Ingrid dreams of championships and top-level success. But her ambitions go beyond simply chasing medals. “Of course the Olympics are a dream,” she admits. “But I mostly want to become the best version of myself and be known for developing horses well.”
She also enjoys training younger riders and already works with one student regularly. “Teaching helps me understand riding better myself,” she says.
More than anything, Ingrid hopes people will one day recognise her for good horsemanship.
“My biggest fear would be that someone thinks I’m not treating my horses well,” she says seriously. “The most important thing for me is that my horses are happy and have a good life.”
The reality behind the glamour
From the outside, international showjumping can appear glamorous: white breeches, grand arenas and international travel. But Ingrid is quick to point out the less visible side of the sport.
“People often don’t see the hours behind it,” she explains. “Cleaning stables, organising everything, riding all day - there’s so much work.” At the top level, she believes success cannot simply be bought.
“The sport has become so technical and competitive now,” she says. “You really have to ride well and work hard.”
Living and training in Belgium has only reinforced that mindset. Surrounded by ambitious riders and horse professionals, Ingrid feels she has grown enormously since making the move.
“I understand riding much better now,” she says. “And being around people who work hard every single day is really motivating.” Looking ahead, Ingrid remains focused on continuing to improve - together with her horses.
“The bond between rider and horse is the most beautiful thing,” she says. “That’s what this sport is really about.”
