Latest from Horse & Hound in Sweden

‘It will be an exciting journey’: former Irish team rider among Swedish shortlist for World Championships

Becky Murray — Sun, 03 May 2026 14:33:31 +0000

Former Irish team rider Thomas Ryan is among those named on the shortlisted for the Swedish showjumping squad at this summer’s FEI World Championships in Aachen (11-23 August).

In January H&H reported that Thomas had switched nationality, having been based in Sweden since 2019 with his wife Erica Swartz-Ryan. Thomas last rode on an Irish team in June 2024 at a Nations Cup, and under FEI rules he can ride for Sweden in team competitions from June.

At this stage, Swedish national team captain Henrik Ankacrona has named seven riders and 12 horses for Aachen – including reigning world champion Henrik von Eckermann and British-based Angelie von Essen, but he said that the “door is not closed to anyone”.

“It will be about results, form, experience and performing in that arena. Both in terms of riders and horses,” said Mr Ankacrona.

The Swedish showjumping team shortlist for the World Championships, by alphabetical order of surname:

Petronella Andersson with 11-year-old Opaline De W&S

Owner: Stephex Stables

Breeder: Marc Wens Stud

Groom: Bernadett Radnai

Henrik von Eckermann with nine-year-old Steely Dan

Owner: Cyor Stables BV

Breeder: Gerd and Gert Wauters and Van Hoydonck

Groom: Louise Barraud

Henrik von Eckermann with 10-year-old Qasirah Van De Reistenhoek

Owner: Cyor Stables BV

Breeder: Y Ramont

Groom: Louise Barraud

Henrik von Eckermann with 12-year-old Minute Man

Owner: Team Minute Man LLC

Breeder: Dany and Kim Van Lombergen

Groom: Louise Barraud

Peder Fredricson with 15-year-old Alcapone Des Carmille

Owner: Alcapone Group

Breeder: Carole Levallois

Groom: Julia Ring

Peder Fredricson with 12-year-old SV Vroom De la Pomme Z

Owner: SWE SMS AB

Breeder: Geert Baertsoen

Groom: Julia Ring

Angelie von Essen with 11-year-old Voila DK Z

Owner: BXB Competition

Breeder: Stal de Krochten

Groom: Jasmine Price

Wilma Hellström with 15-year-old Cicci BJN

Owner: rider

Breeder: JM Sohlman HB

Groom: Madelen Isaksson

Wilma Hellström with 11-year-old Eleven

Owner: Eyedidit AB

Breeder: Coudelaria Sobreiro Velho

Groom: Madelen Isaksson

Amanda Landeblad with 15-year-old For Killy

Owner: Jacobsbergs Stuteri AB

Breeder: D Dunne

Groom: Josefine Carlsson

Amanda Landeblad with 13-year-old Springfield 21

Owner: Jacobsbergs Stuteri AB

Breeder: U Hannoever

Groom: Josefine Carlsson

Thomas Ryan with 11-year-old Jezebeau BC

Owner: H3K Equestrian

Breeder: Tonia De Paepe

Groom: Brianna Donlon

All the riders have championship experience. Thomas rode for Ireland at the 2009 European Championships and Henrik and Peder were part of the gold medal-winning teams at the Tokyo Olympics and 2022 World Championships. Wilma won team gold at the 2023 Europeans and she was on the squad with Amanda, Petronella and Angelie at last year’s Europeans.

“These are riders with very strong teams,” said Mr Ankacrona. “We have a tradition of fantastic horse owners in Sweden who are very passionate about the sport and championships. They are really on the journey and are also a crucial part of it, just like the grooms.

“It will be an exciting journey all the way to the championship. We will work intensively to ensure that everyone gets the best possible plan. It is a World Championship at one of equestrian sports’ most iconic locations and it is also an Olympic qualifier. A very important championship.”

Mr Ankacrona confirmed that Sweden will send five riders to Aachen; four will form the team and one will be a reserve. Sweden will not have an individual rider.

