Sandra Ruuda, the chair of the Swedish Equestrian Federation, has resigned from her position on 9 February 2026.
The upheaval caused by the rule change to only allow children aged 13 or more to elite level sport and then the subsequent U-turn by the federation on the new rule following backlash.
"I feel that there has been too much focus on me and my person, so much so that there is no peace of mind in other matters and that other activities are being put aside," Ruuda argued about her decision to step down.
Children in Sport
The Swedish equestrian federation explained that since the decision in the autumn on children in competition, criticism of the Swedish Equestrian Federation has grown and has come to be more about its working methods and trust than about the actual issue.
"Despite the fact that the federation board, after dialogue with the districts, revoked the decision on children's competitions in order to redo the process with broader support, dissatisfaction has persisted and the focus has been even more directed at Sandra Ruuda as chairwoman. She has now chosen to resign," the federation stated.
Sandra Ruuda, from Gemla in Småland, became the Swedish Equestrian Federation's first woman to hold the position of chairwoman when she was elected at the 2023 general meeting. In 2025, she received renewed confidence and in the same year she was also elected to the board of the European Equestrian Federation (EEF). Sandra has previously been chairwoman of the Småland Equestrian Federation, member of the Central Youth Section and member of the Swedish Equestrian Federation's board of directors.
Sjolund Lundevall Steps In
Vice-chairwoman Camilla Sjölund Lundevall now takes over the chairman's chair. Camilla is also the chairwoman of the Swedish Equestrian Federation's safety council.
"From the board's side, it is now about taking responsibility," said Lundevall. "There are parts that have not been handled well enough and our responsibility is now to lead the association out of this situation and work to build long-term trust. To move forward, we need to meet and listen to each other. This is a prerequisite for bringing the association together and focusing on what we are actually going to do going forward. The board has therefore decided to appoint a working group with the task of conducting constructive dialogues with formal and informal groups and individuals within Swedish equestrian sport. The aim is to identify and then also act on areas for improvement in matters of organization, working methods and substantive issues."
Related Link
Swedish Equestrian Federation to Set Age Limit at 13 for Elite Competition Riders