Championing the horse
– promoting its welfare and honoring its cultural significance

the foundation

Professor Ingvar Fredricson Foundation

The Professor Ingvar Fredricson Foundation was established to preserve the horse's cultural significance and to advance equestrian sports on the horse's terms.

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Co-founder Kajsa von Geijer gives the background of the Professor Ingvar Fredricson Foundation
Founder

Professor and doctor of veterinary medicine Ingvar Fredricson

For eight decades, Ingvar Fredricson has been steadfast in his love for horses. He has consistently searched for methods to improve horse health, durability, longevity and performance. He has long been a great role model in the horse world through his horse philosophy.

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Advancements in horse welfare

2025 Scholarship Awarded to Three World-Leading Biomechanics Researchers

2025 Scholarship Awarded to Three World-Leading Biomechanics Researchers

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.

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The FEI Urges Equestrians to be Their Horses' Guardians

The FEI Urges Equestrians to be Their Horses' Guardians

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.

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Horse Welfare Summit Shines a Spotlight on Equine Well-being

Horse Welfare Summit Shines a Spotlight on Equine Well-being

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.

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Horses Always Come First — The FEI and Boehringer Ingelheim on the Human-Horse Bond

Horses Always Come First — The FEI and Boehringer Ingelheim on the Human-Horse Bond

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.

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After some 50 years, it's fantastic to see my ideas of using technology to improve horse welfare materilalize

Ingvar Fredricson

Professor and doctor of veterinary medicine

After some 50 years, it's fantastic to see my ideas of using technology to improve horse welfare materilalize

Ingvar Fredricson

Professor and doctor of veterinary medicine

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The Horse, with beauty unsurpassed, strength immeasurable and grace unlike any other, still remains humble enough to carry a man upon his back

Amber Senti

The Horse, with beauty unsurpassed, strength immeasurable and grace unlike any other, still remains humble enough to carry a man upon his back

Amber Senti

After some 50 years, it's fantastic to see my ideas of using technology to improve horse welfare materilalize

Ingvar Fredricson

Professor & Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

After some 50 years, it's fantastic to see my ideas of using technology to improve horse welfare materilalize

Ingvar Fredricson

Professor & Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of their championship character.

Alan Armstrong

Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of their championship character.

Alan Armstrong

We must never forget what a privilege sitting on a horse is: to be able to unite one’s body with that of another sentient being, one that is stronger, faster and more agile by far than we are, and at the same time, brave, generous and uncommonly forgiving.

William Steinkraus

Show Jumper

We must never forget what a privilege sitting on a horse is: to be able to unite one’s body with that of another sentient being, one that is stronger, faster and more agile by far than we are, and at the same time, brave, generous and uncommonly forgiving.

William Steinkraus

Show Jumper

I may hold the reins but we share the podium

Beezie Madden

Show Jumper

I may hold the reins but we share the podium

Beezie Madden

Show Jumper

There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man

Winston Churchill

British Prime Minister

There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man

Winston Churchill

British Prime Minister

Being a champion for your horse's welfare is the equivalent of winning gold in your horse's eyes

Unknown

Being a champion for your horse's welfare is the equivalent of winning gold in your horse's eyes

Unknown

For me my biggest motivation is not the big shows. It's not the winning: my biggest motivation is the relationship with the horses

Marcus Ehning

Show Jumper

For me my biggest motivation is not the big shows. It's not the winning: my biggest motivation is the relationship with the horses

Marcus Ehning

Show Jumper

We must never forget that horses are living, breathing animals - the horses always come first

Peder Fredricson

Show Jumper

We must never forget that horses are living, breathing animals - the horses always come first

Peder Fredricson

Show Jumper

Featured Resources

Interesting articles, films and more

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World Horse Day: A Tribute to Equine Majesty and a Global Call to Action

World Horse Day: A Tribute to Equine Majesty and a Global Call to Action

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.

ZEUS: The Olympic Horse's Tour of France

ZEUS: The Olympic Horse's Tour of France

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.

The Inauguration of the Fredricson Arena

The Inauguration of the Fredricson Arena

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.

Ingvar Fredricson- Swedish Biomechanics Research: Legacy and Visions by Sleip

Ingvar Fredricson- Swedish Biomechanics Research: Legacy and Visions by Sleip

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.

Lecture on the Effects of Physical Activity of Foals and Yearlings on their Soundness as Adults

Lecture on the Effects of Physical Activity of Foals and Yearlings on their Soundness as Adults

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.

Professor Ingvar Fredricson addresses the 2023 SLU PhDs on behalf of the Jubilee doctors

Professor Ingvar Fredricson addresses the 2023 SLU PhDs on behalf of the Jubilee doctors

"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.

SLEIP Blog: Meet Swedish professor Ingvar 'Fredric' Fredricson, a Pioneer in Equine Locomotion Research

SLEIP Blog: Meet Swedish professor Ingvar 'Fredric' Fredricson, a Pioneer in Equine Locomotion Research

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

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Be the horse's champion. Preserve its cultural significance. Advance equestrian sport — always on the horse's terms.

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Susanne Hobohm for Susanne Hobohm's Foundation for Education, Culture and Research