What’s happening in Gothenburg? Pressure is building..
Halfway through the 2026 Gothenburg Horse Show, the atmosphere inside the Scandinavium has been nothing short of electric. Yet, despite the buzz, the loudest sound -the ecstatic, unified roar for a Swedish victory - has come close, but no joy….yet!
Thursday belonged to Britain’s Robert Whitaker, and Friday’s spotlight was seized by Germany’s Daniel Deusser. While Sweden’s own Petronella Andersson delivered an outstanding, near-historic ride under the Friday night lights - chasing a third consecutive victory in the Hooks Prize - she had to settle for second. Her phenomenal form now reads: win, win, second. But crucially, not a win in 2026.
As the show pivots into the crucial weekend, that single detail matters above all else: Sweden is still searching for a home victory in one of the four major feature classes.
Two decisive chances remain:
- The Gothenburg Trophy on Saturday.
- The Longines FEI World Cup™ on Sunday.
And history dictates that the stakes couldn't be higher.
Spoiled Last Year, Searching Now
The contrast to the 2025 celebration is stark. Last year, the home crowd was spoiled with success: Petronella Andersson took the Friday feature; Henrik von Eckermann secured the Gothenburg Trophy; and Linda Heed delivered a stunning World Cup win which surprised the EquiRatings Prediction Centre but delighted the home fans. Three major wins from four - outstanding home heroics.
The pattern of the past few years has been clear: Sweden often finds a moment of brilliance, but rarely does the success come easily or in a dominant sweep. This year, however, that moment is yet to arrive.
The Absent Hero and the Looming Shadow of 2012
The tension feels palpably different this year because the usual saviour is missing.
There is precedent for late heroics. In both 2017 and 2018, Sweden entered Sunday without a feature win, only for Henrik von Eckermann and Toveks Mary Lou to deliver a World Cup victory.
But in 2026, there is no Henrik. No King Edward or Iliana. No guaranteed international firepower parachuting in to rescue the narrative.
If the hosts fail to strike this weekend, the result could be a shuddering repeat of 2012 - the last time Sweden endured a complete blank across all four feature classes. That year was a German clean sweep, silencing the Scandinavium completely.
The Best Chance Rests with a Legend
If Sweden is to finally erupt the arena in 2026, the hopes may rest on the shoulders of an icon: Malin Baryard-Johnsson and the magnificent H&M Indiana.
This duo have written their history, secured their legacy, but can this be the fairytale…?
The partnership is legendary, boasting Olympic Team Gold (2021) and World Championship Team Gold (2022) and Silver (2018). Indiana is now 18 - still sharp, still proud, and still competitive, as proven by their podium finish in Friday’s Hooks Prize.
In terms of a career, H&M Indiana and Malin are one of the greatest partnerships in the modern era of show jumping. They have jumped 76 clear rounds at the highest level and rank 4th amongst all partnerships globally since 2010.
Malin knows the feeling of triumph on the ice in front of this crowd - she did it in 2004 with Butterfly Flip - beating the best of the best in the sport at that time. She has all the global triumphs, all the medals, all the history. This assignment could statistically look easier than 2004, but flying high to win a World Cup, on demand, at the tail end of a phenomenal career with H&M Indiana…it’s possible, but it will take a moment of magic for that fairytale to play out.
Two days to go. Two shots at success for the home nation. One date with destiny for an all-time Swedish legend.