Few riders embody the artistry and patience of good horsemanship like Jens Fredricson. From his early days at Flyinge and Strömsholm to World Championship team gold, an Olympic appearance in London 2012, Nations Cup victories, and mentoring the next generation, Jens has built a career rooted in balance, education, and deep respect for the horse. His philosophy is simple yet profound: “If you don’t love horses, you shouldn’t ride. Winning is great, but it’s not everything.” Jens reminds us that success in sport is not only about medals, but about legacy — passing on knowledge, nurturing horses with care, and inspiring future riders.
Jens Fredricson’s story begins where all great horsemanship begins — with a deep, lifelong devotion to the horse. Born into a family where riding was both culture and craft, Jens grew up at Flyinge and Strömsholm surrounded by some of Sweden’s most influential equestrians, including Rolf‑Göran Bengtsson and Peter Eriksson. What started in dressage and eventing eventually became a singular passion for show jumping.
In an interview with Valentina Sozzi, Jens reflects on the philosophy that has guided his career: patience, balance, and an unwavering commitment to the horse’s well‑being. For him, training is a holistic process — physical strength, mental clarity, and trust must develop together. As he puts it, “It’s about making them strong, happy, and teaching them to think forward.”
Many of Jens’ most successful horses, including R.S. Isac and Markan Cosmopolit, began as school horses considered “too difficult.” Their transformation under his guidance reflects his belief that with soundness, heart, and thoughtful education, most horses can reach the top.
His career highlights include the emotional Nations Cup victory in Falsterbo and the World Championship team gold in Herning — a triumph shared with his brother, Peder Fredricson. Their relationship is built on mutual respect rather than rivalry. “We talk almost every day,” Jens says. “We’ve always supported each other. When one of us is competing, the other is there, but quiet — only stepping in when needed. That’s the best help.”
Jens also credits Sweden’s rise in show jumping to decades of smart federation decisions and mentorship from global icons. Today, he continues to mentor young riders, emphasizing that riding is not merely about winning but about cultivating a deep, quiet communication between horse and rider. As he reminds his students: “If you don’t love horses, you shouldn’t ride. Winning is great, but it’s not everything. Riding should be a beautiful, silent communication between horse and rider.”
Adapted from an interview with Jens Fredricson by Valentina Sozzi.
At Flyinge’s Horse Welfare Summit, the Professor Ingvar Fredricson Foundation awarded its 2026 scholarship to Dr Andrew McLean, recognising his pioneering work in equitation science and his longstanding contribution to equine welfare.
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Two days. One shared goal: advancing horse welfare through science, education and practice. Join leading international experts at the Horse Welfare Summit 2026, where Dr Andrew McLean will deliver two keynote lectures and receive the Professor Ingvar Fredricson Foundation Scholarship.
A new review examines how smartphones are becoming genuine tools for monitoring a horse's soundness, heart rate and recovery, and even for meeting international competition requirements. Among the systems it highlights is Sleip, co-founded by Dr. Elin Hernlund, one of the Foundation's own scholarship recipients, whose work builds on decades of Swedish equine biomechanics research going back to Professor Ingvar Fredricson himself.
On November 2, visitors gathered in Hall B at the Jönköping Horse Show for the Professor Ingvar Fredricson Foundation’s 2025 scholarship ceremony, celebrating groundbreaking Swedish research in equine biomechanics. From the pioneering efforts of the 1970s—when high‑speed cameras and manual measurements were the researcher’s tools—to today’s AI‑powered motion analysis and robotic hoof simulators, the audience was taken on a journey through decades of innovation. Professors Lars Roepstorff and Marie Rhodin, together with Associate Professor Elin Hernlund, shared their latest breakthroughs, followed by live demonstrations showing how AI and high‑precision sensors are transforming the understanding of horse–rider interaction. Moderator Jens Fredricson guided the dialogue and inspired exchange between researchers, while post‑event discussions with attendees helped build valuable bridges between research and practice.