The Swedish Equestrian Federation Svenska Ridsportförbundet has announced the team for the European Championships in Milan (ITA) - Association stallion Zuccero by Zirocco Blue-Caretino (Hanno Köhncke, Badendorf), Stamm 4539, and Rolf-Göran Bengtsson are part of the team!

The Swede and the gray horse have been a team for just over three years, successfully making their 1.60 meter debut in Spruce Meadows (CAN) in 2022 and winning the Grand Prix of Neumünster (GER) and Uggerhalne (DEN), among others, this year. "It's a great honor to be back in the team," said the 61-year-old, looking forward to the championships in Italy from August 30 to September 3, 2023. The nomination follows a highly successful season, an appointment to Sweden's A squad, and is the reward for sound training with vision for which the exceptional rider is known. "I have always believed in the stallion, because his quality speaks for itself," says Bengtsson. "As with Casall, I took my time to prepare Zuccero for big tasks as well." Now the stallion is benefiting from the consistency they worked on together, he says: "He always wants to give his best. He has ambition, caution, ability - it all fits," he enthuses.

Sebastian Rohde, Managing Director of Holsteiner Verband Hengsthaltungs GmbH, is also pleased with Rolf-Göran Bengtsson about the nomination. "My heartfelt congratulations to Rolf! It's great fun every time to watch the two of them." The next time the combination will be seen will be in Pinneberg at the CSI Hof Waterkant this weekend, where Bengtsson will compete in the final preparation for the European Championships. He wants to let the Championships come to him and enjoy it - "presenting Zuccero in the best possible way" is the goal for Milan, he reveals. 

Photo: Janne Bugtrup