“Now the form will be sharpened and it’s all about finding the five combinations that we believe will have their peak during the World Championships,” he said.

“You have to perform to be selected, but ultimately you have to be at your best in Aachen in August. That’s the balance that always exists when it comes to championships.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘I have to stay on the ground for a few weeks’: Olympic showjumper sidelined

Becky Murray — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:09:04 +0000

Swedish Olympic showjumper Peder Fredricson has been sidelined with a fractured sternum.

Peder, who turned 54 on the 30 January, announced that he expects to be out of action for the next couple of weeks.

“Unfortunately I have to stay on the ground for a few weeks due to a fracture in my sternum, most likely related to a previous injury,” he said, today (10 February).

The five-time Olympian and 2017 European champion said a “big thanks” to his home team Grevlunda Showjumping and rider Nicole Holmen for “keeping the horses going in the best possible way until I’m back in the saddle”.

A spokesperson for H&M We Love Horses, whom Peder has long-standing connection with, confirmed that “sadly there will be no Gothenburg Horse Show” for Peder. The Swedish CSI5* – which includes a World Cup qualifier – takes place 18-22 February. Peder’s brother Jens, Malin Baryard-Johnsson, and Thomas Ryan, who recently switched from riding for Ireland to Sweden, will all be in action for the home-side – alongside the likes of Germany’s Daniel Deusser, Frenchman v, and the Harrie Smolders for the Netherlands.

“Let’s all wish Peder a speedy recovery,” said the H&M spokesperson.

Peder Fredricson: 2025 season

Peder’s last international competition was CHI Geneva in December, where he was 10th in the Rolex grand prix with 16-year-old Alcapone Des Carmille. The pair enjoyed an exciting 2025, with a string of five-star placings and wins, including helping the Rome Gladiators to victory in the Global Champions League Super Cup Final in Prague, the Czech Republic, in November.

Peder last spent a stint on the sidelines in 2023 when he was hospitalised following a fall in a warm-up, resulting in six weeks out of the saddle with damaged blood vessels in his neck.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘This felt right’: five-star Irish showjumper switches to ride for Sweden

Becky Murray — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 13:03:49 +0000

Irish showjumper Thomas Ryan has switched nationality to represent Sweden, with hopes of championships in the future.

The 40-year-old has been based in Sweden since 2019 and runs his business Ascend Showjumping with his wife Erica Swartz-Ryan.

“This is the best thing I could do. It’s something I’ve had in mind for several years. Now I can become even more involved in Swedish showjumping,” said Thomas.

“When I got my Swedish passport, this felt right, even though it was a big decision. I live and work in Sweden and have not lived in Ireland for over 20 years. My horse owners and the collaboration with them is of course incredibly important and I am happy that I can make life a little easier for them now.”

Thomas competes at the top level with his string of horses, including Jezebeau BC, Million’s Grey and Connoisseur PWR, whom he rode at the Mechelen CSI5*-W in Belgium last month. He last represented Ireland at a Nations Cup in June 2024, and under FEI rules he can ride for Sweden in team competitions from June 2026.

“It will be very exciting to follow him and the horses. As a rider, he has all the qualities for championships,” said Sweden’s team captain Henrik Ankarcrona.

“Sweden needs more riders who can climb the rankings and everyone who performs is welcome in a Swedish team. We have had a dialogue about this for a long time and it feels really good that it is in place now.

“He is a rider that we know well and he has been well established in Sweden for quite some time. He is a strong rider who has shown for a long time that he can perform. I am also very happy that there are stable Swedish horse owners where the cooperation works very well.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Meet the 65-year-old grandmother of four who’s just won her first gold medal

Becky Murray — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 11:41:58 +0000

After a self-confessed long time in the making, Sweden’s Louise Etzner Jakobsson landed her first gold medal, in the individual grade IV at the European Para Dressage Championships, on Thursday 4 September.

