BY JEAN LLEWELLYN (PRESS RELEASE)
PHOTOGRAPHY: ALRV/JASMIN METZNER; FEI/RICHARD JUILLIART
The reigning showjumping World Champion is relying on a new partner for the FEI 2026 World Championships: Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann aims to pursue his dream of defending his title with the 12-year-old stallion, Minute Man (Vigo d’Arsouilles [BWP] - Gitania van’t Eigenlo x Montender [KWPN]), bred by Dany and Kim van Lombergen.
In the following interview, he discusses his expectations and goals, his memories of that great victory in Herning and the outstanding conditions in Aachen.
◆ In Herning (2022), you and King Edward caused a sensation on the showjumping scene, winning both the team and individual world titles. Can you share your memories of that time with us?
It was awesome. On the eve of the show, I became number one in the world rankings and that very same week we got to celebrate the World Championships titles – that really was something special. But I have to say, it was also a relief. King Edward and I travelled to the competition as the favourites; he was at the absolute peak of his career back then. Mentally, winning was the only option – finishing second would have been like a failure. But everything went well, thank goodness.
◆ Now, the World Championships are returning to Aachen, 20 years after the highly acclaimed 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games. What are your feelings when you think about the upcoming championships?
It is simply fantastic. I watched the event in Aachen 20 years ago – ever since then it has been something I wanted to achieve myself one day. I wasn’t yet good enough back then. Now, I just hope everything goes well for us during the week. But more than anything, I am really looking forward to it. I love riding into that stadium every time. The atmosphere in the arena, with tens of thousands of spectators, is incredible.
◆ What is your goal as you travel to the Allianz Park as the reigning World Champion?
I am very careful about setting goals; the circumstances are different now compared to four years ago. King Edward was the clear favourite, whereas now I will be competing with Minute Man – a horse that has certainly delivered excellent performances, but who isn’t quite at King Edward’s level. So, I will take one day at a time. But I do know that Minute Man is a horse with a lot of potential and quality...
CLICK HERE TO READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE IN THE ONLINE EDITION OF BREEDING NEWS
