Henrik von Eckermann, Peder Fredricson, Jens Fredricson, Malin Baryard Johnsson and Rolf-Göran Bengtsson saw to it for several years that the Swedish show jumping team fought for championship medals – individually and in teams.
None of them are included in the national team captain Henrik Ankarcrona's team this time.
Preliminarily, none of the Swedish riders – Wilma Hellström, Amanda Landeblad, Erika Lickhammer van Helmond, Angelie von Essen and Petronella Andersson – are expected to be involved with the medals.
Rather, the battle is likely to be between these gentlemen:
+ Steve Guerdat, 43, Switzerland
Status: One of the sport's absolute gentlemen. Protects the origins of show jumping and is known for his consideration of the horses.
World ranking: 6.
Curiosity: Refuses to ride in the Global Champions Tour, a protest against the commercialization of the sport. Loves to ride in Falsterbo.
Main merits: Olympic Games winner 2012, European Championship gold 2023, Olympic Games silver 2024. Multiple winner of the World Cup final.
Current: Won the latest European Championship gold, in Milan 2023. Then Dynamix. Now rides Iashin Sitte.
+ Julien Épaillard, 47, France
Status: Has been around for a long time and has struggled for the major titles without quite making it. That's why he was delighted after the victory in the World Cup final in April.
World ranking: 18.
Curiosity: Rides Donatello D’Auge in the European Championship, which he won the World Cup final on.
Main merits: Olympic Games bronze in team 2024, European Championship bronze individually 2023, winner of the World Cup final 2025.
Current: Preliminarily the big French hope.
+ Ben Maher, 42, Great Britain
Status: England's most merited rider in recent years. Has been a constant in the top layer.
World ranking: 2.
Curiosity: Point Break was bred in Sweden, but the intended European Championship horse will not start and will be replaced by Dallas Vegas Batilly.
Main merits: Deprived Peder Fredricson of the Olympic gold in Tokyo 2021. Olympic Games winner in team both 2012 and 2024.
Current: Recently won the Aachen GP.
+ Christian Kukuk, 35, Germany
Status: Has emerged as the German rider with the highest potential.
World ranking: 4.
Curiosity: As a boy, he dreamed of becoming a professional football player.
Main merits: Won the individual Olympic gold in Paris last summer.
Current: Rides Just Be Gentle instead of the Olympic horse Checker.
+ Martin Fuchs, 33, Switzerland
Status: Together with Guerdat, the sport's Swiss poster boy.
World ranking: 7.
Curiosity: Uncle Marcus Fuchs participated in five Olympic Games and father Thomas was in the Olympic Games in Barcelona 1992.
Main merits: European Championship gold 2019, European Championship gold in team 2021, European and World Championship silver and winner of the World Cup final 2022.
Current: One of the pre-favorites on Conner Jei.
+ Some outsiders: Cian O’Connor, Ireland, Richard Vogel, Germany, Maikel van der Vleuten, Netherlands.
Location: Casas Novas, La Coruña, Spain.
When: 16-20 July.
Can be seen on: SVT broadcasts all competition days, on SVT1, SVT2 and SVT play.
Competition program:
Wednesday: Time jumping. Included in the team and individual competition. Start 15.00
Thursday: Team jumping, first round. Included in the individual competition. Start 15.00
Friday: Team jumping, second round. Included in the individual competition. The team medals are awarded. Start 15.45.
Sunday: The individual final is decided in two rounds. Starts 14.00 and 16.30.
