Erika Lickhammer-van Helmond, a 42-year-old Swedish equestrian based in the Netherlands, achieved a remarkable feat at the five-star Grand Prix show jumping competition in Mechelen, Belgium. Riding her eleven-year-old mare, Comme Tessa, Lickhammer-van Helmond not only qualified for the jump-off for the first time in a competition of this caliber but also secured a commendable seventh-place finish with a clear round. This achievement is particularly noteworthy considering Comme Tessa’s limited experience at this level, marking only her second World Cup appearance.
Lickhammer-van Helmond, ranked 206th globally, has diligently built her career alongside her husband, Joris, over the past two decades. Together, they manage a breeding and training stable in the Netherlands, nurturing and developing promising horses like Comme Tessa. Their dedication and expertise have enabled them to retain several top-tier horses within their stable, further solidifying their presence in the equestrian world. This self-sufficiency, allowing them to keep and train their own talented mounts, is a testament to their commitment and skill in horse breeding and development.
The Mechelen Grand Prix presented a formidable challenge, with only ten out of the initial field of competitors advancing to the jump-off. Among those elite riders was the world’s number one ranked show jumper, Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann, aboard Iliana. Unfortunately, von Eckermann encountered difficulties during his round, accumulating three faults due to rail knockdowns, and consequently finished in 32nd place. This highlights the demanding nature of the course and the intense competition at this level of show jumping. Even the most accomplished riders can face setbacks, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of equestrian sport.
In contrast to von Eckermann’s misfortune, Lickhammer-van Helmond and Comme Tessa navigated the challenging course flawlessly in both the initial round and the jump-off. Recognizing Comme Tessa’s limitations in terms of speed against the top contenders, Lickhammer-van Helmond prioritized a clear round over an aggressive, time-focused strategy. This measured approach proved successful, securing them a coveted spot in the top ten. Their final time of 43.38 seconds placed them just over seven seconds behind the podium finishers, a respectable margin considering the caliber of the competition. The fact that seven of the ten jump-off contenders also achieved clear rounds underscores the high level of skill and precision displayed by the participating riders and their horses.
Lickhammer-van Helmond’s strategic decision highlights a crucial aspect of competitive show jumping. While speed is undoubtedly a critical factor, particularly in jump-offs, it must be balanced against the risk of incurring faults. A clear round, even if slower, often yields a better overall result than a fast round marred by penalties. Lickhammer-van Helmond’s understanding of this balance, combined with her confidence in Comme Tessa’s ability to jump cleanly, ultimately paved the way for their successful outcome.
This result in Mechelen marks a significant milestone in Lickhammer-van Helmond’s career and demonstrates the potential of Comme Tessa as a rising star in the show jumping world. Their performance against top-ranked competitors, including overcoming the same challenging course that tripped up the world number one, solidifies their presence on the international stage. It will be exciting to follow their progress in future competitions as they continue to develop and refine their partnership.
