For the first time ever, Eirin Bruheim of Nordic Lights Farm had the opportunity to compete internationally during Jumping Chantilly in Chantilly, France, held April 15-17, 2011. Bruheim traveled to France at the beginning of April to train with Edouard Couperie of Barbizon, France. This past weekend, Bruheim represented Norway and received top ribbons at the international event.

Bruheim kicked-off the week by scoring a fifth place ribbon in the Prix Lorre Production CSI* aboard NLF Transatlantic. On Saturday, she competed with Qarco V’T Merelsnest in the Prix Citadines CSI*. The duo placed seventh with a double clear effort against over 50 other horse and rider combinations.

On the final day of competition, Bruheim had another good result with Qarco V’T Merelsnest to place sixth in the Prix Durfort Vivens CSI*. Finally, Bruheim showed her top mount Cicero 75 to the fifth place award in the Prix France Galop with an incredible round.

“This was a good week for my horses and for myself,” commented Bruheim. “All of the horses were feeling fit and full of energy. Transatlantic jumped fantastic and really seems to be enjoying the change from the states. Qarco was really feeling good this week; he was so full of energy and was really jumping nicely. Finally, Cicero 75 was amazing in the Grand Prix with 69 people. We went tenth in the order and were the first clear round of the first round. In the jump-off, a four fault score left us in fifth place. He was a little unhappy about the move, leaving his friends from the barn, but seems to be settling in quite nicely now.”

Bruheim is now preparing her three mounts for their second international competition in France. Younger sister Lene Bruheim is also preparing for a big change as she readies her horse for the move to North Run Farm to train with Missy Clark and John Brennan. Throughout the year, Lene and her horses will have the opportunity to travel to different events with North Run and compete in the hunter and jumper divisions. “I’m so excited to go ride with Missy Clark,” said Lene. “It will be a change of pace and scenery for both my horses and myself. I’m greatly looking forward this new challenge.”

Nordic Lights Farm is a 70-acre establishment located in Tomball, TX, and was founded in 2007 by the Bruheim family to help further the equestrian goals of 18-year-old Erin Bruheim and 16-year-old Lene Bruheim. Both girls have worked their way up through the ranks and are currently competing at the top levels in the hunter and jumper divisions aboard their incredible string of horses.

Eirin Bruheim and Cicero 75

Photo Credit: Eirin Bruheim and Cicero 75 placed fifth in the Prix France Galop at Jumping Chantilly. Photo By: Kenneth Kraus/PhelpsSports.com. Photograph may be used only in relation to this PMG press release.