Sports
SWEDEN
Horseback Riding
by Nathalie
Equestrianism has in recent years evolved into a popular national sport.
Riding is so popular that it is the second largest sport in Sweden, after
football, but before hockey. Equestrianism is the biggest female sport –
83% of the members of the Swedish Equestrian Federation are women.
Largest disability sport – over 4000 handicapped ride regularly at the
Swedish riding schools. Largest youth sports – 70% of the members of
the Swedish Equestrian Federation is under 25. Largest recreational sport
– the closest result of gymnastics.
Jumping is the largest branch of equestrianism. Participants ride a course that,
according to severity, is built with a number of barriers to a certain height.
Gothenburg Horse Show is an annual international equestrian
competition held in the spring at the Scandinavium in Gothenburg,
Sweden, since 1977. A large number of famous riders comes to
Scandinavium from all over the world to compete with their great
horses. Maybe you have heard about our famous riders Malin
Baryard or Rolf-Göran Bengtsson?
I am a horse girl myself (Sofia) and I own a beautiful
Spanish Andalusian. He’s one of his kind. Every day I go
to the stable doing a great work with him. I have been a
horse owner for four years now and it takes a lot of time I
have to tell you. I love jumping but I practice dressage
mostly. Here are some pictures taken a few days ago, the
last one was taken last summer! Enjoy!