The reigning Olympic, World and European Champions play host to the world’s best combinations in the impressive Scandinvium Arena in Gothenburg, Sweden. Who are the horses to focus on as the week unfolds?

The Hometown Heroes

KING EDWARD // Henrik von Eckermann

The number one rider in the world. The number one horse in the world. The reigning World Champions have been continuously breaking barriers in the sport and hold the current record for highest Elo rating ever recorded (809). Backed by a home crowd in Gothenburg, they could prove to be unbeatable. 

ZUCCERO // Rolf-Göran Bengtsson

A dependable and loyal combination for the Swedish team that helped secure the European Team Gold. A pair that is in superb form with a clear rate of over 60% at five-star 160 in the past 12 months, higher than teammate King Edward.

The Ones on Form

DEESSE de KERGLENN // Harrie Smolders

Harrie has been giving Deesse valuable experience over the past couple of months. While they have maintained a strong clear rate of 60% at 150-155 level, they have yet to produce a clear round at 160. Still, a promising horse that is stepping up to bigger things with an experienced rider.

HIGHWAY TN N.O.P. // Willem Greve

This horse really stepped up for Willem in 2023, while his other top horse was out due to injury. They finished in the Top 10 at the Milan Europeans and claimed a Grand Prix win on home soil in Rotterdam. They were in superb form in Amsterdam last month with a podium finish in the World Cup.

The Ones to Watch

GRANDORADO TN N.O.P. // Willem Greve

This could be a big weekend for Willem. One of the most consistent horses of the year 2022. Due to rider and subsequent horse injury had a lot of time off but made a victorious return to five-star level in Amsterdam last month, claiming the win in the Sunday 150 class & finishing third in last weekend's 4* Grand Prix in Opglabbeek. An impressive pair that will be hungry to reproduce and improve on their 2022 season.

DIALOU BLUE PS // Kevin Staut

An up-and-coming young star for French rider Kevin Staut. Last year's performances saw them selected for the European Championships in Milan in September, but we haven't seen them on the international scene since. A comeback horse to keep an eye on.