Andrea Eriksson, riding instructor and manager of the stables and horses at Värmdö Ridklubb, has been awarded the title of Swedish Fellow, the highest recognition a working professional can achieve within the field of riding schools and equestrian training in Sweden.
The distinction represents fresh recognition of a career closely linked to teaching and the training of new generations. To attain this title, it is not enough to hold the highest formal level of competence; extensive professional experience and an age of at least 40 are also required.
Eriksson started riding at Värmdö Riding Club in 1984, when she was ten years old. After completing various training stages, she returned to the club as a full-time riding instructor in 2000. Since then, her career has remained practically uninterruptedly linked to this institution.
Her training began as a youth leader and continued with various leadership and riding instructor courses before culminating her academic journey with the hippology programme. In addition, she has trained as a Para-Equestrian officer and has competed at medium level in both Dressage and Show Jumping.
The news of her appointment had a particularly emotional meaning for Eriksson. The professor admits that she was on the verge of crying when she received the call at the beginning of the summer and considers the Swedish Fellow to be one of the greatest recognitions she could receive within her profession. Her professional life, she explains, has been dedicated to working as a teacher and to defending the role that riding schools play.
Precisely, one of the aspects she is most proud of is the work carried out with the riding school horses at Värmdö Ridklubb and the importance given to their welfare. The club also has its own small breeding and training programme for young horses, a process in which students participate to learn about their handling and education. In addition, she highlights the transparency with members regarding the condition and welfare of the horses.
Throughout his career, Eriksson acknowledges the influence of the teachers he had during his training in Strömsholm and Flyinge. Among them he mentions Jens Fredricson for his defence of the Swedish riding schools, although he especially remembers Staffan Lindroth, from Djurgårdens Ridskola, who played an important role during his early professional years and taught him, among other things, the importance of tackling every task with humility and a willingness to learn.
Eriksson has also witnessed the evolution of his profession. He considers that working conditions have improved since he started, although he laments that the social status of riding instructors has declined. A profession that, in his opinion, requires extensive training, time, energy and a great capacity to perform very different roles that are often learned through experience.
His approach to teaching is also not limited to passing on technical knowledge. Eriksson endeavours to get to know his pupils and their families personally, greet each one by name and ensure that those who pass through the school feel seen and recognised.
Looking ahead, all indications are that she will remain connected to Värmdö Riding Club until her retirement. Eriksson hopes that her career will also help to highlight the Swedish riding school model and enable more people to learn about the work these centres carry out on a daily basis.
The nomination highlights precisely their ability to create development opportunities for each individual, their energy to drive new projects and their contribution to the evolution of Värmdö Ridklubb, including the launch of their own breeding programme for horses intended for the riding school.
