She started the year in Spain, got to compete and get into the competition bubble for three weeks with her horses.
But a few weeks after they went home, the herpes virus EHV-1, also known as the abortion virus, struck in Spain, in Valencia.
Several horses died and all competition activities were stopped in many countries.
And it has not started.
- It is a mentally difficult situation.
You were on your way and then came this setback.
Now we just hope that it will not be long-lasting, says Baryard Johnsson.
Olympic big goal
She has high expectations for the summer and the Olympics in Tokyo - but the time to sharpen her form is short.
And in addition to the new virus, the pandemic still makes everything insecure.
- I have an approximate plan, no definite one.
It's a little scary but partly I'm calm in myself and so I have to rely on my and the horse's routine.
The horse she is talking about is the mare Indiana, a top horse, says Baryard Johnsson.
- It's another once-in-a-lifetime horse.
It is not often that you have such an opportunity with a horse of the right age and with the potential we have together.
And we also have a very good team for the Olympics.
Dreaming of an individual medal
Malin Baryard Johnssons has one Olympic silver, two World Cup and two European Championship silver, all in teams.
With Indiana, she also sees opportunities individually.
- All Olympic athletes' dream is to take an individual medal, of course it attracts enormously, she says.
The competition ban for the herpes virus applies until 11 April first and foremost.
Then she hopes to get important competitions to trim the form.
- It has been a different year to say the least.
And now it creeps into the body to get out, says Malin Baryard Johnsson.