ROAD TO ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL: Henrik Von Eckermann

HENRIK VON ECKERMANN (SWE) - 25/05/1981

Henrik von Eckermann has been number 1 in the world rankings for twenty-nine consecutive months. This is yet another record for the Swedish rider to add to his enviable palmares, although he is used to memorable performances in partnership with the magnificent King Edward. Over the past five years, the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final has also been the conquering ground for the unstoppable duo. «Many of my dreams have come true with King Edward, and the Top Ten was one of them» said Henrik right after they signed the 2022 victory. Von Eckermann was also the runner-up in the 2021 and 2023 editions.

Swedish by birth, German by adoption as an equestrian, Dutch by residence, Henrik von Eckermann is the ultimate expression of a modern way of conceiving equestrian sport. He trained at the school of Ludger Beerbaum, who remains to this day his first point of reference and his idol. In 2023 and 2024 he won the World Cup final in Omaha and Riyadh and the team gold medal in the European Championship in Milan while in 2022 he achieved his goal of double gold in the World Championship in Herning. In 2021, at the Olympics in Tokyo, he was fourth-placed individually and team gold with the sporting partner of his greatest successes: King Edward.

Which horse will you ride in the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final and why?

«Actually I haven’t decided yet. It will be King Edward».

What is the moment from last season that you carry in your heart?

«The World Cup Final for sure. Winning the World Cup Final for the second time in a raw was special. And also the Top Ten: it is always a special competition».

You’ve been on the podium of the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final four times out of five participations. What’s the magic about this class?

«That’s correct. I’ve been three times second and I won it once. I think this is one of the favourite competitions of the year with the ten best gathered in the same class. If you want to be in the ranking, it is not enough to have a single good performance. You’ve got to be good for the all year round to get in the Top Ten. It’s a nice class I always looked at it when I was a child and I often dreamt of competing in it one day. Now, being part of it it’s magic. It’s a class that gets better every year... It’s really challenging to compete with the riders that have been more consistently at the top of the highest level over the year».