Prince Carl Philip spent the weekend with some equine friends as he presented Prince Carl Philip’s Prize at the Sweden International Horse Show on Saturday.
This year’s prize went to 15-year-old Lilly Johansson from Hittarp’s riding club and her pony, Small Titan.
“We bought him four years ago from Ireland,” Lilly, whose parents both have equestrian backgrounds, told the Sweden International Horse Show. “I go to high school at Naturbruksgymnasium and have two big horses. I’m done with my C-pony time. But it was great fun to receive the prize from the prince,” she said.
Prince Carl Philip’s Prize is one of the world’s largest cups for category C and D ponies and was donated by the Swedish Royal Family in 1987 to the Swedish Pony Riders Association’s Stockholm District.
When four equestrian organisations were merged and the Swedish Equestrian Association was formed, the award was handed over to Stockholm County Equestrian Association, according to the Royal Court.
Prince Carl Philip arrived in style at Friends Arena, riding in a parade from Hovstallet. The wagon he took, which was made in Paris in 1881, features seals and civilian livres and was a wedding gift from the Grand Duke of Baden to their daughter Victoria and Crown Prince Gustaf (later King Gustaf V). Members of the public can view the wagon and harnesses during a tour of the Hovstallet, Sweden’s answer to London’s Royal Mews.
The Sweden International Horse Show, which was held from 28 Nov through December 1, has taken place every year since 1993. It was originally held at the Ericsson Globe Arena under the name Stockholm International Horse Show but has taken place at the Friends Arena in Solna since 2014.
The competition is tough with riders from all over Sweden competing throughout the year for the eight final places in the Sweden International Horse Show.
