Sweden International Horse Show is about much more than international jumping, and the riders participating need to be prepared to take part in the entertainment. 'Fjordkampen' – the Fjord Battle – is a class where the female and male riders compete against each other in dressage, driving and jumping, all together with Norwegian Fjord horses.
This year, the teams where captained by Malin Baryard-Johnsson and Jens Fredricson. Malin's team consisted of Ioli Mytilineou, Linda Heed and Angelica Augustsson-Zanotelli, while Abdel Said, John Whitaker and Marlon Modolo-Zanotelli participated on Jens' team.
All photos © Jenny Abrahamsson for World of Showjumping.
All smiles from Ioli getting prepared for the dressage test with Chalander.
Looking good Ioli!
Abdel and the super cute Ny Vestergårds Joakim during their dressage test.
Even though Ioli did a solid test, she had to see herself beaten by Abdel who nailed all the exercises.
Ioli thanking Calander for the ride.
Next up was driving, here Linda Heed and Hertig Hector.
Even though Linda tried to push Hertig Hector to go faster, he preferred to do it in his own pace.
He's done it all already: A very focused John steering Yxnavalls Casino through the course.
Full speed!
John ended up as winner of the heat and got standing ovations.
Some TLC for Hertig Hector.
Time for jumping and first out was Angelica with Ny Vestergårds Joakim.
Marlon's Chalander was so eager to get going that he knocked down the timers...
... and got John to run for safety.
In the end Malin had to step in to try to calm the stallion.
Angelica stylish as always.
Angelica really put some pressure on Marlon with her short turns.
Marlon was determined to win though, and set off in full speed.
Full focus!
Marlon celebrating his win, and that meant that the boys won all the heats.
First after his round, Marlon noticed that the saddle was on its way down on one side...
Still only smiles from Angelica after her husband Marlon won their heat.
The Fjord horses really gave their all and deserved all the cuddle they got!
The winning team!
Off to the lap of honour.
Abdel, watch out for kicks.
John made the lap of honour in a perfect right canter.
Second place for the girls!
Congrats!
Then