The beginner breeder of the small however mighty horse who grew to become world showjumping champion was deeply moved to be reunited with him, 14 years later.
Belgian breeder Wim Impens paid a go to to Henrik von Eckermann’s Cyor Stables to see King Edward, the Swedish powerhouse who additionally has group world and Olympic gold to his title.
Mr Impens was given the Belgian breeders’ bonus on the annual “Equigala” in recognition of King Edward’s achievement because the highest-earning horse of the yr. This month, Belgian Horse Hub took him to Henrik’s base, the place he was “reunited with King Edward and spoke with the person who reworked his king right into a dwelling legend”.
A spokesperson for the hub, which is supported by the Flemish authorities to advertise the nation’s equestrian community, mentioned Mr Impens’ household’s breeding efforts have been “pushed purely by a ardour for eventing”.
“You dream that someday, considered one of your horses will actually exceed all expectations,” the spokesperson mentioned. “In 2010, a small and promising colt is born. After 18 months, you determine to promote him. Eleven years later, that very same horse wins gold on the Olympic Video games.”
Mr Impens mentioned he was delighted to be there.
“I’ve met Henrik earlier than at a contest, the place he took the time for a pleasant chat,” he mentioned.
“However to be right here now, strolling round, and seeing King Edward up shut once more – it actually touches me.”
Henrik and King Edward have been on the Swedish group that gained Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021, ending fourth individually, and world gold in 2022, after they have been additionally particular person champions. They gained back-to-back World Cup Finals in 2023 and 2024, and the Longines International Champions Tour tremendous grand prix in 2021.
King Edward is the final word pocket rocket, and Henrik affectionately in contrast him to a dachshund.
“He has brief legs, however an enormous coronary heart,” he mentioned. “As a result of he’s very large, has a really large canter and has huge leaping energy, it looks like you’re using a huge horse.
“He’s additionally extraordinarily candy and delicate. You virtually by no means discover that steadiness between warning and fearlessness. He at all times needs to get to the opposite facet, it doesn’t matter what is in entrance of him.”
Mr Impens added: “His ‘go’, that unyielding will to devour obstacles, is phenomenal. He’s small, however has a powerful character, one thing that many horses from his line share.”
Each agreed that the 2022 Herning World Championships have been King Edward’s pinnacle thus far.
“At an occasion like that, it’s important to carry out on the highest stage for thus many days, and he did all of it flawlessly,” Henrik mentioned. “Not a single rail down – it’s unbelievable. However actually, daily with him is a spotlight. He has such a cool persona, even within the stables. We attempt to pamper him as a lot as we will and actually get pleasure from each second with him.”
Mr Impens mentioned his father noticed King Edward’s final second every week earlier than he died.
“That makes it much more particular for me,” he mentioned.
“I typically get visits from Swedish King Edward followers. He’s even on a stamp!” he added.
Mr Impens mentioned folks now see him as an excellent breeder, however fewer than 1% of horses will turn into as good as King Edward, and that breeding is of venture.
“That’s why I don’t breed – I don’t have the endurance for these odds!” Henrik mentioned. “However with out high breeders like Wim, our sport wouldn’t exist. It’s additionally essential that younger horses have correct coaching – not too quick or too arduous, however with the time and care they want. In any other case, even the best-bred horses don’t stand an opportunity.”
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Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward through the group qualifier on the Paris Olympics.
Credit score: Peter Nixon
Credit score: Peter Nixon
Credit score: FEI/Martin Dokoupil
Credit score: Copyright ©FEI/Richard Juilliart
Credit score: Future
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H&H information editor
Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over eight years working for native and nationwide newspapers earlier than becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. Captivated with equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all facets of the trade, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of selection is showjumping, during which she competes her personal horses, and he or she additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping reveals via to worldwide championships.
