Stefan Jansson Appointed New Swedish Dressage Team Captain

Dressage

Sweden

Stefan Jansson has been appointed the new Swedish dressage team captain by the Swedish Equestrian Federation. He succeeds Bo Jena.

Jansson will be supported by Marianne Lilja Wittbom, who has been appointed strategic advisor.

"It will be very exciting. I look forward to the collaboration and development work with riders and horses. Dressage is an incredibly beautiful and fun sport and I see the future of Swedish dressage very brightly," said Jansson. "Of course, it is also a challenge to step into the role in the time we are in now. But it's a challenge I'm ready to face and I think it's developing for the whole sport."

Stefan Jansson

The 59-year old Jansson is a Grand Prix level trainer and rider. His last major competition horse is Zidney (by Zuidenwind x Laurentio), which he competed at the 2015 World Young Horse Championships in Verden and premiered at international Grand Prix level in 2023. His last CDI was in Herning in October 2023. Stefan has competed numerous horses at the Swedish young horse championships over the past two decades (Rubinrot, Cadence E, Decorous, Fleurie, Rix, Charentio, Locatelli, etc.).

Jansson has stated that harmony and animal welfare will be his focal points in future team selection.

"I am proud that Sweden, with the Swedish Equestrian Federation in the lead, is pushing for horse welfare issues both nationally and internationally. Everything we do must be characterized by the fact that we do it from the horse's perspective. When you look at a dressage team, it should look like both parties like what they do. It should look relaxed and simple with great softness in riding. We must strive for greater responsiveness to the horse's ability with the combination being in harmony and the interaction between horse and rider seamless. They must be a team."

Marianne Lilja Wittbom

Marianne Lilja Wittbom has worked for 30 years in leading positions in both small and large companies. She was CEO of Riksanlagingen Flyinge (2010-2015) and today is the district chairman of the Gothenburg and Bohuslän Equestrian Association. She is also a hobby dressage horse breeder.

"We consider it important to have a strong collaboration between the squads, the national team coaches and with the young people, from ponies to U25," said Wittbom. "I hope to contribute with strategic thinking, planning, follow-up and by being a sounding board for Stefan."

Marianne also wants to be "a bridge builder" with the other stakeholders such as horse owners, sponsors and the media.

Jansson andWittbom will take up their duties on 1 January 2025 but as of 1 December they will collaborate in the smooth handover of tasks with Bo Jenå as well as listen to the riders and trainers about the needs to develop for the future.