Sara Algotsson Ostholt had her big breakthrough when she and the horse Wega rode home an Olympic silver in London 2012, and has since won a number of EC medals.
But when the WC is decided in September, Algotsson Ostholt is not there.
The family's unlucky spring is the reason
In May, Sara fell from her horse during a competition in Poland, and needed to be treated in hospital after suffering a concussion and knocks on her ribs.
However, it is usually said that an accident rarely comes alone.
- Five days later, my husband Frank fell off on a front ride when the bit suddenly broke and he had nothing to brake with, says Algotsson Ostholt in an interview to DN.
The stress was too great
Frank broke eight or nine ribs, hit his head hard and had to stay in the hospital for two weeks.
- Suddenly I was standing there with 25 horses in the stable that needed to be taken care of, and two children who also needed me, says Algotsson Ostholt.
She realized that what she needed was rest, instead of chasing WC form, and therefore informed the national team captain Fredrik Bergendorff that she was not an aspirant for a place in the championship.
- Pulling the handbrake is one of the most difficult things there is, but I'm glad I finally did it.
If I had done it earlier, it might not have had to turn out like this.
Then maybe both I and the horse would have been in shape without stress.
CLIP: Landet runt's presenter Henrik Kruusaval is challenged by Boxholm's riding club in the field competition - on a stick horse.
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Landet runt's presenter Henrik Kruusval is challenged by Boxholm's riding club in the field competition - on a stick horse.