Henrik von Eckermann saves the best for last in WEF 2025 debut

The world’s number one showjumper, Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann, did not disappoint when he took the Derby Field with Glamour Girl – last to go of 45 competitors – to win the $32,000 FEI 3* 1.45m in his first appearance at the 2025 Equestrian Festival [WEF].

“We couldn’t have a better start than today,” Henrik said of the win on the popular grass jump field located at the Global Dressage Festival venue, where action continues through Sunday this week. “She always liked this field. She won a class here also four years back, also the first day, I think. In this type of ring, she’s phenomenal.”

Glamour Girl is owned by Robin Parsky, who was watching from the sidelines, as Henrik rode the 14-year-old Dutch Sport Horse bay mare by VDL Zirocco Blue in a smooth and effortless round. 

“She doesn’t struggle,” said Robin. “You don’t see her fighting or struggling. It’s that smoothness, you know. But he’s a great rider, too. He knows her so well, and he told me once that to have a horse like this is an absolute dream, because she’s so consistent.”

Henrik’s round epitomized the saying ‘save the best for last’ as they went faster than the previously leading time of 64.8 – set by Egypt’s  Nayel Nassar and Linguini de la Pomme – with a time of 64.4 seconds. Nayel also claimed the last spot on the podium aboard Dorado de Riverland with a time of 65.82 seconds.

Henrik has a string of headlining horses to bring out at WEF this year, not least the world-renowned 15-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding King Edward who lands in Florida tomorrow. He also has an 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion Minute Man, of whom Robin is a majority owner.

For now the focus is on Glamour Girl. “She feels really well and so I want to keep her on the grass as long as I can,” Henrik said. “She’s unbelievable. “I don’t know how many classes she has won throughout  her career so far. But yeah, she knows the job.”

Robin expounded on the mare’s track record filling in the blanks that Henrik left. “They are the perfect pair,” she said.  “And he [Henrik] was being very humble. That horse has won many five-star classes, we think maybe over 30, maybe 35. Not very many horses can do that.”

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