Swedish national dressage team for 2025 presented
New management, revised criteria and a clear focus on the welfare of the horses
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Under new management, with revised criteria and a clear focus on the welfare of the horses, Sweden presents its national dressage team for 2025.
Stefan Jansson and Marianne Lilja Wittbom have created a uniform sporting structure that should set the same expectations for riders - from pony class to top sport.
The new team structure comprises an A and a B squad as well as a "Topp och Talang" group (top and talent squad) of the Swedish Olympic Committee (SOK). The latter is aimed at riders with championship experience, but who do not currently have any horses with Grand Prix experience under the saddle. This includes their top horses Dante Weltino OLD and Buriel K.H., both Olympic participants, who have only recently retired from the sport. The aim is to focus on promising young horses with a connection to the squad.
The A squad for 2025 consists of Patrik Kittel, Maria von Essen, Sofie Lexner and Malin Wahlkamp-Nilsson, all experienced international Grand Prix riders. The B squad includes Caroline Darcourt, Mads Hendeliowitz, Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén, Isabella Tovek and Jacob Nörby Sörensen, among others, who could recommend themselves for the European Championship team with strong performances.
The big goal for 2025 is the European Championships in Crozet, France, from August 28th to 31st. In the long term, however, the focus is particularly on the 2026 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, where Sweden would like to secure qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.