International superstars Henrik von Eckermann and the sensible King Edward are taking the showjumping world by storm, most not too long ago clinching back-to-back World Cup Last titles – the primary time for 25 years {that a} horse has achieved the feat.

His exceptional profitable efficiency additionally marked the fourth time that this heroic little chestnut has sailed via a championship with out touching a single pole.

However whereas the all-conquering duo effortlessly scale the best heights within the ring, the 14-year-old Belgium-bred gelding (Edward 28 x Feo) isn’t any simple trip and the Swedish rider describes King Edward as “very delicate”, significantly round his face. Henrik has additionally revealed that taking off the chestnut’s sneakers was a “full recreation changer”.

The small however mighty King Edward, who was bred by Wim Impens and has carried Henrik von Eckermann to Olympic and World Championship glory, has been seen in an assortment of various bridles lately to assist with the gelding’s sensitivity – in Herning there was no throatlash (pictured beneath), a nostril web is available in to make use of at instances, and at final week’s World Cup Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, they’d even allotted with a browband.

Henrik von Eckermann and the “delicate” King Edward, pictured with no throatlash en path to gold on the World Championships in Herning, Denmark, in 2022.

So H&H caught up with the reigning world primary Henrik von Eckermann to search out out extra in regards to the uncommon tack he’s been utilizing with multi-winning King Edward.

“We tried the nostril web as a result of he’s extraordinarily delicate, he doesn’t like something on his face,” reveals Henrik, 42. “It’s the identical with the browband, we’ve tried going with out one for a couple of months as a result of he doesn’t want it and so it’s much less on his face.”

Henrik von Eckermann has been driving King Edward with no browband for the previous few months. Final week they received back-to-back World Cup titles.

The Swedish showjumper says about their partnership: “It doesn’t assist to get nervous or pressured, as a result of the horse feels every thing and King Edward is a really, very delicate horse. We’ve been collectively so lengthy and know one another so effectively that I’ve the most important confidence in him. He won’t ever disappoint me. It’s my essential objective to maintain my horses comfortable and motivated and King Edward is certainly a really particular horse.”

Equally, King Edward, who’s taken care of by groom Louise Barraud, clearly has absolute perception in his rider, and we’re privileged to have the ability to watch their relentless clear spherical performances on this unbelievable period for the game.

“He has jumped so many clear rounds and achieved so many good issues – it’s a privilege to trip him,” says Henrik von Eckermann, who additionally describes him as “such a candy horse”.

As he sums up, “Edward has the potential from I don’t know the place – it’s past one thing else. He can soar an enormous fence with none effort. No different horse I’ve ever sat on has given me that feeling.”

You may additionally prefer to learn…

Horse & Hound journal, out each Thursday, is full of all the newest information and experiences, in addition to interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and coaching recommendation. Discover how one can get pleasure from the journal delivered to your door each week, plus choices to improve your subscription to entry our on-line service that brings you breaking information and experiences in addition to different advantages.

H&H showjumping editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her function as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her world wide reporting from exhibits and interviewing riders, connections and people concerned behind the scenes. Since becoming a member of H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on each topic throughout the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to secure administration — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She additionally has first-hand expertise of working within the equestrian business as a driving teacher and yard supervisor.