Barcelona, USA – October 04, 2024 – A total of 92 riders and 143 horses are competing over four days at the CSIO Barcelona. Athletes and horses of exceptional talent. Olympic champions, such as Christian Kukuk (GER) and his horse Checker 47, the brand-new gold medalists at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Or Steve Guerdat (SUI), who won silver on the same stage, the imposing Palace of Versailles, riding Dynamix de Belheme. And among them, arriving from the Netherlands where they live in a country house when not competing, are two legendary names whose reputation precedes them: Swedish rider Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) and his magnificent horse King Edward. Both have been leading the Longines ranking (world ranking) for two years and have collected titles such as the 2022 World Championship in Denmark or the last two World Cups.

They say no horse has ever had a better name to rule the world. King Edward was born 14 years ago in Belgium and has been competing at the highest level since he was nine. He competes without horseshoes and stands at 1.65 meters tall, a relatively small size for a show jumping horse. “Why is he the best horse in the world? He probably is because he does many things well and is very consistent. Although he’s rather short, he grows with the height of the obstacles. Off the track, he’s a very calm and docile horse, but when he enters the arena, he transforms and unleashes all his power. When he jumps, he gives his maximum strength—I can perfectly feel his heart,” explains von Eckermann. “If I had to compare him to a football player, I’d say King Edward could be a Ronaldo for his physical power or likely Messi as well, because he’s small and has extraordinary talent.”

This is the third time von Eckermann and King Edward are competing at CSIO Barcelona, and year after year, their relationship becomes more intense. “He and I have grown together, and we have a very special relationship, one of mutual respect. I’m very careful with him and don’t impose anything on him. You can’t force a horse—you need to find a balance because if the horse doesn’t want to do something, maybe you’ll get him to obey once, twice, three times… but he won’t do it many more times. Horses require a lot of attention. They’re not machines that, if they break down, you can repair. You never know what might happen when competing with a horse. They have instincts, emotions, they can have bad days. King Edward is the best horse, but tomorrow he could finish 50th in a competition. That’s what makes this sport so special,” adds the Swedish rider.

King Edward arrived this Tuesday in Barcelona from the Netherlands, where he lives when he’s not competing. He made the two-day trip, with a stopover in Lyon, accompanied, as always, by his inseparable groom, Louise Barraud. She takes care of him at all times and commands the trailer in which he travels, an incredible truck fully adapted with the capacity to transport seven horses, “although we never travel with more than four,” notes Barraud, who chose this lifestyle ten years ago and has been with King Edward for five years. She shares a very special bond with him: “He’s a horse who likes a lot of attention. He doesn’t give you love right away, you have to earn it, and that makes him even more special. I’ve been with him for five years, and now we trust each other a lot. He’s very special.”

Whether traveling, at the stable when competing, or at home, a Lion King plush toy always accompanies King Edward. “I gave it to him,” says his groom. “He’s the king, so he couldn’t have any other stuffed toy than a king.”

Source: Press Release from Oxersport for CSIO Barcelona

Photos: © RCPB / Nacho Olano

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