Louise and 14-year-old gelding Goldstrike BJ scored 72.92% to take the top spot in the grand prix A test, at the 65-year-old grandmother-of-four’s 10th championships.

“It took a while!” said Louise, with a twinkle in her eye. “His name is Goldstrike, so it was about time to take the gold medal.”

But Louise is no stranger to success, she won two bronzes at Rio in 2016 with former ride Zernard, and she and Goldstrike won an individual silver at Tokyo. They were out of the medals last summer in Paris, but they have been putting the work in, honing their craft – and it paid off in Ermelo.

“The canter has always been very good. I’ve been working with the trot for a couple of years now, and that was the happiest thing about my test,” said Louise after her medal-winning ride.

“I looked back at the test and the trot looked so nice. He was doing so well, the hard part was that he was very excited. It’s a difficult atmosphere for him, he can be afraid of cameras and different things, but now that we know each other so much more I feel that he trusts me. I can pat him and say ‘It’s ok’.”

Louise got Goldstrike shortly before Tokyo, with the Paralympics in mind.

“A friend had a contact in the Netherlands, and found him. We went and tried him during the pandemic,” said Louise.

“I thought this could be something, but I’ve had a lot of work to do. I taught him piaffe and passage and that’s helped improve his trot. He’s become much stronger and the trot has much more cadence. He’s very educated and he’s very proud when he does his canter work.”

Louise said Goldstrike has a “friendly character”.

“He loves when you scratch him, and he wants to scratch me back,” she said.

“He always wants to do his best, and it’s become easier as he trusts me more. It’s just about imagining that we are riding at home when we are in a competition.”

Louise added that her first gold medal hasn’t sunk in yet.

“It’s very special because I have a lot of help from my family,” she said.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

(Image credit: Kevin Sparrow)

‘No words can describe this’: rider lands first gold medal with second-string mare at European Para Dressage Championships

(Image credit: Kevin Sparrow)

‘Stunned, shell-shocked, and super-pleased’: Nicola Naylor bags a third medal for Britain

(Image credit: Kevin Sparrow)

‘I feel pressure after Paris’: grade III gold for home rider and ‘very special horse’ at European Para Dressage Championships

(Image credit: Kevin Sparrow)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Nosebands made optional and breaks for young horses in welfare-led rule changes

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 17:09:06 +0000

Nosebands will be optional at all levels of Swedish dressage from January, and rising trot will be allowed in some classes, as part of work to benefit horse welfare.

The Swedish equestrian federation is also mandating a minimum two-week break between competitions in all disciplines for four-year-old horses and ponies.

“Freedom of choice is in focus when horse welfare is strengthened in Swedish competition regulations,” a spokesperson for the federation said, adding that the decision to make nosebands optional is a direct result of proposals submitted to the federation last July.

“The option to opt out of the noseband means riders can adapt their equipment based on the horse’s individual needs, instead of it having to be adapted according to tradition,” said Andrea Barth, the federation’s sport manager.

The new competition rules (TR) for dressage will apply from 1 January 2025 and include “several changes that together contribute to stronger horse welfare”.

“During the proposal round in 2023, when everyone can submit proposals for rule changes, 10% of all proposals in dressage were about freedom of choice with a noseband,” a spokesperson for the federation said. “The dressage committee chose to proceed with the rule change as part of the federation’s work for increased horse welfare.”

Rising trot is now allowed in dressage classes up to novice B3 level, roughly equivalent to novice in Britain, as “another change that promotes horse welfare through freedom of choice”.

“This is the result of submitted proposals that came back in 2021 before TR 2023, when a pilot project with specific [rising trot] classes was also introduced to test the concept,” the spokesperson said. “After positive results, the change can now be introduced widely.”

Ms Barth added: “We work continuously for increased horse welfare through adaptations of both competition regulations and our operations. We always want to ensure that we have a broad basis for the changes we drive so that they produce the desired effect. The suggestions that come in during the work to update and develop TR are incredibly valuable to us.”

