If daughter Ida had gotten to decide, Linda Heed would probably have done something else on Sunday. But the reward for spending her seventh birthday at a horse show maybe made it worth it.
Yes, she really didn't want to be at a horse show on her birthday, says Linda Heed.
But she said in the end, if you go in and win for me today, then we can do it.
And that's what Linda Heed did.
The Swede and Skylander VS were one of eight faultless teams in the first round at Scandinavium and followed up with a faultless jump-off.
Then began a nervous wait, with her back turned to the TV in the interview area.
Until only world number one Henrik von Eckermann was left. The national team star won the Grand Prix jumping on Saturday evening despite riding with a broken bone in his right hand and started well.
But a fault made him settle for fifth place – and Linda Heed could finally celebrate.
I was completely sure that Henrik would take it. But it feels super cool now, of course, says Linda Heed.
"My passion"
She debuted in the World Cup as early as 2005 and was a reserve in the team for the OS 2008. Since then, she has instead had three straight OS as an expert commentator on TV.
But her own effort has continued simultaneously, and now she finally took her first World Cup victory.
Shame on those who give up. No, but this is my passion. I love training the horses, getting them on my side and working with me, says Linda Heed.
I especially like working with a bit tricky horses, and Skylander... he's a bit special.
Fault for Fredricson
For world number one Henrik von Eckermann, the World Cup final in Basel in early April is next, where he is directly qualified after last year's final victory.
However, there will be no more Swedish show jumpers in Basel. Peder Fredricson had a small chance left, but got a fault in the first round on Sunday and didn't get enough points.
He (Catch Me Not) jumped really well. But it was a turn that we didn't get quite right, says Peder Fredricson.
It's just to shake it off.
