Impact

The Foundation is committed to transforming proven expertise and cutting-edge research into tangible improvements in equine welfare, sustainability, and performance. It also honors the horse’s enduring role as a cultural icon with deep historical roots. Each year, in the spirit of Professor Ingvar Fredricson, the Foundation awards its scholarship to recognize individuals, teams, or organizations whose work advances equine welfare through research, applied expertise, or innovative training methods—or highlights the horse’s significance as a cultural bearer.
2025 scholarship recipients

Lars Roepstorff, Marie Rhodin, & Elin Hernlund

‍

“Biomechanical research is crucial to improving horse welfare. Today, technology has taken a quantum leap forward. Lars, Elin, and Marie are at the forefront—developing advanced biomechanical techniques, from AI-based diagnostics and 3D motion analysis to surface testing using mechanical hooves and wearable systems—that detect, diagnose, and prevent lameness with unmatched precision. Their work improves equine care globally.”

— Professor Ingvar Fredricson, Founder and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

The Foundation’s 2025 scholarship recognizes Professors Lars Roepstorff and Marie Rhodin, together with Associate Professor Elin Hernlund of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, for their trailblazing work to improve detection, diagnosis, and prevention of equine lameness worldwide.

This scholarship celebrates their joint contributions to horse welfare and their dedication to advancing Professor Fredricson’s pioneering work in equine biomechanics.

2024 scholarship recipient

Eva Skiöldebrand

‍

The Foundation awards its 2024 scholarship to Eva Skiöldebrand, DVM, PhD, Professor of General Pathology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, in recognition of her pioneering biomarker research on osteoarthritis—one of the leading causes of pain and lameness in both horses and humans. Her work makes it possible to practically assess how different training regimens and surface types influence inflammatory responses.

Videos

Scholarship Award Ceremony - (Swedish)
Lecture - Eva Skiöldebrand (Swedish)
Lecture - René van Weeren