Jan Pedersen, 71 was elected chairman of Danish Warmblood in 1994 in the first contested election in the association’s history. He succeeded Torben Bagge Hansen and has since been re-elected at every election. He was also re-elected in 2024 without opposition, but during his acceptance speech he announced that this would be his final term as chairman of the association. At the same time, he encouraged timely diligence in the search for a suitable successor.

Visibility and International Recognition

Under Jan Pedersen’s leadership, Danish Warmblood has developed into an association that, among other achievements, has gained significant international recognition through his role as president of the WBFSH since 1999.

Danish Warmblood breeding has also developed considerably during his tenure through strong and focused selection – and not least thanks to knowledgeable and skilled breeders as well as visionary and financially strong stallion owners.

Danish Warmblood’s patron, H.R.H. Princess Benedikte, who is also patron of the WBFSH, was unable to attend the representatives’ meeting but sent a video greeting to the outgoing chairman. She began by saying:

“Dear Jan Pedersen, your chairmanship has been unique for more than three decades. Few have influenced development with such wisdom and sound judgment. You demonstrate an extraordinary level of dedication and possess the highest level of professional expertise,” the Princess said, among other things.

She concluded with the words:

“You have always been very modest, but there is no doubt that you leave a very significant mark behind.”

Jan Pedersen says of his departure:

“For me, this marks the end of an era. An era that has filled an enormous part of my life and has, to a great extent, helped define who I have become through my work as chairman of Danish Warmblood. Danish Warmblood has meant – and continues to mean – a great deal to me. This role has given me countless wonderful experiences both at home and abroad, and I have met many fantastic people. For that I am deeply grateful. Above all, I am proud of the support and trust the members have shown me over so many years.”

A New Pedersen Takes the Chair

Mogens Pedersen, 60, has been elected the new chairman of Danish Warmblood. Together with his wife Eva Götzsche, he lives at Gl. Allerødgaard in Zealand, where the couple runs the successful Straight Horse stud farm. Since its establishment in 2008, nearly 80 foals have been born at the stud.

Mogens Pedersen kickstarted his breeding program with a purchase from Helgstrand Dressage in 2009, acquiring two broodmares: the bronze medal mare Romanik by Blue Hors Romanov/Blue Hors Don Schufro (bred by Marianne Helgstrand), and the 2006 Mare of the Year, the gold medal mare Bøgegårdens Don Romina by Blue Hors Don Schufro/Lionell (bred by Theodor Schmidt).

The two mares have since proven to produce outstanding riding and breeding horses. Among other achievements, they are the dams of the breeding stallions Glock’s Zonik and Sezuan, as well as foundation mares for several medal mares and approved sons, including Blue Hors Santiano by Sezuan and the 2025 World Young Horse Championships bronze medalist Straight Horse Leonardo by Lord Europe.

Regarding his upcoming chairmanship, Mogens Pedersen says:

“It must be attractive to be both a breeder and a member of Danish Warmblood. That is the core of all my focus areas. It requires us to create greater member value, more openness, and a strong focus on members’ needs. We must manage our history with respect, develop with courage, and do it together – with decency and responsibility.”

“I am incredibly proud of the success achieved by our breeders and of the fact that Danish Warmblood today ranks among the most internationally recognized breeding associations. At the same time, I am impressed by the strong support and sense of community that make it possible to organize major events such as the stallion licensing in Herning.”

Every year, the Danish Warmblood Stallion Show – featuring stallion licensing, international dressage and show jumping, a gala show, and the Hest & Rytter exhibition – attracts more than 60,000 visitors from Denmark and abroad. Behind the event lies an enormous effort from the secretariat staff, key volunteers, and around 350 volunteer helpers.

“I look forward to taking on the chairmanship and contributing to Danish Warmblood’s continued positive development.”