Webinar on the Future of Equestrian Sports – with Equestrian Journalist Karolin Leszinski
“Do we still need horses – or do we need them now more than ever?”. This question is at the heart of the free webinar, to which the IST Study Institute and the IST University, together with the ‘Vielfalt Pferd’ initiative, invite you on June 16, 2026, at 8 PM.
Karolin Leszinski, equestrian journalist and former print editorial director of Pferde Revue, discusses current developments, challenges, and opportunities in the equestrian world with experts, practitioners, and dedicated horse people. She combines facts and figures with personal perspectives, interactive surveys, and practical examples. Co-moderation will be handled by Jessica Fischer, an expert in economics and labor market development. Additionally, Anne Lau from Hofpferde Seifertshein will provide insights into innovative projects in a guest contribution.
The webinar will focus on questions such as: How has people’s perception of horses changed? What are the consequences of declining riding school numbers, recruitment problems, rising costs, and societal criticism for clubs, businesses, and equestrian sports as a whole? And what significance can horses have today – and perhaps especially now – for our society and the coexistence of humans and animals?
Also represented in the participant pool are:
- Laura Enderes, reigning World Champion of Icelandic Horse Riders
- Katharina Grupen, Equestrian Sports Germany/FN
- Thomas Casper, Stud Owner Birkhof & Initiator of Vielfalt Pferd e.V.
- Juliane Wyrwol, Eventing Rider and Influencer
- Kira Oberbremer, CSO of ehorses & edogs
- Kathrin Rheinländer-Mix, Ponyhof Lutz
- Frederic Wandres, Olympic Champion 2024
For non-binding registration, please click HERE.
Photo: Jan Reumann