Four days of learning, exchange and development in Sweden, bringing together sport, science and the many skills required beyond the competition arena.
The Young Riders Academy has concluded its second Educational Seminar of 2026, held from 21 to 24 September in Strömsholm, Sweden, with a final day dedicated to equine science and veterinary medicine at SLU in Uppsala.
Over four intensive days, the riders stepped away from competition to focus on another essential part of their development: gaining a deeper understanding of the horse, the sport and the responsibilities that come with building a professional career at the highest level.
The programme brought together a wide range of expertise, from physical preparation with Emma O’Dwyer to business and economics with Sven Holmberg, young-horse evaluation and development with Py Jägerden, and hoof care and shoeing with Axel Vibe.
The riders also had the opportunity to explore scientific research and horse management with Jens Fredricson, while Karin Morgan introduced them to working horses on long reins.
The final day at SLU in Uppsala brought the group even closer to the scientific and veterinary side of the sport, with Sara Ringmark focusing on equine nutrition and Marie Rhodin on lameness detection, followed by a visit to the University Equine Clinic.
But, as always within the Young Riders Academy, education extended well beyond technical knowledge.
Through individual meetings with Valentina Ottaviani, Sven Holmberg and Giulia Romeo, the riders had the opportunity to reflect on their personal and professional development. Communication also remained an important part of the programme, with Giulia Romeo leading the Social Media Challenge, alongside the riders’ book presentations and other moments designed to encourage creativity, independence and greater awareness of their role as professional athletes.
“Every Educational Seminar reminds us why this part of the programme is so important. These riders already have talent and ambition; our responsibility is to expose them to knowledge, people and experiences that can help them become more complete professionals and, above all, continue asking questions and learning throughout their careers.”
Eleonora Ottaviani, President of Athenaeum and Young Riders Academy
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For Sven Holmberg, the days in Sweden also highlighted the importance of preparing riders for everything that surrounds performance:
“The sport is becoming increasingly demanding, and success depends on much more than riding ability alone. Understanding your horses, your team, the economics of the sport and the decisions behind a professional career is just as important. Strömsholm gave the riders the opportunity to work on all of these aspects together.”
Sven Holmberg, Sport Director, Young Riders Academy
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The Strömsholm seminar once again reflected the philosophy at the heart of the Young Riders Academy: creating opportunities for young talents to grow inside and outside the arena, combining sporting excellence with education, responsibility and a broader understanding of the equestrian world.
And the 2026 journey continues.
From 12 to 14 October, the Young Riders Academy will meet again at Peelbergen for the next training clinic with Franke Sloothaak, bringing the focus back to the arena and continuing a season built around learning, experience and constant development.
See you in Peelbergen.