Seasoned world cup riders and bright prospects meet up in Gothenburg

Swedish and international riders are on-site with their best horses, and the competitions promise top-class performances. World number one, Henrik von Eckermann has brought his experienced horses, Iliana and Toveks Azaria Dinero, and plans to ride one class per day.

"I will ride Azaria in Friday's qualifier for the World Cup class and in Sunday’s World Cup class," he says, looking forward to the challenge.

This is the first time the Swedish audience will see Henrik von Eckermann on the mare.

"Azaria is a 15-year-old mare that Evelina Tovek has ridden before, and which I have been fortunate enough to take over. I am very grateful for that. I think she suits me very well—she has a lot of blood, is careful, and has great capacity. She is a fantastic horse. She hasn’t done many starts with me yet, but she has already shown great things. The placement in the World Cup in Basel felt good, so it will be exciting to see how things progress."

As the world number one, Henrik von Eckermann receives invitations to most of the world’s major competitions.

"I can speak for all Swedish riders—we all want to ride at the Gothenburg Horse Show. It’s an amazing competition with a fantastic audience. I have been in the USA for a bit, and I now have some horses there with an owner. I want to compete in the World Cup Final, so I need to keep the horses that are planned for the final in good form, and in that sense, Gothenburg fits in perfectly."

Henrik von Eckermann won the World Cup Final in 2023 and 2024. The only rider to have won three years in a row is Brazilian Rodrigo Pessoa.

"Winning a third title won’t be easy, but of course, I will try in the final. We will just have to wait and see. I will ride these horses in 's-Hertogenbosch and then decide how to proceed for the final," says Henrik von Eckermann.

A Swedish underdog in the World Cup has been Erika Lickhammer – Van Helmold. Among other achievements, she placed seventh in Mechelen with I. Come Tessa VHL. However, the World Cup Final in Basel is not her current goal.

"This year, we have participated to gain experience. We haven’t competed much. Next season, we will be in it to fight for real."

Come Tessa is homebred by the Lickhammer – Van Helmold family.

"There are probably few riders who know their horses as well as I know mine," says Erika.

Ebba Kewenter is making her debut in the five-star classes and is excited about the opportunity to compete at the highest level.

"The Gothenburg Horse Show is an incredible event, and we are so grateful that Lövsta has created this opportunity for young riders like us to compete at this level," she says.

Despite being only 21 years old, Ebba has extensive experience with the arena.

"I have been to the Gothenburg Horse Show five times before—both with ponies and as a Children rider, where I started in ‘Tomorrow’s Winners’ three times. Last year, Helios and I competed here in the ATG classes as well."

Swedish national team coach Henrik Ankarcrona highlights the unique level of competition in Gothenburg.

"The Swedish international competitions, especially Gothenburg, offer a unique opportunity to face international competition, and I believe that is one of the major reasons why we have been so successful."

Event director Tomas Torgersen emphasizes the importance of the World Cup ranking and the intense pressure to secure the final points ahead of Basel.

"Many top riders are here trying to earn their last points or defend their ranking spots," he explains.

Excitement is at its peak, and Sunday’s World Cup class is expected to be a real thriller.

"I predict a fast jump-off on Sunday—I’m quite sure everyone will go all-in," says Torgersen.

In dressage, newly appointed national team captain Stefan Jansson is looking forward to the competition after a period of generational change among the horses.

"It has been exciting months, and now it’s finally time for some sport—it’s going to be great fun," he says, pleased that the World Cup dressage has once again attracted a full starting field.

Dressage rider Carl Hedin sees the competition as an important experience.

"For me, it’s all about taking the opportunity to ride in this environment and improve step by step," he says.

One of this year’s young dressage riders is Evelina Söderström, who is competing with Cilantro, an 18-year-old gelding that has been with the family since he was four.

"This is my third time competing in Gothenburg, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for us U25 riders," says Evelina.

With a mix of seasoned world stars and the rising talents of the future, the stage is set for a week of top-level equestrian sport in Gothenburg.