Jens Fredricson, on Markan Cosmopolit, rode together with his brother Peder Fredricson, on Catch Me Not S, Rolf-Göran Bengtsson, on Ermindo, as well as individual world champion Henrik von Eckermann, on Nababette Z.
Sweden started with a perfect first round where von Eckermann, Bengtsson and Jens Fredricson rode flawlessly. After a misunderstanding, von Eckermann was forced to withdraw in the second round and all margins were gone. But Bengtsson and Jens Fredricson rode flawlessly and Peder Fredricson broke an obstacle.
Switzerland came second
It meant that after two rounds and the worst results crossed out, Sweden stood on four faults, and thus won ahead of Switzerland on seven. The Netherlands came third with eight faults.
“Fantastic, to get his name on that dent, it’s incredible. That we can be such favorites and stand up to it. Unbelievable to win this together with this team,” says Jens Fredricson to the equestrian association’s website.
“Obstacles as big as houses”
Federation captain Henrik Ankarcrona says that the Spruce Meadows arena outside Calgary is described as “the obstacles are as big as houses, the water obstacle is bigger than the Atlantic Ocean, the time is tighter than anything else”.
“And every word is true. It’s tough and it’s difficult. It’s an incredible feat to win here,” says Ankarcrona.
Henrik von Eckermann agrees:
“It’s such a special feeling to ride here, a full house and a historic arena. There are a lot of talented riders on that hump and to be one of them, that’s great,” says von Eckermann.
Sweden won the national showjumping at the WC in Herning in August. The team then also included Malin Baryard-Johnsson. Rolf-Göran Bengtsson was then a reserve.