It’s onerous to appear past the all-conquering global champions Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward for person gold within the Olympic showjumping on the Paris Video games, however has a chink on this mighty pair’s armour surfaced at contemporary occasions the place the Swedish rider has taken a few accumulating ring tumbles? So long as that shape doesn’t infiltrate the contest ring, they’ll be onerous to overcome, however I be expecting the likes of shielding champion Ben Maher (GBR), Laura Kraut (USA), Daniel Coyle (IRL), Ecu champion Steve Guerdat and his Swiss team-mate Martin Fuchs to be amongst the ones scuffling with it out at the ultimate day, too.
The Olympic showjumping person medal contenders
Max Kühner (AUT)
German-born Austrian consultant Max Kühner brings constant five-star performer Elektric Blue P (pictured, above). Paris would be the pair’s fourth championship, having received workforce bronze ultimately 12 months’s Europeans.
Maikel van der Vleuten (NED)
The Dutch rider is a veteran of the previous 3 Olympics, profitable person bronze in Tokyo with Beauville Z (under), whom he brings to Paris, and with whom he additionally received workforce silver and person global bronze in 2022.
Julien Epaillard (FRA)
This Frenchman is without doubt one of the quickest riders at the circuit and whilst the 47-year-old most effective made his senior championship debut as just lately as 2022,
that herbal tempo helped him to person bronze in Milan final 12 months with Dubai Du Cedre (above), whom he brings to Paris. The arena quantity 5 has a really perfect shot on house soil.
Henrik von Eckermann (SWE)
The Swedish global primary and 14-year-old big name King Edward will likely be one of the most red-hot favourites in Paris. Henrik reigns because the workforce global, Ecu and Olympic gold medallist and person global champion, however that Olympic gold is the identify he craves, and indisputably merits.
Daniel Coyle (IRL)
One of the a hit and constant combos in recent times. They’ve now not most effective received a string of five-star categories, however this good duo have proved outstanding workforce gamers, serving to Eire reach Countries Cup glory on the likes of Spruce Meadows and Florida. This would be the 3rd championship in combination for the sector quantity 12 rider and this tremendous mare.
Ben Maher (GBR)
The main British rider and protecting Olympic champion should have a really perfect likelihood to retain his crown. He made a last-minute horse-swap from the 10-year-old Level Ruin to the 12 months older mare Dallas Vegas Batilly, and he or she’s a thrilling inclusion with an incredible file over the massive tracks.
Laura Kraut (USA)
Some of the US’s maximum a hit riders of all time, this will likely be her fourth Olympic look. Laura (under left, driving Tokyo and Paris experience Baloutine) received workforce gold on the 2008 Olympics and 2018 Global Championships. On the age of 58, she may just emulate spouse Nick Skelton, who used to be topped Olympic champion in Rio in 2016 on the identical age.
Richard Vogel (GER)
A emerging megastar of the game, the German 27-year-old has soared up the sector ratings to quantity 10. He brings five-star grands prix winner United Contact S (above) for his debut championship.
Martin Fuchs (SUI)
The Swiss 32-year-old brings Windsor grand prix winner Leone Jei (under) to their fourth championships in combination, having received workforce gold and person silver on the Europeans in 2021.
Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (SWE)
The Swedish professional made his Olympic debut at Atlanta in 1996 and has loved very good longevity within the game, together with being topped Ecu champion in 2011. On the age of 62, he involves Paris because the oldest showjumping athlete and he and Zuccero HV (above) have been a part of the Ecu gold medal-winning workforce final 12 months.
Steve Guerdat (SUI)
The reigning Ecu champion and 2012 Olympic gold medallist flourishes at championships, the place the Swiss rider’s medal tally over the last 15 years has been very good. The arena quantity 3 brings the similar horse he triumphed on in Milan in 2023, Dynamix De Belheme.
H&H showjumping editor’s Olympic showjumping person medal podium
Horse & Hound’s 16-page Paris Olympic preview used to be printed within the Thursday 18 July mag, with the 19-page complete Olympic shape information within the Thursday 25 July factor. In the event you didn’t organize to pick out them up within the stores, you’ll be able to order a unmarried replica on-line for supply via put up.
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Credit score: Peter Nixon
Credit score: Peter Nixon
Credit score: Long run
