When the show jumping team – after an incredible drama – won the Olympic Games gold and captured many hearts three years ago, Baryard Johnsson was one of the gang who rode.
Then Rolf-Göran Bengtsson was the reserve. The wise, low-key horseman who provided tips and advice. Now he and Baryard Johnsson are switching roles. Remaining in the team are Peder Fredricson and Henrik von Eckermann.
The quartet has competed in numerous championships together over the years and knows each other inside and out.
"Not getting in the way"
As early as Atlanta 1996, Bengtsson and Baryard Johnsson made their debut in a team that didn't make much of an impression. It's different now, when the Swedish show jumping team takes medals in almost every championship.
Baryard Johnsson knows what is expected of her.
The most important thing is not getting in the way. Everyone has a well-functioning system, and it's about being available if needed, like if something goes wrong during a round and you need to rush out and help.
Mostly it's the practical part, having control over the maximum time, if there are any "traps" on the course, and so on. If they want that information. I won't rush out and give information they don't want. It's very much about respecting them.
It's an advantage that we're so tight-knit. I know them so well that I can see when it's time to take a detour, says Baryard Johnsson.
Ready to ride
At the same time, she's preparing herself and the mare Indiana as if it were an Olympic Games she's participating in.
Mentally, I'm fully prepared to ride. It shouldn't come as a surprise if I'm called in.
Changes can be made two hours before the day's team qualification, before the team final, and before the individual jumping.
We do exactly the same preparations as those who are going to ride. I have my routine. If the moment comes that I'm called in, I'll be ready, absolutely. Anything can happen.
Malin Baryard Johnsson likes to tease Henrik von Eckermann a bit extra. They've known each other since von Eckermann was young.
But now she's holding back.
You walk on eggshells around him. No, joking aside. We're so tight-knit that we know how we function. Who you can joke with and not, so to speak.
