The Swedish horse sector is a large and growing part of the economy. In terms of the number of horses, it is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe.

Here are some facts and figures about the swedish horse sector:

• Sweden has about 360,000 horses, equating to 39 horses per 1,000 inhabitants
• The horse sector turnover is SEK 45 – 50 billion, and it provides approximately 30,000 full-time jobs
• Each year, Swedish horses consume or graze on fodder corresponding to 600,000 football pitches.
• After football, trotting and thoroughbred racing comprise Sweden’s largest spectator sport. Around 1 200 000 people visit Swedish trotting racing tracks annually.
• Half a million people ride regularly, of whom about 400,000 are women. An additional half a million people have regular contact with horses.
• After football, horse riding is the most popular youth sport, with girls making up the overwhelming share. Almost 200,000 people are members of riding clubs.
• Horse riding is Sweden’s second largest sport for people with physical disabilities. Riding offers about 4,000 such riders a meaningful recreational activity.
• The horse is used increasingly in preventive healthcare and rehabilitation to end drug addiction, social exclusion and so forth.