Nearly halfway through the dramatic 2023 season, the Longines Global Champions Tour leaves the French Riviera and heads to the capital of Sweden, Stockholm for the 7th powerful city on the Global circuit this year.
As the Championship race reaches this crucial stage, the spotlight turns to the illustrious riders making their way to the heart of Sweden’s capital city for the next leg of the 2023 series, scheduled from June 16th to 18th. In the iconic Olympic Stadium, steeped in over a century of equestrian tradition, elite horses and riders will fiercely compete. This historic venue has hosted prestigious events like the Olympic Games in 1912 and 1956, as well as the World Equestrian Games in the summer of 1990, further enhancing its rich heritage in the sport.
World number one Henrik von Eckermann will be leading the charge to his home event as fans will also get to witness Peder Fredricson make his debut on the tour this year. Malin Baryard-Johnsson who is currently third in the overall season ranking will do everything in her power to leapfrog to the top of the ranking in front of her home crowd all while competing alongside fellow countrymen, 2016 LGCT Champions Rolf-Goran Bengtsson, Evelina Tovek, Wilma Hellström, Linda Heed and Petronella Anderson.
In the Olympic Stadium fittingly the reigning Olympic gold medalist Ben Maher will lead a whole host of the world’s best including 2021 LGCT Grand Prix of Stockholm winner Scott Brash, plus Daniel Deusser, Gregory Wathelet, this year’s Mexico LGCT Grand Prix winner David Will, as well as podium veterans Marcus Ehning, Pieter Devos, and Olivier Philippaerts.
This week also see’s the return to the tour of both Ludger Beerbaum and Philipp Wesiaput after both sustaining injuries earlier this season. Husband and wife Marlon & Angelica Zanotelli will be competing against and with each other in the electric atmosphere of Sweden’s capital city as they both ride for the same GCL team St Tropez Pirates.
In addition to the thrilling LGCT and GCL competitions, fans can indulge in a multitude of entertainment options at the event. The ever-popular pony classes, the U25 series, captivating displays, and an expansive shopping village awaits attendees, offering a delightful experience for the entire family. Stockholm Horse Week will be in full swing, inspiring and uniting equestrian enthusiasts in a joyous celebration of the sport.
With a strong contingent of local heroes to rally behind, spectators will witness an epic showdown among the world’s finest riders. Notably, the home team Stockholm Hearts
, powered by H&M We Love Horses, will see if they can make it back-to-back home wins in Sweden, captivating the audience with their quest for victory.
Catch all the action live on GCTV, or secure your spot with the limited number of tickets still available by visiting this link.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.