The Equestrian Federation is initiating a long-term collaboration with Lövsta Future Challenge. The purpose is to provide Sweden's most promising riders, aged 18-24, with individually tailored support in their pursuit of international top level.
I guess it's about a dozen riders that we can get a little closer to. We will help everyone as much as we can, with coaching and training, says Ankarcrona.
Connected to the initiative
The experienced national team riders Jens Fredricson and Rolf-Göran Bengtsson are connected to the initiative. On several occasions per season, the young riders gather and receive guidance. The first meeting is planned at Flyinge in September.
In order to keep up with international competition, Swedish show jumping must produce more teams, not least among U25 riders.
We can see that we are far behind. We can see that we have more among the 200 in the ranking, which is good, but we are not the least satisfied. It is a long-term work that is in progress. The goal is to develop a strong bond with the riders to be able to perform championship medals in the long term, says Ankarcrona.
This is an individual sport. The riders must build their own teams and find their own ways forward, but we can create platforms where we can help, get the right riders with the right trainers and open doors, continues the national team captain.
Easy to get lost
Which riders will be included in the initiative – which has been named Top U25 Program – is not clear. An application process was opened on Saturday.
Wilma Hellström, the only Swedish rider in Sunday's individual final at the European Championship in La Coruña, emphasizes how difficult the last step is to take to the international top level.
I think it's super important to get extra support. It's easy to get a little lost at that age, she says.
