Scandinavium Was on Fire When Linda Won

The last time a woman won a World Cup in Gothenburg was in 2013, when the final took place here, US-rider Beezie Madden claimed the victory. The last Swedish winner was Henrik von Eckermann in 2018. But 2025 belongs to Linda Heed. She claimed her first five-star victory in front of the home crowd at Scandinavium. 

"There are no words to describe how I feel right now. This crowd makes you so happy, and the horses jump fantastically. They truly feel how the audience helps them over the fences, and they make us riders push ourselves harder than we normally would. " 

If someone had told Linda on Thursday that she would win, she wouldn't have believed them. 

"Of course, I know I'm riding an absolutely incredible horse, but winning here is a huge step up," Linda said with the biggest smile. 

Skylander was born in Södertälje, Linda’s hometown, at the Vikbergs Stud, owned by the Birgersson family. When he was just six weeks old, he lost his mother. 
"We had to bottle-feed him, and the whole family helped out," said Per-Inge Birgersson. 

The stallion eventually ended up with Peder Fredricson, but he wasn’t the right fit. That’s when Linda took over the reins. 

"He hasn’t been easy. He’s a very sensitive horse, and I really have to listen to him and what he wants to do," Linda explained. 

Much of the Birgersson family was in the arena  to watch Skylander win the World Cup. After this performance, many of the world’s top riders will be eager to get their hands on the horse. 

"He’s not for sale right now. It wouldn’t be fair to Linda, who has worked so hard with him," said Per-Inge. 

Second place went to Germany’s Mario Stevens, who achieved his highest-ever World Cup finish with Starissa FRH. 

"I needed points to make it to Basel. I made a mistake when I tried in Bordeaux, so all the pressure was on me today. My horse jumped fantastically, and it was incredible to finish second in front of this crowd." 

The experienced Maikel van der Vleuten and Beauville Z N.O.P. took third place, securing a ticket to the final in Basel. 

"The form Beauville showed today was fantastic. I had a bit of bad luck in the jump-off, but I’m really happy that a Swede won. It was great for the home crowd, and the jump-off was incredible." 

Tomas Torgersen, event director of the Gothenburg Horse Show, was pleased with the competition, which continues to earn praise for its constant development. 

"In mid-April, we’ll find out if we get the World Cup final in 2027. That’s something we’re really hoping for." 

Henrik Ankarcrona was also satisfied with the Swedish riders' performances over the weekend. 

"I wouldn’t have picked Linda as the winner beforehand, but I’m not surprised. It’s an incredibly capable horse, and Linda is experienced. It was a fantastic effort," said Henrik Ankarcrona. 

Quotes from mixed zone

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