The World Cup in Herning, Denmark is less than two months away. Henrik Ankarcrona solves puzzles, weighs pros and cons.
– There are some question marks that need to be straightened out, says the equestrian national team’s national captain to TT.
At present, Peder Fredricson, Henrik von Eckermann and Malin Baryard Johnsson are married. Another rider will be included in the team. Plus a reserve. This is where Jens Fredricson comes into the picture.
Stuck with his finger in the mane
His and Markan Cosmopoliti’s daily form? Excellent.
– He jumped fantastically well, I am very happy.
The only thing that bothers Jens Fredricson right now is an injured little finger. He jumps with a protection on one hand.
– I broke a little finger a few weeks ago. I was out walking and got stuck with my little finger in the mane. My little fingers are stiff in the joints and not so compliant. They have a tendency to get stuck.
TT: A common equestrian injury?
– At least for me, he says and laughs.
Markan Cosmopolit – or “Cosmo” as he is called – got to feel the fiber sand on the old Olympic castle on Friday afternoon and most familiarize himself with the atmosphere in the initial 1.45 class.
It was more warming up than competition and the crew went out in the class won by von Eckermann at Glamor Girl.
Fredricson wants Cosmo fresh when it gets serious on Saturday night.
– He will hopefully go three rounds tomorrow. It’s hot and we have not competed in nine weeks. And next week I will compete in Rotterdam (Nations Cup with the national team) so he had to walk the track and just jump the first round.
Got to rest after the final success
TT: Nine weeks?
– Yes, or eight. I have not competed in him since the World Cup final in Leipzig. It was because I thought the horse was doing so well. He was worth a real break. We’ve made a plan. Then we’ll see. If it were the case that we are in super shape for the World Cup, it would be fun to go there, says Fredricson.
Now he is not alone in wanting to complement the trio Baryard Johnsson, world number two von Eckermann and his brother Peder, who is five years younger.
– There are a bunch more who are fighting over it, says Jens Fredricson.
In that gang, he is accompanied by, among others, veteran Rolf-Göran Bengtsson, Evelina Tovek, Angelica Augustsson-Zanotelli and some more competent crews.
– There is good competition in Sweden. It is far too early to comment on that issue, but it is a bit unnecessary to plan a holiday during the World Cup week and say “No, unfortunately I can not go because I am going with the kids to Legoland”.
TT: Is it noticeable between you riders that the battle for the World Cup places is getting tougher?
– Not at all, it’s rather that we cheer on each other. You want the best team to come to the World Cup. For me, it is a non-issue.