Swedish showjumping chef d’equipe Henrik Ankarcrona is likely one of the most beneficial coaches at the circuit, main the country’s riders to a bunch of accolades lately, together with a hat-trick of gold medals which means that they lately reign as Olympic, Eu and Global Champions.
The squad heads into the 12 months of the Paris Olympics as one of the crucial favourites to safe what will be the nation’s 5th Olympic gold medal. They remain revered for his or her willpower to the game, talent to accomplish below force, excellent horsemanship and unprecedented sportsmanship.
On this busy landmark 12 months, the Swedish squad has additionally earned a coveted spot as one of the crucial most sensible 10 groups competing within the inaugural Longines League of International locations, which kicks off in Abu Dhabi subsequent month. Sweden’s final function is, “As at all times, to win up to imaginable with the most productive horse-rider mixtures, offered in a great way to at all times put the pony first,” sums up Henrik of his nation’s proud showjumping historical past.
Henrik Ankarcrona: “International locations Cup and championships are the top of our recreation”
“For Swedish leaping, the FEI International locations Cup and championships have at all times been the top of our recreation and what we imagine is the perfect technique to get a excellent identify as a leaping country,” Henrik continues. “I imagine that this new League will raise on that historical past.
“Clearly fresh successes discuss for the brotherly love of our crew and I imagine that this self belief and our consideration to element are a legacy that may carry us additional luck on this new collection.”
The Swedish lovers are steadily a number of the maximum passionate and a large number of within the crowd, in particular in the case of crew leaping competitions.
“I imagine the brand new Longines League of International locations structure will have interaction each media and spectators alike,” explains Henrik (pictured above) of the “distinctive” new collection. “It makes it more uncomplicated to observe and really thrilling to look the way it develops – and adjustments – from leg to leg against the general. We’re very proud to be one of the crucial 10 groups to participate.
“For Sweden, this implies so much and I’m certain this will likely inspire a large number of younger riders to set their targets top, set the bar top, and paintings laborious against attaining the revel in wanted to take part on this League.”
“Love your horse and put its welfare above all else”
Talking of inspiring the following era, Henrik has some transparent recommendation for younger riders bidding to make a reputation for themselves within the recreation.
“If you’re enthusiastic about leaping and dream of being a global equestrian or championship rider, there are two components – first, and maximum essential, is to like your horse and put their welfare above all else,” he unearths.
“Secondly, you wish to have to paintings very laborious. You wish to have a pressure and you wish to have to be open to studying. Concentrate and take a look at the highest riders.
“However crucial one to hear is your horse. Discover ways to learn them and keep in mind that they’re essentially the most precious asset in our recreation.”
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