By Ellinor Andersson (jumping); Anette Sånesson (dressage) / SWB
Translated by Hillevi Brasch
Photography: Cecilia Hallqvist; Yvonne Karlsson; Roland Thunholm

Swedish Warmblood’s recent stallion performance tests in showjumping and dressage saw Aganix d’Amour (Aganix du Seigneur - Acorado’s Deern x Acorado I), win the jumping prize, while dressage went to Majestic Justice (Majestic Taonga - Right Decision x Wladimir OA)

Aganix d’Amour (2021) was bred by Frank Johannsen in Germany, but is now owned by Ifverson Horses Trade KB and 2M2 Horses in Båstad AB. He was purchased by Johan Ifverson and Carsten Johansen in Germany as a two-year-old, where he was presented and approved in Hanover in 2023 and covered for one season as a three-year-old. He then came to Sweden, where rider Thomas Ryan took over and began preparing him for the performance test. A career in both sport and breeding now awaits the four-year-old stallion.
“The plan is for him to cover for three years and compete in the young horse classes simultaneously,” says Johan Iverson. “This year, he will stand at Lövsta Stud and continue to be ridden by Thomas Ryan.” Irish rider Thomas Ryan has run an operation in Skåne with Erica Swartz Ryan for several years and rides many of Lövsta Stud’s stallions. According to Johan Ifverson; “There aren’t many riders who can both train young horses and compete in S-level international showjumping, but Thomas can do it all”.
Johan was drawn to the stallion’s pedigree, temperament, and refined conformation “I was looking for a son of Aganix du Seigneur, but I didn't want one too heavy. No one wants heavy horses these days,” he explains.
Thomas’s long-term training and careful preparation for the performance test paid off as the inspection committee’s verdict was: “Well-balanced canter with good rhythm and range. He has good scope, powerful takeoff, elastic over the jump, and uses his topline well. Nice rideability.”
Mikael Nolin from the committee explains further: “Aganix d’Amour showed excellent physical ability. Excellent coordination and balance – not just at the jump but also between jumps and during the all-important landing, which is the first step toward the next jump. He also exhibited an exceptional temperament, a combination of energy and relaxation that doesn't always go together. Notably, these qualities were evident not just occasionally but throughout the entire test. This consistency gives an impression of authenticity.”
“This is by far the best horse over these two days. He’s outstanding in terms of temperament, jumping ability, rideability, and balance. He is extremely well presented and prepared for the task,” said Irish test rider Eoin McMahon.
German test rider Christian Hess was also impressed: “This is a very well-balanced horse who is also very careful, has a big jump, and lovely rideability. He gives the rider a fantastic feeling, and it was a highlight to ride him.”
Thomas Ryan, who rides Aganix d’Amour regularly, echoes the praise: “He doesn’t feel like a four-year-old to ride – more like a Grand Prix horse. His temeperament is truly fantastic. He’s smart, learns quickly, and enjoys working. He has a very nice temperament and is incredibly well-mannered, which makes him easy to work with.”..