A change that applies in all disciplines affects four-year-old horses and ponies, who must have a minimum break of 14 days between one competition and the next.

“The Swedish federation’s competition regulations (and code of conduct) exist to ensure horse welfare during competition and to make competitions as fair as possible for both horses and people,” the spokesperson said.

“TR sets standards for all forms of riding, training and handling of horses, which means it is one of the most important tools to ensure good horse welfare in all parts of equestrian sport.”

The rules are revised every two years, always starting with a proposal round during which anyone can submit suggestions.

“The TR process is created to combine democratic influence with a simultaneous assurance that the rules are optimally designed,” the spokesperson said.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Reigning champions reveal ‘incredibly charged’ team for Paris Olympics

Becky Murray — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 14:43:47 +0000

All three of the riders – and two of the horses – who won gold in 2021 are named in the Swedish Olympic showjumping team as the country prepares to defend its title in Paris.

Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward, also the individual world champions, and Malin Baryard Johnsson and Indiana both jumped off for gold in Tokyo, and have been selected again. The final 2021 team member and individual silver medallist Peder Fredricson has retired the great All In but is in the squad with Catch Me Not S. The fourth combination is Rolf-Göran Bengtsson with Zuccero, who were on the team that won European gold last year.

The Swedish Olympic showjumping team go to Paris as hot favourites, as Olympic, European, and world champions. Sweden has won 11 Olympic showjumping medals including team gold in Tokyo.

Rolf-Göran is the oldest team member, aged 62, and made his senior team debut at the 1995 Europeans in St Gallen. He has contested 19 senior championships and Paris will be his sixth Olympics. The Games will be Malin’s sixth, Peder’s fifth and Henrik’s fourth. The final team of three will be decided at a later date.

Swedish Olympic showjumping team

Rolf-Göran Bengtsson with 12-year-old stallion Zuccero Hv

Owners: Holsteiner Verband and rider

Breeder: Hanno Koehncke

Breeding: by VDL Zirocco Blue out of a mare by Caretino 2

Henrik von Eckermann with 14-year-old gelding King Edward

Owners: Dufour Stables and rider

Breeder: Wim Impens

Breeding: by Edward 28 out of a mare by Feo

Peder Fredricson with 18-year-old gelding Catch Me Not S

Owner: Ebbar Berglöf

Breeder: Krister Svedberg

Breeding: by Cardento 933 out of a mare by Ramiro’s Son

Malin Baryard Johnsson with 16-year-old mare Indiana

Owner: Stuteri Arch

Breeder: Chloe Ruys and Christophe Van Turtelb

Breeding: by Kashmir Van Schuttershof out of a Animo’s Hallo mare

“We are incredibly charged,” said Swedish national team captain Henrik Ankacrona.

“It is a long process towards an Olympics and it is exciting now that we are approaching the championship. We go there to perform and we always aim high. But we know that everyone has to be at their best to make it all the way.”

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

British Olympic showjumping team is revealed: who has been selected for Paris 2024?

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘We’ll give it everything’: Ireland names Olympic showjumping team for Paris 2024

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

How to watch showjumping at the Paris Olympics live from around the world

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Subscribe today and enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus unlimited website access and digital versions of the magazine dating back to September 2012.

‘We’re running out of time’: gold medal-winning horse ruled out of Olympics

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 14:03:35 +0000

Two-time senior championship team gold medallists Jens Fredricson and Markan Cosmopolit have been ruled out of selection for the Swedish Olympic showjumping team.

The combination, who were on the victorious squad at the 2023 European and 2022 World Championships, will not be available to travel to the Paris Games this summer, where Sweden will be defending the Olympic title won in Tokyo, after the 13-year-old gelding suffered a minor injury.

Jens said the Swedish warmblood had been resting after he picked up the slight injury at CSI3* event in Mannheim, Germany, early this month.

“He’s back at work and mounted, but we’re running out of time and so we’ve decided to forgo this summer’s Olympics,” he said.

