Research & Practice: Advancing Horse Welfare

Footage from the inaugural Gothenburg Horse Show in 1977 by Per Wilen

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.

Equine sports medicine is evolving rapidly, driven by breakthroughs in technology, AI, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and clinical diagnostics. This Special Issue brings together eleven original and review articles that highlight both scientific progress and practical implications for the training, health, and welfare of horses in competitive sport. Together, they illustrate how modern equine research is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary — and increasingly relevant to everyday work with horses.

A landmark international study has identified the five areas most essential to sport horse health and welfare — and calls for a unified, evidence-based charter to close the gap between tradition and science in equestrian sport.

Ingvar Fredricson emphasizes that free movement and grazing are fundamental to a horse’s physical development, especially during the first three years of life. In a collaborative project in Brösarp, young horses are raised on large, hilly pastures to naturally strengthen their joints, muscles, and cardiovascular systems. Fredricson warns against “curling” horses — overprotective management that limits turnout or overuses blankets — arguing that such practices undermine durability. He stresses that sustainable horses are shaped by both genetics and environment, and that breeders and owners must prioritize natural movement, robust early development, and realistic expectations over aesthetics or tradition.

Jens Fredricson, stable master at RS Flyinge and vice chair of the Professor Ingvar Fredricson Foundation, shares his fundamental principles for training young horses — with welfare as the guiding principle throughout.

Study exploring the equine lameness assessment capacity of a smartphone single camera (SC) markerless computer vision application.

SLEIP sponsors the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology, a global nonprofit dedicated to advancing knowledge in equine locomotor analysis, focusing on understanding and managing lameness conditions in sports horses.

Article published in Animals #11 - Special Issue: Animal Use in Competitive Sport: Ethics and Welfare, June 9 2021

Lameness in horses is a long-known issue influencing the welfare and performance of the horse. This study suggests a feasible application of pose estimation based on 58 easily detectable anatomical reference points for lameness detection.

The FEI introduced an objective tool for measuring the tightness of nosebands at all FEI events across all disciplines. It is set to roll out during the first quarter of 2025.

Video summarizing the findings from the Brösarp Project: Horses show greater long‑term soundness when foals and young horses grow up with free movement on large, preferably varied and hilly pasture.

Full report of Häst i Skåne's Brosarp Project on the durability of young horses that are given freedom to roam on large areas of hilly terrain.

Published in Animals #12, May 5 2022

Published in Animals #13, February 19 2023

The welfare of sport horses is currently a cause for concern and attention, as the demands of the sports may pose a risk to the horses’ welfare. In recent years, there has also been increased research into training methods and horse welfare, and norms for the care and use of animals have developed. With this statement, the Danish Animal Ethics Council hopes to contribute to an evaluation and rethinking of the use of horses for sport.

Eva’s pioneering biomarker research makes it possible to assess the risk of inflammation arising from different types of training and arena surfaces. She became the Foundation’s inaugural scholarship recipient on May 28, 2024, at the Helsingborg Regional Animal Hospital.

“It’s almost impossible to ride at the highest level and at the same time keep track of the present research. That is the focus of our efforts at the foundation. To simplify it and make it as exciting and as enjoyable as possible so that people will be motivated to learn” says Ingvar Fredricson at a Press Conference at the Falsterbo Horse Show on July 12, 2023.

The Professor Ingvar Fredricson Foundation is dedicated to advancing equestrian sport on the horse’s terms. The FEI Code of Conduct reflects the same core principle: the welfare of the horse must always come first. By highlighting this Code, the Foundation reinforces its commitment to ethical, evidence‑based, and sustainable horsemanship.

In this video by Agria, Carl Hedin shares his tips for ensuring his horse's well-being—freedom, forage, and friends.

An international Delphi study has identified the key domains and sub‑domains essential to managing sport horse health and welfare in Olympic disciplines — creating the first globally agreed scientific framework for evaluating welfare in elite equestrian sport.

Throughout his life, Fredric has followed his own path, taken risks and tested limits to reach his goals. Follow Fredric's exciting life story in this 2021 profile by Carin Wrange at HästSverige

Rare archival footage of the eventing competition at the 1956 Stockholm Olympic Games, compiled by Per Wilen. These games — known as the Equestrian Olympics — were uniquely held in Stockholm after Australian quarantine regulations prevented horses from travelling to Melbourne.

