The Longines FEI World Cup season will end with the prestigious final in Omaha (USA) this week. After 106 qualifiers in 15 different leagues it is now all down to one last final.

World of Showjumping asked Sweden's Henrik von Eckermann – who ranked fourth in the Western European League and took a very popular home win in the last qualifier in Gothenburg – about his expectations ahead of Omaha. 

"The horse that I am bringing to the final – Mary Lou – is inexperienced at this level. She has grown a lot during the season and I am very happy with her development. Bringing her to Omaha, I wish to gather even more good rounds with her. I think we are not going to be in the battle for the title, I just wish we do well and then we can see how long that will take us." 

Like many others have mentioned, the venue in Omaha is a new one: "We know the dimensions of the arena, it is a size 32 meters times 72 meters. It will be interesting to see how the venue is, and how the courses will be built. It is a long trip over to Nebraska, and the first time Mary Lou is flying – I am happy to have my groom with her on the plane." 

Henrik believes the home venue will give an extra kick to the Americans: "I would put my money on McLain, if there was a bet about the winner. He is always a strong competitor and I think having the final at home will make him even hungrier for the win."

Text © World of Showjumping by Nanna Nieminen // Picture © Jenny Abrahamsson (No reproduction without permission)