Jens and “Cosmo” finished fifth individually at last summer’s Europeans in Milan; the pair had not touched a pole all week until the individual final and Jens described Cosmo as his horse of a lifetime; “very athletic, very clever and a beautiful jumper”, with a “really lovely personality”.

Strömsholms Marketenteri and Interbreed AB’s Cohiba gelding was once owned by a “deluxe riding school”, where Swedish riding instructors are trained, but was a bit too sensitive for the job; Jens competed him as a young horse and saw his potential.

All nominated entries for the Olympic showjumping, and certificates of capability, must be submitted to the FEI by 25 June. A final team of three horse and rider combinations, plus one alternate, will make the journey to Paris.

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Ben Clark Photography)

Six of Britain’s best named for Paris Olympics jumping squad

(Image credit: Ben Clark Photography)

‘Iron Maiden or Five Finger Death Punch’: European Showjumping Championships leader reveals unusual pre-ring motivation

(Image credit: Ben Clark Photography)

Britain’s brilliant world showjumping bronze as super Swedes take the win

(Image credit: Ben Clark Photography)

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

‘It has been a true honour’: end of an era as top horse retires aged 17

Becky Murray — Thu, 23 May 2024 16:48:12 +0000

H&M Christian K, the international grand prix showjumper and ride of Sweden’s Peder Fredricson, has retired from the sport aged 17.

“A fantastic era has come to an end as it’s time for H&M Christian K to retire from showjumping,” said Peder.

The KWPN gelding, by Namelus R, first competed in young horse classes with Robin Ingarvarsson, before Daniel Svensson took over the reins in 2015 and produced him to CSI3* level.

Peder took on the ride at the beginning of 2017 when Christian was 10, and they jumped at their first five-star competition in Belgium that April. The pair went on to achieve a host of top-10 finishes around the world, at World Cup, Nations Cup, and Global Champions Tour competitions.

They were part of the winning team at the Rotterdam Nations Cup leg in June 2018, and three months later they were part of the silver medal-winning team at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon, USA. In 2019 Peder and Christian were part of the Shanghai Swans, who won the Global Champion League Super Cup final at the Prague Playoffs.

Christian’s last international outing with Peder was on home soil at the Gothenburg Horse Show in February this year.

“He will now join H&M All In and spend his retirement out in the fields at home in Grevlunda,” said Peder.

“He is truly an amazing horse, nothing was ever too big for him. It has been a true honour to ride him and I’m very grateful for the career we’ve had together.”

Studbook takes ‘ethical stance’ as registration of foals bred via certain reproductive techniques to be banned

Becky Murray — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 17:11:02 +0000

A European studbook has announced plans to ban the registration of foals born via certain modern breeding techniques, based on welfare grounds.

The Swedish Warmblood Association (SWB) announced that offspring produced by intra cytoplasmic injection (ICSI) and ovum pick-up (OPU) may not be registered with the association’s studbook from 1 March 2025.

OPU involves collection of oocytes from a mare’s ovarian follicles, carried out under sedation. ICSI is the lab-based process whereby a single sperm is injected into the matured oocyte, which is incubated to encourage an embryo to develop, then transferred into a recipient mare. OPU is carried out in countries around the world including the UK, but is prohibited in Sweden.

Per Jansson, chairman of the SWB board, told H&H the decision was the outcome of a “complete review and evaluation” of the studbook business – and that the association has reviewed its equine welfare regulatory framework annually since 2020.

“According to the Swedish animal welfare act, operative intervention without medical reason, for example OPU, is not allowed, which in practice means that Swedish mares need to travel to other countries where OPU is allowed,” he said, adding that foals born via embryo transfer can still register with the studbook as this procedure “requires no operative intervention and is not painful for the mares involved”.

Mr Jansson said SWB has no “technical” way to ensure breeders are complying with the rule, but the association will require written confirmation when a foal is registered.

