Five Questions for Danish World Championship Rider Nadja Aaboe Sloth

In 2024, Nadja Aaboe Sloth was an alternate for the Olympics; in 2025, she competed in her first championship at the European Championships in Crozet and won bronze. In addition to her own competitive career, she teaches riding—just as she herself once began riding.

How did you get into horseback riding?

A friend took me to a riding school when I was a kid. That’s when I realized how much I enjoyed being around horses and the people who are part of that world. I got my first pony when I was nine. I actually started out with jumping—though not very high. When I got a bigger pony, I started doing dressage.

How did you meet Favour Gersdorf?

I discovered him when he was two years old—I thought he was so beautiful! And sassy. He was a stallion, he was two, and he was wild—really, really wild. (laughs) And I was pregnant, and I said, “That one—I want him!” I couldn’t even walk him because he was so wild. But I absolutely had to have him. I never would have thought, though, that one day I’d be riding him in competitions like this one. Back then, I was riding at the M level. We worked our way up together. Six years ago, I rode my first M/A test (Equivalent to S* in Germany, Editor’s note.) in Denmark; I rode my first Grand Prix five years ago.

Who helped you with your training?

Today I train with Daniel Bachmann Andersen, and I’ve been training with Rune Willum for two and a half years. Before Rune Willum, I worked with Leif Soerensen. He taught me everything—he’s a great coach!

Please tell us, what’s Favour like?

He really is my best friend these days. He always gives it his all. At tournaments, he’s just like he is at home—he’s sweet, though sometimes a little cheeky and a little stallion-like. (laughs)

Do you have a horse that’s related to Favour?

Yes, I have another sister to Favour—a full sister—in whom I have high hopes. She’s eight years old. In Denmark, horses aren’t allowed to compete in Grand Prix until they’re nine. But her first Intermédiaire II competition is coming up soon.

Editor’s note: We’re talking about Bonita Gersdorf. Remember that name.