Boden calls for increased state support in northern Sweden

The government inquiry, A Strengthened Horse Industry – for Entrepreneurship, Gender Equality, Equality and Public Health, concludes that the horse industry is a significant contributor to the Swedish economy. The sector generates approximately SEK 32 billion annually and accounts for the equivalent of 18,500 full-time jobs. The horse industry is estimated to represent around 0.48 percent of Sweden’s GDP.

At the same time, the inquiry notes that the sector faces barriers that make it difficult to invest, establish and develop operations on equal terms across the country.

Inquiry proposes simplification and digitalisation

To strengthen the development of the horse industry, the inquiry proposes measures aimed at reducing administrative burdens and creating clearer regulatory frameworks. Among other things, it proposes digitalising the horse passport system.

The inquiry also highlights that regulations related to horse keeping and facilities are often perceived as unclear or difficult to interpret, which can hinder investment and development.

Boden calls for geographical accessibility requirements

The Municipality of Boden is one of the municipalities invited to provide input to the inquiry. While supporting its overall direction, the municipality believes two areas must be strengthened if the ambition of equal conditions is to be realised.

The first concerns geographical accessibility. In northern Sweden, long distances and a limited number of competition and training arenas affect both business development and opportunities to participate in sport and leisure activities.

The municipality emphasises that the Boden racetrack plays a strategic role for the entire region and that a national competition structure must be designed in a way that allows key hubs to be maintained and developed even in more sparsely populated parts of the country.

Female entrepreneurship and leadership

Boden Racetrack is a leading harness racing venue and one of the municipality’s largest meeting places. Racetrack manager David Zimmer also highlights another potential outcome of the inquiry – increased female entrepreneurship and leadership within harness racing.

– In Boden, we have several examples, not least professional trainers Hanna Olofsson and Sandra Eriksson. Among the trainers and their employees, there is strong representation of driven and skilled women who serve as important role models, says David Zimmer.

Shortage of veterinarians impacts the sector

The second key area concerns veterinary services. The inquiry describes a shortage of veterinarians within the horse sector, including specialists in reproduction, which has already led to closures of some operations.

The Municipality of Boden points out that access to advanced equine veterinary care is particularly limited in northern Sweden. According to the municipality, this can lead to increased costs and uncertainty in the event of acute injuries.

The municipality therefore calls for the state’s efforts regarding skills supply to be complemented by targeted initiatives aimed at strengthening access to veterinary care in rural and sparsely populated regions.

“Strengthens the horse industry as a business sector”

Jörgen Nordqvist, Business Development Officer at Boden Business Park, welcomes the inquiry’s clarification of the horse industry’s role.

– The proposals in the inquiry are important because they strengthen the horse industry as a business sector, not merely as a leisure activity. Clearer regulations and better conditions for entrepreneurship can make a significant difference for development here in Boden as well, says Jörgen Nordqvist.

Planning preparedness for horse-related development

Boden has identified the horse industry as a priority growth area in the municipality’s strategic plan. There are also detailed development plans in place for horse-oriented housing and business activities, creating conditions for new establishments and further development within the sector.

The Municipality of Boden believes that the inquiry’s goals of accessibility and equality are crucial if the horse industry is to continue growing across the country – including in regions characterised by long distances and less developed infrastructure.