“Horse welfare always weighs more heavily for SWA than purely commercial interests. We want to emphasise how important we consider the ethical stance is in the breeding industry and we would like to support the Swedish values and regulations regarding animal welfare,” he said.

World Breeding Federation (WBF) vice president Eva-Maria Broomer told H&H it is “not uncommon” for a studbook to set a precedent; for example some studbooks do not allow cloned horses.

“With these sorts of things it becomes difficult when one studbook makes a decision and others haven’t followed suit, because people will just do it anyway and register elsewhere,” she said.

Dr Broomer said ICSI “raises a range of questions and challenges”, and that the WBF is “monitoring the situation carefully” and gathering data.

“These techniques can be used as a force for good, for example in becoming an important tool in allowing us to preserve and strengthen important breeding lines, but they can also be misused and abused. To prevent this we need full traceability and transparency,” she said.

“This is also important for buyers who should know if they are purchasing an ICSI foal or horse. Issues that are not yet fully understood include if there are long-term impacts on equine health or any discernible health differences between ICSI foals and those who were produced the conventional way.”

Dr Broomer added that the importance of genetic diversity should also be considered.

“Here, again, ICSI can be a force for good by permitting us to use horses for breeding that would not have been able to produce offspring in the conventional way,” she said.

“On the other hand, it could become a limiting factor if it leads to the use of fewer mare-lines by allowing more foals to be produced from a smaller number of lines.”

Equine-assisted reproductive techniques (ART) have come under increasing discussion, and were the focus of a debate at the British Equine Veterinary Association congress in September where industry experts discussed “How far is too far?” (news, 24 October 2023).

It was agreed across the board that pain control during ART procedures needs to be a major focus – and that the breeding industry needs to focus on the lack of research around ART including whether pain is assessed well enough, and whether fertility clinics should be licensed.

Medal-winning rider denies allegations of horse abuse after being reported to police

Becky Murray — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 17:39:33 +0000

Swedish European medal-winning showjumper Douglas Lindelöw has denied allegations of mistreating horses, as he has been suspended from national team activities and international competition – and reported to the police.

On Monday (11 March) Swedish publication Aftonbladet reported that an elite showjumper “abuses and punishes horses after poor results”, and that five grooms had come forward with allegations of mistreatment.

In a further statement on Wednesday the spokesman said the federation had been in contact with “several people who testify to an action that could indicate a crime” – and that the rider in question had been reported to the police.

“In the last 24 hours, we have been in contact with a number of people who have experience with the rider. What they tell us means that we cannot rule out crime in the handling of horses and that means we choose to report it to the police. If a crime is suspected, it is always important to let the police investigate,” said Johan Fyrberg, the Swedish equestrian federation’s secretary general.

Mr Fyrberg added that as of Wednesday (13 March) the federation will not sanction international competition for the rider “for the time being”.

“Our sport must be characterised by joy and love for the horses. Therefore, there are many of us in equestrian Sweden who today are extremely sad, angry and frustrated by the stories and pictures we have been exposed to. There is nothing that belongs in equestrian sports,” he said.

Today (Friday 15 March) Douglas Lindelöw issued a statement denying the allegations.

“I wish to address the serious allegations that have been made against me and the operations I oversee, as reported in the media. I fully recognise the gravity of the situation but firmly refute the accusations of horse mismanagement. While I am certainly not infallible, I maintain that our care and training of horses are conducted with utmost respect and in compliance with established norms and regulations,” he said.

“In light of the recent allegations, we are of course prepared to fully cooperate with any potential investigations or inquiries – which we welcome. We are open to implementing further measures to ensure and enhance the welfare of our animals if necessary. This has been confirmed by inspections by authorities over the years. Just this week, I initiated an independent veterinary examination of all the horses. The result: No remarks.”

Douglas added that he “urges the Swedish equestrian federation to initiate a broader review of the industry in Sweden as concerns are occasionally raised about horses being pushed too hard and improper methods being used”.

“It is in everyone’s interest to thoroughly investigate these concerns,” he said.

