Henrik von Eckermann: “Aachen Is the Mecca of Our Sport”
Reigning World Champion Sets His Sights on Title Defence with Minute Man
Four years after his historic double triumph in Herning aboard King Edward, Henrik von Eckermann is preparing for a new challenge. The reigning FEI Jumping World Champion will head to the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 with Minute Man, the 12-year-old stallion he hopes will help him defend his individual world title.
Speaking ahead of the championships, the Swedish world number one reflected on his unforgettable success in 2022, describing it as both an extraordinary achievement and a huge relief.
“It was incredible. On the eve of the championships I became world number one, and during that same week we won both the team and individual world titles. It was something truly special. But I also have to admit it was a relief. King Edward was at the peak of his career and we arrived as the clear favourites. Mentally, winning was the only acceptable outcome. Finishing second would have felt like a failure.”
This time, however, the circumstances are different. Von Eckermann acknowledges Minute Man’s exceptional qualities while recognising that comparisons with King Edward are inevitable.
“I’m very careful about setting goals because the situation is different from four years ago. King Edward was the undisputed favourite, whereas Minute Man is a horse that has produced excellent performances but is not yet at King Edward’s level. I’ll take it one day at a time, although I know he has tremendous potential and quality.”
Asked what makes Minute Man such a promising championship horse, the Swedish rider highlighted the stallion’s consistency and careful jumping style.
“On the outside he looks very calm, but inside he has a great deal of spirit and energy. He is also extremely careful over the fences, which is a key quality at a World Championship, where you have to jump several demanding rounds over many days. The real challenge is not producing one great round, but maintaining that level throughout the entire championship. In Herning, I stayed clear in all five rounds. If I had touched a single rail on any of those days, I could easily have dropped to second or even third place.”
As part of his preparation for Aachen, von Eckermann deliberately chose competitions on large grass arenas, including Riesenbeck and Falsterbo, to replicate the conditions he will face at the World Championships.
“Minute Man had already competed in Aachen before he came to me, and he looked very confident there. After finishing fifth in Riesenbeck, I believe we can travel to Aachen with a positive feeling.”
The Swedish star also spoke about his excitement at returning to Aachen, a venue he considers the ultimate stage in international show jumping.
“Twenty years ago I watched the World Equestrian Games in Aachen as a spectator, and ever since then I’ve dreamed of competing there myself. Now I finally have that opportunity. Every time I ride into that stadium, it feels incredible. The atmosphere, with tens of thousands of spectators, is unlike anything else.”
For von Eckermann, however, Aachen is about far more than its iconic stadium.
“My expectations are the same every time I come to Aachen. You immediately feel that this is where the world’s best belong. Aachen is simply the mecca of our sport. There is nothing comparable anywhere else. It’s not only the atmosphere inside the arena. Everything behind the scenes is equally outstanding. The conditions for the horses, riders and grooms are second to none. It’s the complete package. That’s why Aachen is simply the best of the best.”
Source FEI
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