February 24, 2026 
Maria von Essen has been knocking at the door of a World Cup win in Gothenburg for three years. On Saturday, it opened.
The Swedish rider finished second in the qualifier at Gothenburg Horse Show in both 2024 and 2025 aboard Invoice. The world no. 10 ranked pair climbed the final step in 2026, putting paid to a win in the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Grand Prix Freestyle with a new personal best of 82.645%.
It’s von Essen’s career first World Cup qualifier victory.
“Invoice was magical! He was magical! He was with me all the way, even though there was a huge crowd. Also this music gives me goosebumps all the time. I almost had to cry,” said Von Essen.
Watch their winning performance set to a Les Misérables themed freestyle:
The final leg of the Western European League will take place in ’s-Hertogenbosch (NED) on March 13 and 14 March.
Tickets for the 2026 Longines FEI World Cup Finals in Fort Worth, Texas, this April 8–12 are on sale now at fortworth2026.com. HN readers get 15% off with promo code “FEIDICKIES!”
