Ingvar Fredricson was appointed jubilee doctor at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), where he delivered the official address on behalf of all honourees. In his speech, he reflected on the evolution of veterinary research, from his early biomechanics experiments in the 1960s—dismissed at the time—to the thriving research environment at SLU today. He emphasised the importance of scientific curiosity, perseverance, and prioritising horse welfare from the very beginning of the modern equestrian era. His message to new doctors was clear: trust your own convictions, pursue what you believe in, and have the courage to lead.
Ingvar Fredricson appointed jubilee doctor
Summary based on the original article published by SLU. Originally published: October 11, 2023
Awarded "Never listen too much to old advisors, but feel what you believe deep down, because you are the ones who are at the forefront". That was Ingvar Fredricson's message to the young doctors, in connection with his being appointed jubilee doctor at Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.
Ingvar Fredricson with the two books he published this summer, his memoirs and a new edition of the book about Flyinge. Photo: Jenny Svennås-Gillner/SLU
At a ceremony in Uppsala, veterinarian and biomechanics researcher Ingvar Fredricson was appointed jubilee doctor at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). Chosen to speak on behalf of all honourees, he reflected on the dramatic evolution of veterinary research over the past six decades — from the unstructured freedom of the 1960s to today’s highly supervised and methodologically rigorous PhD environment.
Fredricson described how, as a young veterinary student, he became fascinated by biomechanics and questioned the certainty with which lameness diagnoses were often made. His ambition to film horses at high speed was initially dismissed; at the time, many believed the “era of the horse” was ending. Support eventually came from the Technical University and later from Saab engineers, who helped analyse the early motion‑capture footage — a collaboration that laid the groundwork for Sweden’s modern equine locomotion research.
Promoter Jens Häggström, professor of small animal internal medicine, hands over the diploma to Ingvar Fredricson. Photo: Jenny Svennås-Gillner, SLU
Fredricson noted that what began as a fragile idea in 1963 has grown into a full biomechanics research environment at SLU, where around twenty veterinarians now work with advanced technology and software. He highlighted the importance of horse welfare being integrated from the very beginning of Sweden’s renewed interest in horses — a factor he believes has been essential for the sport’s continued legitimacy.
He also acknowledged the role of ATG’s early investments in equine research and continuing education, which helped transform biomechanics from a fringe curiosity into a respected scientific field.
In his address to the new doctors, Fredricson offered a message shaped by decades of persistence: “Never listen too much to old advisors — feel what you believe in deep down. If you persevere, it can become a success.”
He encouraged young researchers to trust their own judgement, pursue ideas that may initially seem unconventional, and remain committed even when progress is slow.
A moment of celebration
The ceremony concluded with Fredricson thanking the rector on behalf of all jubilee doctors — and with a warm nod to the tradition of dancing at Uppsala Castle afterward.
Below is the entire ceremony. Ingvar Fredricson's speech enters the video at 2.08.
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