"My Priority is King Edward's Mental Health!" says Henrik von Eckermann

Showjumpers Show Up in Paris.

Gold champion Henrik von Eckermann muses over his path and the shifts in his life priorities as showjumping riders get ready to come in Paris.

Changing Focus

Winning a team gold medal, Henrik von Eckermann talks about his changing aspirations and obligations. "I'm a father as well, although I still fantasize about grand events like Olympic Gold. My priorities have somewhat changed," he says. The Swedish showjumper remembers the passionate individual championships in Tokyo, where he came fourth, rather clearly. "Afterwards, you can say fourth place is not bad but I felt like the biggest loser."

King Edward Von Eckermann clearly inspires trust in his love of his horse. "My horse King Edward is just fantastic. We have perfect faith of one another. I try my best every time we begin. My horse is really never to fault, hence I cannot tolerate making a mistake on my part!

The Value of Psychological Well-Being

King Edward aged, and von Eckermann stresses the need of mental health for horses. "Horses do age, much as people do. You have to play more creatively as you grow older. You relinquish some authority. Fortunately, King Edward grew more shrewd with age. That emphasizes the great relevance of mental health for horses. I thus aim to do 150% of my best to protect the emotional health of my horse!

A View from Two Different Angues

Juggling his fatherhood and profession, von Eckermann notes his mental change. "Right now I am a father. I fantasize and consider grand ideas still. But, as a father today, my priorities have changed. The world won't stop when I lose the gold. Of sure, I will feel horrible!

Ready for Paris?

Von Eckermann stays focused and driven despite the developments. "We are in shape, bring it on!" he says, prepared to meet the challenges ahead in Paris.