The team when the jumping competitions get underway with Wednesday's time jumping at Casas Novas in La Coruña became the expected one.
Wilma Hellström on Cicci, Petronella Andersson on Opaline, Amanda Landeblad on For Killy and Erika Lickhammer van Helmond on Comme Tessa get the trust.
For me, it has been quite natural, if nothing unforeseen occurs. I believe in it, simply, says Ankarcrona.
He wanted to wait for the draw before the start order was finalized, but the plan is this:
With the greatest probability, Erika rides first, followed by Wilma and Amanda and "Nella" last.
Wilma Hellström is the only one in the Swedish quartet who has ridden a championship in a team as a senior. In Milan, she contributed to the sensational European Championship gold.
"A slightly safer feeling"
Both she and the 14-year-old mare Cicci are two years older. At 31, she is suddenly an anchor in the national team.
I think I learned a lot last time and that I can bring it into this championship.
What?
I go in with a slightly safer feeling. The previous championship gave incredibly much experience. You know a little more how you react in different situations. I feel more mentally prepared this time.
Henrik Ankarcrona:
She has been a cog in our team in recent years. She was right on the verge of the Olympic Games team last year, was in our transit stable and got to feel the heat.
Cicci has been matched well. We are still waiting for this year's full hit and hopefully it will come at the European Championship.
"You never know"
Debutant Amanda Landeblad:
We are a fairly inexperienced team, but okay... you never know. We have both riders and horses with quality and to strike a little from below is never wrong. Better than having sky-high expectations and thinking you're going to win.
Petronella Andersson:
The whole year, the goal has been set with Opaline for the European Championship. I would say that we are well prepared for this task. First, I hope that we as a team will perform. I think we should be satisfied with top five since there are some debutants at the championship level.
Then, of course, we hope for as many Swedish riders as possible in the individual final on Sunday. It will not be easy, considering that only 25 of the 90 teams reach it, says Andersson.
