Axevalla Hästcentrum

Equine Welfare and Human Interaction

Horses are lined up and eating on both sides of a long covered feeding table

Discover Axevalla Equestrian Centre’s Course on Animal Welfare and Sustainability.

From May 19–23, 2025, participants from across Europe gathered at Axevalla Horse Centre for an inspiring and knowledge-rich week focused on animal welfare, sustainability, and the relationship between horse and human. The course was designed for teachers, riding instructors, and horse trainers seeking to deepen their expertise and explore the future of the equine industry.

Throughout the week, participants engaged in a diverse program of lectures, hands-on sessions, and study visits. Highlights included:

  • A lecture by Katrina Ask (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences) on equine facial expressions and pain
  • Göran Åkerström, Chief Veterinary Officer at the FEI, on welfare in equestrian sports
  • Presentations on current research and innovations at Axevalla Horse Centre
  • Clinics in farriery and Icelandic horse training
  • A talk by Heimir Gunnarsson on sustainable breeding
  • Sessions on equine-assisted interventions – promoting welfare for both humans and horses
  • Study visits to a veterinary clinic and the historic site of Husaby on Mount Kinnekulle
  • In-depth discussions on ethics and sustainability in the equine world

During the course, participants explored both practical methods and current research on how to promote equine welfare in various contexts. Ethical considerations, sustainable practices, and responsible horse management were central themes throughout the week.

A key component of the course was understanding and comparing European animal welfare regulations and guidelines. Thanks to the international mix of participants, valuable discussions emerged, offering a broad and nuanced perspective on how equine welfare can be developed in practice – both locally and across Europe.

For participants based outside Sweden, the course may be eligible for funding through Erasmus+ KA1.

We are grateful for the high level of engagement and the meaningful conversations that took place during the week. Interest in the course has been strong, and we are currently exploring the possibility of offering a similar program again.

Would you like to join next time? Or are you interested in hosting a similar event? 

Please contact us for questions about the event

Malin Jansson, email: malin.e.jansson@vgregion.se, phone: +46 7030468884  
Monika Andersson, email: monika.ka.andersson@vgregion.se,
phone: +46 700825695