Malin Baryard Johnsson and her 18-year-old horse Indiana finished third in the World Cup show jumping in Gothenburg after two clear rounds. They were just fractions behind the Dutch winners. Baryard Johnsson praises the veteran horse that still performs at the top level.
Malin Baryard Johnsson made a comeback in the World Cup after seven years, riding her Olympic and World Championship gold horse H&M Indiana. In Scandinavium in Gothenburg, they delivered two clear rounds in the show jumping, securing third place. They finished just behind the Dutch riders Willem Greve and Kim Emmen, who took first and second places.
"She didn't put a foot wrong," says Baryard Johnsson about Indiana's performance.
The 50-year-old rider expresses great gratitude for her partnership with the horse. "I'm fortunate to have had a horse like Indiana for so long. I enjoy every moment we have left together," she says. She emphasizes that they are now competing for Indiana's sake: "We're doing this for her now. She doesn't owe anyone anything, but as long as she enjoys it and is in form, she should absolutely be allowed to do it."
Indiana, now 18 years old, has an impressive record, including the Swedish team gold at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. Baryard Johnsson rules out the World Championships in Aachen this year: "Indiana is a bit too old and the younger horses are a bit too young." She notes that she is not chasing championships just to participate, but has promising younger horses.
Inspired by the ongoing Winter Olympics, she comments: "Yes, they are incredibly inspiring, especially the women. I watched the 50km today, I'm so impressed." Regarding the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, she says: "It's not impossible."
The event highlights Indiana's endurance despite her advanced age for a show jumping horse.
