Von Essen Claims Gothenburg World Cup Victory, Kittel Close Behind
Gothenburg, Sweden – February 21, 2026 – Maria von Essen of Sweden secured her first-ever FEI Dressage World Cup™ qualifier victory at the Scandinavium arena today, riding Invoice to a personal best score of 82.645%. Compatriot Patrik Kittel finished a close second with Touchdown, scoring 81.920%, while Denmark’s Carina Cassøe Krüth rounded out the podium with Heiline’s Danciera (81.240%).
Swedish Triumph on Home Soil
The Scandinavium arena was filled with enthusiastic spectators supporting the home riders, and they were rewarded with a Swedish one-two finish. Von Essen’s win came after finishing second in both the 2024 and 2025 qualifiers.
A Freestyle to Remember
Von Essen and Invoice, owned by Alexanders Hovslageri & Häst, delivered a captivating Freestyle performance set to music from Les Misérables. The pair excelled in the collected movements, showcasing expressive piaffe and passage work, and precise tempi changes.
“Invoice was magical! He was with me all the way, even though there was a huge crowd today. Also this music gives me goosebumps all the time. I almost had to cry,” said Von Essen.
Kittel’s Strong Performance
Patrik Kittel, riding his 2024 FEI Dressage World Cup™ winner Touchdown (owned by Sommarkvarn AB), delivered a strong and faultless Freestyle, scoring 81.920%. While the test was well-matched to the music, Kittel noted that Touchdown could have demonstrated more carrying power in the piaffe. Kittel now sits in second place in the FEI Dressage World Cup™ standings.
“It was amazing to go in there today. I’ve ridden in Gothenburg for many years. I got a lot of applause when I came in and Touchdown got quite excited. We had small things in the canter tour, but it was a fantastic test. It was Dressage at its best today. Dressage is alive,” said Kittel. FEI
Krüth Maintains Form
Carina Cassøe Krüth, the Friday’s Grand Prix winner, finished third with Heiline’s Danciera (owned by Poul Thørgensen). The experienced pair delivered a confident and balanced Freestyle, despite a few minor mistakes.
“We had some small mistakes today, so I can live with our third place. But we are in a excellent position in the World Cup standings, and if we have enough points, I will definitely go to the Final,” said Krüth. FEI
Danish Presence
Denmark showcased its strength in dressage, with riders claiming fourth, fifth, and sixth places. Sara Aagaard Hyrm (DEN) and Atterupgaards Cooper finished fourth (75.050%), followed by Cecilie Dybro Jensen (DEN) and Zagori, and Anna Zibrandtsen (DEN) and Quel Filou (74.245%).
Next Stop: ’s-Hertogenbosch
The final Western European League qualifier will be held in ’s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, on March 13 and 14. This event will determine the remaining qualification places for the Final in Fort Worth, Texas. FEI
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