Swedish Grand Prix dressage rider Ulla Håkanson is financially supporting the research of Norwegian veterinarian Maria Terese Engell. Hakanson has pledged one million Swedish kroner for Engell's research
In partnership with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Engell has been conducting research on the rider's seat and how it affects the horse.
Engell runs her own equine hospital and is involved with the Norwegian equestrian federation's top sport programme for dressage and para dressage as well as the talent programme.
Engell works at the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Her skills and expertise include Biomechanics, physical rehabilitation, posture, gait analysis, movement analysis, and postural balance.
In the summer of 2018 she defended her thesis "Postural control in skilled riders". She and her team developed and tested objective methods to measure asymmetry and balance with riders.
The 84-year old Hakanson is a long-time supporter of dressage sport in Scandinavia. Not only does she sponsor a Swedish dressage talent programme with the Ajax Fund, but she also funds research into better riding and horsemanship.
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