Douglas made his senior team debut at the 2015 European Championships, having won medals at youth level. He was on the team that took silver at the 2017 Europeans on Zacramento. He has ridden at three World Cup finals. In 2021 he was part of the Swedish team that placed fourth at the Europeans.

Today the spokesman for the Swedish Equestrian Federation told H&H that “the fact that the rider says he wants to participate in any investigation is good and we welcome that”.

“For us however, it does not change anything. The ongoing process continues according to plan.”

An FEI spokesman said the allegations are “very disturbing” and that the alleged behaviour has “no place in equestrian sport”.

“The FEI is in close contact with the Swedish national federation and the federation has undertaken to the FEI that it will not enter the athlete in FEI competitions while the matter is under investigation,” he said.

“Further to that undertaking, the FEI has not deemed it necessary to issue a provisional suspension at this stage but we are monitoring the situation closely.”

‘A grave error to think this is just a dressage problem’: new forum agreed to help tackle welfare concerns

Becky Murray — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 20:33:33 +0000

An FEI dressage forum will be organised this year to tackle concerns in the sport – but the equestrian community has been warned that it would be a “grave error” to think welfare issues are “just a dressage problem”.

The Swedish Equestrian Federation’s horse welfare council and the Gothenburg Horse Show co-hosted a meeting at the show (21–25 February) on horse welfare and social licence, attended by representatives from Nordic and Polish federations, show organisers, equine researchers, the FEI and World Horse Welfare.

The Swedish federation’s secretary general Johan Fyrberg told H&H that “horse welfare must be addressed within the sport, but also outside it”.

“The pattern we have seen is horse abuse cases taking place in private business, at stables and in training. There are not very many cases, but there are some, and that is serious.

“The aim of the meeting was to be proactive and spread knowledge between countries, and look at how we can interact more as federations with what is going on in private training, and within the larger equestrian community.

“It’s important federations work together to tackle the challenges, and it’s not so much that we need new rules and regulations, we need to follow the rules that we have.”

An outcome of the meeting was a letter to the FEI signed jointly by the Nordic federations, the Swedish, Danish and Norwegian and Finnish, which have “joined forces to create change”

This letter called for the creation of an FEI dressage forum, where stakeholders “together can come up with initiatives for improvements” in the sport. The federations also want to address judging in competition, education and training of young horses, and the role of young horse championships.

“We need to consider why there are championships for young horses; is it to prepare the horses for a successful future or for commercial reasons? These are things we hope to discuss in the dressage forum,” said Mr Fyrberg.

An FEI spokesman said: “We have thanked the national federations for their constructive approach and for highlighting the importance of following the key themes outlined in the equine ethics and wellbeing commission (EEWBC) final report, notably, be a leader, be trusted, be transparent, be proactive and be accountable,” he said.

“All of these apply to the FEI and national federations alike and we are in complete agreement that it is our collective responsibility to ensure the welfare and integrity of our sport, both within and outside the arena.”

The spokesman added that “for this reason”, the EEWBC’s recommendations and proposed action plans will be discussed at the FEI Sports Forum on 29–30 April.

“It is likely that some actions may require rule changes, which would be submitted to the vote of the general assembly 2024,” he said.

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers spoke at the Gothenburg meeting and told H&H that one of the key messages is, “this is about actions and not words”. He also emphasised the importance of the equestrian community taking new developments in equine research and evidence on board.

“This is a long-term issue, and it’s never done with because public attitudes and our understanding of good welfare changes. Therefore, we always need to be progressing and developing,” he said.

“Often, a lot of these [horse welfare] issues are regional and there’s different contexts, but public acceptance is a collective responsibility and involves everyone.”

Mr Owers added that recent cases of horse abuse are “not only a concern for the dressage world, but a concern for the equestrian world”.

“Some people have a focus on particular disciplines, and previously we heard a lot about endurance and other disciplines. It would be a grave error to think this is just a dressage problem, because it most certainly isn’t,” he said.

