Bringing Technology Into the Equestrian Mainstream
Progress in the equestrian sector has not typically been driven by technology. It has been shaped by experience, routine, and knowledge built through practice rather than systems. While industries like agriculture and forestry have adopted data-led approaches, equestrian sport and business have moved more slowly. That is starting to change.
On 6 May, a cross-section of the industry will come together at SLU Alnarp in southern Sweden for Horse Tech Summit Sweden, led by Fokus Tillväxt Häst. Horse Tech Summit Sweden brings together riders, breeders, trainers, veterinarians and farriers alongside entrepreneurs, investors and technology developers. It is a mix not often seen in the same room.
The aim of Horse Tech Summit Sweden is clear: connect day-to-day equestrian practice with emerging technology and investment.
A key part of the programme is “Strides”, a series of five-minute talks from nine selected innovators and industry professionals. The structure is simple and time-limited, designed to surface clear and practical ideas and learnings from across the sector.
The event is not about distant concepts, but about openly discussing and making space for tools already starting to have a role in yards, clinics and training environments.
Speakers include Mia Guldhov of Guldhov EquiTech, who has developed a patented 3D-printed horseshoe using digital scanning to create a more tailored fit. It reflects a move towards precision in an area that has long relied on standardisation.
Erik Hugoson will focus on investment, and more specifically how ideas move from development into commercially viable businesses, an area where the equestrian sector has often lacked structure.
There is also Ulrika Holmquist, whose experience spans veterinary practice, a career as a professional jockey, and clinical development in human healthcare. Her perspective highlights how innovation can transfer between industries, particularly in areas like diagnostics and monitoring.
Horse Tech Summit Sweden is not just for startups or technology founders. It is relevant to anyone working in the industry, from trainers and breeders to equine businesses looking to understand which tools are worth attention.
Alongside the sessions, structured matchmaking will run across three areas: startup, scaleup and early-stage ideas. The focus is on creating outcomes, whether that is partnerships, funding or product development. As outlined by Malin Andersson, the wider objective is to improve access to innovation, capital and collaboration across the sector.
This reflects the wider role of Fokus Tillväxt Häst in building clearer links between industry, technology and investment, not just through Horse Tech Summit Sweden but across the sector more broadly.
For those not attending in person, parts of the first day will be streamed, including the Strides sessions.
The programme continues on 7 May with a more targeted agenda. A delegation from Enterprise Ireland will meet with Swedish organisations and developers, alongside visits to training facilities and equestrian centres. The focus shifts from discussion to application.
Horse Tech Summit Sweden makes one thing clear: this is not about rapid disruption. The team behind the event recognises that change in the equestrian sector does not happen that way. The focus is on incremental, practical progress. Step by step, bringing the industry closer to how others already operate. Horse Tech Summit Sweden is one of those steps.
The event is free to attend. To register your attendance, please contact htss@fokustillvaxthast.com
