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In our series ‘That Special Bond’ – first introduced in 2016 – World of Showjumping highlights what equestrian sport is truly about; a unique connection between horses and humans. This time around, we speak with Madelene Nord, who works as a show groom for Sweden’s Peder Fredricson.

Madelene, or Madde among friends, has worked for Peder for the past 4,5 years. “I worked for Marco Kutscher for almost six years, and I really enjoyed it there. However, when the Covid-pandemic broke out we didn’t know how long it would last so I felt it was time to move back to Sweden. Then I heard that Malin Henlöv, Peder’s long-time groom, was about to stop so I thought why not. Due to Covid-19, I couldn’t go to Grevlunda for a trial period, or even to meet anyone, before I started so after speaking with Lisen and Malin on the phone we decided to try and hope for the best,” Madde explains. 

“Malin was a really big help in the beginning,” Madde says. “She gave me a lot of background info about the horses, what they prefer, routines that work, how they travel best and things like that. I could also call her if I had any questions. This made the transition way easier for the horses, Peder and me.”

“That is ‘Charlie’ – Catch Me Not S (Cardento x Ramiro’s Son) – and also Hansson WL (Hip Hop x Iowa),” Madde says about the horses closest to her heart.

“Charlie is a really sweet horse that always does his best and who always wants to please,” Madde tells about the gelding that competed at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and that took an individual bronze medal at the 2021 European Championships in Riesenbeck. “At home, he is very calm and relaxed. He is 19 now and behaves like his age when he is at home. At shows on the other hand, Charlie is on fire. He loves being at shows and turns into a different horse. Still always very sweet, but so full of energy,” Madde says with a smile.  

“Charlie has a lot of things that he likes and dislikes and he will definitely tell you when he doesn’t like something – he is very clear about that. His dislikes can also change from day to day and right now he has a thing about me preparing his mane at shows,” Madde explains. “Charlie is not the most social horse, and he is not the one to seek attention. However, when you know him, you can see when he wants a bit of attention and when not. He likes attention on his own terms.”

“Hansson WL is also a big personality,” Madde says when we ask about the now 17-year-old gelding that has had plenty of podium finishes at 5* shows. “He is a bit easier than Charlie though. Hansson likes attention and is also very sweet and very easy to bring to shows. He doesn’t care about a thing; he is just happy when he can come along.” 

“I would say Catch Me Not S,” Madde says after thinking a little. “He is quite introvert, and he is sensitive, so it took a bit of time to get to know him and to figure out which routines that work the best for him, what to do in different situations and what makes him the most relaxed when at shows. Since he gets so pumped up and full of energy when at shows, my work is mostly focused on getting him to relax.” 

“I really miss having H&M Christian K (Namelus R x LBH Calvados) with me at shows,” Madde tells. “Christian is retired now and is out on the field together with H&M All In (Kashmir van Schuttershof x Andiamo Z) – Allan – and they are both really enjoying their retirement.” 

“Christian is a star, and he acts like one. He loves attention and loves to be in the middle of everything. As soon as he sees a camera he is ready and posing,” Madde says with a smile. “Christian is so clever, and he knows exactly what is happening at all times.”

“Christian is the kind of horse that everyone loves – he loves everyone, and everyone loves him. And he is always happy, I have never seen him in a bad mood,” Madde finishes off.

26.2.2025 No reproduction of any of the content in this article will be accepted without a written permission, all rights reserved © World of Showjumping.com. If copyright violations occur, a penalty fee will apply.