As part of its 50th-anniversary celebrations, the Beijer Foundation, together with the Heby municipality and Sweden's Agricultural University (SLU), invited participants to a full day dedicated to horse health. Participants heard from some of the country's leading horse researchers about the most recent research findings for improving the health and performance of sport horses, with sustainability as a starting point.

For equestrians, the answer is always the same: it's about the horse. This short film from the FEI and Boehringer Ingelheim captures that truth simply and beautifully.

A documentary exploring the deep cultural and historical role of the horse in Swedish society — and why this connection still matters today.

Flyinge hosted the Horse Welfare Summit, Northern Europe's largest event dedicated to horse welfare. The summit spanned two full days and featured lectures, clinics, and panel discussions led by prominent experts in the field.

A rare piece of Swedish equestrian history: archival footage of the Hubertusjakt at Järvafältet in 1956, featuring the horse Light, qualified for the Stockholm Olympics held that same year.

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.

In this film, Professor Ingvar 'Fredric' Fredricson shares his long-held vision to improve horse welfare through better lameness diagnostics and prevention – and his joy that his ideas are finally being put into practice.

Professor Ingvar “Fredric” Fredricson — co‑founder of the Professor Ingvar Fredricson Foundation — laid the foundation for modern equine biomechanics in Sweden. His groundbreaking research on how horses move and interact with the ground reshaped training, racing surfaces, and today’s scientific understanding of performance and durability.

A richly illustrated comprehensive history of Flyinge from the 12th century to the present day.

Published in Animals #13, January 24 2023 This study explores the lameness assessment capacity of a smartphone single-camera markerless computer vision application by comparing measurements of the vertical motion of the head and pelvis to an optical motion capture multi-camera system using skin-attached reflective markers.

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.

P.R. van Weeran, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ECVS, Professor at Utrecht University, was a guest lecturer at the Professor Ingvar Fredricson Foundation Scholarship Award Ceremony on May 28th, 2024.

Considering the findings of the Equine Ethics & Wellbeing Committee’s work, and recent high-profile cases of inappropriate training methods, the EEF felt it was an important topic to discuss with its National Federation members.

The FEI established the Equine Ethics & Wellbeing Commission in 2022 to provide a framework to guide FEI regulations and policies to “ensure the welfare of the horse is paramount, and that there is ongoing social acceptance of the involvement of horses in sport.”

Olympic champion Peder Fredricson reflects on the small horses who made a big impact in international show jumping history.

The Nordic equestrian federations of Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland have jointly urged the FEI to strengthen international work on horse welfare. Their letter calls for greater transparency in judging and proposes a dedicated Dressage Forum to advance welfare‑focused development of the sport.

Scholarship recipient Eva Skiöldebrand was part of a research team conducting a clinical study of a novel drug combination that was effective in treating osteoarthritis-associated lameness in horses and restoring joint tissue. The findings could have implications for treating ostearthritis in humans as well, since horses and humans are genetically very similar. The researchers hope to conduct a clinical trial of the drug treatment in humans next.

The French parliament took an unusual step ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics, submitting 46 horse welfare recommendations to the international organising committee — a clear sign that equine wellbeing is now engaging audiences far beyond the traditional equestrian world.

Peder Fredricson describes horsemanship as a deep, ongoing responsibility to understand every aspect of a horse’s physical and mental wellbeing. He emphasizes that riders must stay actively involved in daily care — from hoof health and feeding to equipment, training, and competition planning — rather than leaving decisions entirely to professionals. Good horsemanship, he argues, is rooted in knowledge, observation, and continuous learning, because horses perform best when they feel well.

Profile of OfHorse, a Swedish startup harnessing printed sensor technology to capture microsecond-precise data on equine biomechanics

"Never listen too much to old advisors, but feel what you believe deep down, because you are the ones at the forefront." That was Ingvar Fredricson's message to the young doctors, in connection with his being appointed Jubilee Doctor at the Swedish University of Agriculture.

In his memoir Hippolog av fødsel og Ohejdad Vana (Hippologist by Birth and Untamed Habit), Ingvar Fredricson shares insights from his long life with horses.

