The Swedish Olympic Committee and the Swedish national coaches today announced the squads for the Olympic Games in Paris. The association’s stallion Zuccero HV by Zirocco Blue-Caretino (Hanno Köhncke, Badendorf), line 4539, and Rolf-Göran Bengtsson are among the four rider-horse pairings, of which three will ultimately form part of the Swedish team. 

“Zuccero has performed very well and delivered consistent results over the past few months,” says Rolf-Göran Bengtsson, delighted with the grey. “At the European Championships in Milan, he proved that he’s a horse with the will to win and the determination to see it through. He had little experience at that level, but you could tell there was more to come.” Bengtsson had always placed great importance on gently introducing the association’s stallion to challenging tasks. “I’ve always believed in him and I’m delighted that he’s not only hugely successful in competition but is also receiving great acclaim from breeders – he deserves it.” When asked how he feels about being selected for the squad for the seventh Olympic Games of his career, he says with a smile, in his typically down-to-earth manner: “Four years older than last time. I’ll now do everything I can to make sure Zuccero stays in good spirits, and then we’ll see…”

The team at the Holsteiner Verband Stallion Station and the entire Holsteiner Verband offer their heartfelt congratulations on the selection of Zuccero HV and Rolf-Göran Bengtsson – we are incredibly proud of you both!

Photo: Stefan Lafrentz