‘It will be an exciting journey’: former Irish team rider among Swedish shortlist for World Championships

Former Irish team rider Thomas Ryan is among those has been named on the shortlisted for the Swedish showjumping squad at this summer’s FEI World Championships in Aachen (11-23 August).

In January H&H reported that Thomas had switched nationality, having been based in Sweden since 2019 with his wife Erica Swartz-Ryan. Thomas last rode on an Irish team in June 2024 at a Nations Cup, and under FEI rules he can ride for Sweden in team competitions from June.

At this stage, Swedish national team captain Henrik Ankacrona has named seven riders and 12 horses for Aachen – including reigning world champion Henrik von Eckermann and British-based Angelie von Essen, but he said that the “door is not closed to anyone”.

“It will be about results, form, experience and performing in that arena. Both in terms of riders and horses,” said Mr Ankacrona.

The Swedish showjumping team shortlist for the World Championships, by alphabetical order of surname:

Petronella Andersson with 11-year-old Opaline De W&S
Owner: Stephex Stables
Breeder: Marc Wens Stud
Groom: Bernadett Radnai

Henrik von Eckermann with nine-year-old Steely Dan
Owner: Cyor Stables BV
Breeder: Gerd and Gert Wauters and Van Hoydonck
Groom: Louise Barraud

Henrik von Eckermann with 10-year-old Qasirah Van De Reistenhoek
Owner: Cyor Stables BV
Breeder: Y Ramont
Groom: Louise Barraud

Henrik von Eckermann with 12-year-old Minute Man
Owner: Team Minute Man LLC
Breeder: Dany and Kim Van Lombergen
Groom: Louise Barraud

Peder Fredricson with 15-year-old Alcapone Des Carmille
Owner: Alcapone Group
Breeder: Carole Levallois
Groom: Julia Ring

Peder Fredricson with 12-year-old SV Vroom De la Pomme Z
Owner: SWE SMS AB
Breeder: Geert Baertsoen
Groom: Julia Ring

Angelie von Essen with 11-year-old Voila DK Z
Owner: BXB Competition
Breeder: Stal de Krochten
Groom: Jasmine Price

Wilma Hellström with 15-year-old Cicci BJN
Owner: rider
Breeder: JM Sohlman HB
Groom: Madelen Isaksson

Wilma Hellström with 11-year-old Eleven
Owner: Eyedidit AB
Breeder: Coudelaria Sobreiro Velho
Groom: Madelen Isaksson

Amanda Landeblad with 15-year-old For Killy
Owner: Jacobsbergs Stuteri AB
Breeder: D Dunne
Groom: Josefine Carlsson

Amanda Landeblad with 13-year-old Springfield 21
Owner: Jacobsbergs Stuteri AB
Breeder: U Hannoever
Groom: Josefine Carlsson

Thomas Ryan with 11-year-old Jezebeau BC
Owner: H3K Equestrian
Breeder: Tonia De Paepe
Groom: Brianna Donlon

All the riders have championship experience. Thomas rode for Ireland at the 2009 European Championships and Henrik and Peder were part of the gold medal-winning teams at the Tokyo Olympics and 2022 World Championships. Wilma won team gold at the 2023 Europeans and she was on the squad with Amanda, Petronella and Angelie at last year’s Europeans.

“These are riders with very strong teams,” said Mr Ankacrona. “We have a tradition of fantastic horse owners in Sweden who are very passionate about the sport and championships. They are really on the journey and are also a crucial part of it, just like the grooms.

“It will be an exciting journey all the way to the championship. We will work intensively to ensure that everyone gets the best possible plan. It is a World Championship at one of equestrian sports’ most iconic locations and it is also an Olympic qualifier. A very important championship.”

Mr Ankacrona confirmed that Sweden will send five riders to Aachen; four will form the team and one will be a reserve. Sweden will not have an individual rider.

“Now the form will be sharpened and it’s all about finding the five combinations that we believe will have their peak during the World Championships,” he said.

“You have to perform to be selected, but ultimately you have to be at your best in Aachen in August. That’s the balance that always exists when it comes to championships.”

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