Ridely launched the Horse Welfare Score on July 29, 2025—a gamified, mobile-first learning platform designed to close the equine care education gap. It delivers bite-sized, science-backed modules on pain recognition, the five domains, nutrition, hoof care, ethical training, tack fit and stress signals, each reinforced by short quizzes and measured through points, badges and leaderboards. Developed with Equitation Science International, Agria UK, British Eventing and top industry experts, the initiative also offers a dedicated community space and invites brands, federations and welfare leaders to join in driving systemic, lasting improvements in equine welfare.

Sigrid Bergåkra shares her experience running Bergåkra gård and the Naturlära Riding High School in northern Sweden. As a dressage trainer, young horse educator, and breeder, Sigrid embodies a philosophy rooted in passion for the horse and commitment to developing both animals and riders with integrity and care.

Ingvar Fredricson: “After some 50 years, it’s fantastic to see my ideas of using technology to improve horse welfare materialize."

How Sweden’s long era of peace shaped a cavalry culture that once dominated the equestrian world — and how that legacy still echoes today.

Ingvar Fredricson has devoted his life to horses and is currently establishing a foundation to preserve his extensive knowledge and promote horse welfare. His two world-champion sons will join him in this endeavor and carry on his legacy.

Horse & Hound Article by Becky Murray regarding the results of a study by the EEF (European Equestrian Federation) and World Horse Welfare exploring inappropriate equine training issues at home. More than 90% of the nearly 10,000 respondents reported that they had witnessed training behaviors that they believed compromised horse welfare.

Published in Animals #11, September 24 2021

The European Equestrian Federation promotes the growth and accessibility of equestrian sport across Europe, with horse welfare as its guiding principle.

The FEI's guardian framework resonates with the work we champion at the Professor Fredricson Foundation. Advancing equestrian sport means placing the horse's welfare and wellbeing at the center — not as an afterthought, but as the foundation upon which all excellence is built.

Flyinge has named its new arena the Fredricson Arena—a tribute to its former director, Ingvar Fredricson, and his sons Jens and Peder, also prominent figures in Swedish equestrian sport. Measuring 85 m x 135 m, it is one of Europe's largest arenas. The Fredricson family is honored to have their name on this world-class international training and competition arena, which will be instrumental in developing future championship riders. Per Wilén created the accompanying slideshow of the inauguration.

Tidningen Ridsport article by Susanne Högdahl about Hästen i Skåne's Brösarp Project on the durability of young horses who roam freely large hilly fields, led by Professor Ingvar Fredricson, DVM, PhD. The article includes inks to the full report and the Swedish Television feature( English translation).

An assessment of whether video footage coupled with machine learning, which is used to recognize pain in humans, can also be used to recognize pain in horses.

A 2023 study identifies blood‑based gene expression patterns linked to behavioral indicators of poor welfare in sport horses, including aggressiveness and stereotypies.

Elin Hernlund and her international research team introduce VAREN, a groundbreaking 3D parametric model of horses learned from real data. The model enables unprecedented analysis of how horses move and how their muscles respond during motion — a major advance for equine biomechanics research.

July 11, 2025 marks the inaugural International Day of the Horse, proclaimed by the United Nations to recognize the horse’s profound and lasting contribution to human history — and to raise global awareness of equine welfare and cultural heritage. As noted by a UN spokesperson: “Few animals have contributed to human progress as profoundly — and as quietly — as the horse. From nomads on the Eurasian steppes to modern Olympic arenas and backyard barns, horses have carried goods, ploughed fields, won wars, and comforted hearts.” The Professor Ingvar Fredricson Foundation is proud to highlight this milestone. We invite the equestrian community to pause on July 11th, reflect on the enduring bond between horse and human — and take this opportunity to reaffirm our shared responsibility to honor, protect, and advocate for the welfare of these extraordinary animals.

The Hästen I Skåne project, led by Professor Ingvar Fredricson, DVM, PhD, is studying the development of young horses in the hilly area of Brösarsp-backar, Sweden, to understand its impact on their long-term durability The horses are under GPS halter supervision.

ZEUS, the iconic metal horse from the Paris 2024 Olympic opening ceremony, continues its journey across France. After captivating audiences at the Château de Versailles, the sculpture is now on display at the Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris and will appear at the Eiffel Tower in June.