‘Horses are this sport’s most valuable asset – put their welfare first’: top coach’s advice to young riders

Jennifer Donald — Sat, 20 Jan 2024 18:30:41 +0000

Swedish showjumping chef d’equipe Henrik Ankarcrona is one of the most respected coaches on the circuit, leading the nation’s riders to a host of accolades in recent years, including a hat-trick of gold medals which means they currently reign as Olympic, European and World Champions.

The squad heads into the year of the Paris Olympics as one of the favourites to secure what would be the country’s fifth Olympic gold medal. They continue to be respected for their dedication to the sport, ability to perform under pressure, superb horsemanship and unparalleled sportsmanship.

In this busy landmark year, the Swedish squad has also earned a coveted spot as one of the top 10 teams competing in the inaugural Longines League of Nations, which kicks off in Abu Dhabi next month. Sweden’s ultimate goal is, “As always, to win as much as possible with the best horse-rider combinations, presented in a good way to always put the horse first,” sums up Henrik of his country’s proud showjumping history.

Henrik Ankarcrona: “Nations Cup and championships are the pinnacle of our sport”

“For Swedish jumping, the FEI Nations Cup and championships have always been the pinnacle of our sport and what we believe is the very best way to get a good name as a jumping nation,” Henrik continues. “I believe that this new League will carry on that history.

“Obviously recent successes speak for the cohesion of our team and I believe that this confidence and our attention to detail are a legacy that will bring us further success in this new series.”

The Swedish fans are often among the most passionate and numerous in the crowd, particularly when it comes to team jumping competitions.

Henrik ANKARCRONA (SWE) during the Nations Cup of the Longines International Jumping on May 12, 2017 in La Baule, France. (Photo by Pierre Costabadie/Icon Sport) (Image credit: Icon Sport via Getty Images)

“I believe the new Longines League of Nations format will engage both media and spectators alike,” explains Henrik (pictured above) of the “unique” new series. “It makes it easier to follow and very exciting to see how it develops – and changes – from leg to leg towards the final. We are very proud to be one of the 10 teams to take part.

“For Sweden, this means a lot and I’m sure this will encourage a lot of young riders to set their goals high, set the bar high, and work hard towards achieving the experience needed to participate in this League.”

“Love your horse and put its welfare above all else”

Speaking of inspiring the next generation, Henrik has some clear advice for young riders bidding to make a name for themselves in the sport.

“If you are passionate about jumping and dream of being an international equestrian or championship rider, there are two elements – first, and most important, is to love your horse and put their welfare above all else,” he reveals.

“Secondly, you need to work very hard. You need a drive and you need to be open to learning. Listen and look at the top riders.

“But the most important one to listen to is your horse. Learn to read them and understand that they are the most valuable asset in our sport.”

‘She’s almost bucked me off!’ Meet the ‘spicy’ one-eyed wonder horse shining at the Europeans

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 17:22:09 +0000

“I’ve never had a horse like this – it feels like we are one.”

Meet the one-eyed mare who nearly bucks her rider off in the warm-up, who loves jumping and has to think it’s all her idea – and who is “a family member”.

Sweden’s Wilma Hellström and WH Sporthorses’ Cicci BJN jumped a super clear in the first round of the European Showjumping Championships, to sit in 12th place individually overnight.

Wilma said the 12-year-old Swedish warmblood, who lost her eye in a freak accident five years ago, is “a very spicy girl when she wants to be”.

“She almost bucked me off in the warm-up today; it was very close!” she said.

“It’s got worse since the accident, because when she gets a bit excited and can’t see, she kicks out to the right.

“But at home she is the laziest horse you can ever find. She won’t do anything. She will not move. So it’s actually only at shows. And she loves to be at shows.”

It was at a competition that the accident happened; the mare rolled in her stable and hit her head on the wall, and her eye could not be saved.

After she recovered, she came back into work slowly but surely, and the pair have progressed up the levels to their first senior championship.