Susanna Nygren, a freelance journalist contributing to Aftonbladet, has been recognized as the 2024 Sports Journalist of the Year by the Swedish Sports Journalist Association. Her award-winning work stems from a series of investigative articles published throughout 2024, exposing severe animal welfare issues within the equestrian world, specifically in Sweden. Her reports unveiled disturbing practices, including evidence of abuse at one of Sweden’s largest horse-breaking stables and allegations of mistreatment of show jumping horses by a high-profile elite male rider. Furthermore, her investigation brought to light the distressing practice of using tight nosebands on dressage horses, often resulting in swollen and discolored tongues due to restricted oxygen flow, even at the highest levels of competition. Nygren’s unwavering dedication to uncovering these unsettling truths brought about significant change and sparked a much-needed dialogue within the equestrian community.
Nygren’s investigative journey was challenging, requiring her to navigate a deeply entrenched culture of silence within the equestrian sport. She attributes the success of her exposé to the bravery of several grooms who, despite the risk of professional repercussions, came forward to share their eyewitness accounts of animal mistreatment. These individuals risked their livelihoods by speaking out, as revealing such information could lead to blacklisting within the tightly-knit equestrian community. The grooms’ testimonies formed the backbone of Nygren’s reporting, providing crucial evidence of the widespread mistreatment of horses. Their courage in breaking the silence was instrumental in bringing these issues to light and demanding accountability within the sport.
The revelations published by Aftonbladet sent shockwaves through the equestrian world, particularly among those involved in high-stakes dressage competitions where horses can be valued at millions of dollars. The exposé was perceived as a direct attack on the practices of some of the most revered figures in the sport, challenging the established norms and forcing a critical examination of training methods. Nygren’s work was further amplified by the powerful imagery captured by photographer Crispin Parelius Johannessen, whose close-up photographs provided visual evidence of the extreme pressure applied to horses’ mouths via tight nosebands during dressage competitions. Johannessen’s willingness to collaborate, despite anticipating potential backlash, played a pivotal role in visually documenting the detrimental effects on the animals.
The impact of Nygren’s investigative journalism has already resulted in tangible changes within the Swedish equestrian community. The owner of the implicated training stable has been suspended, as has the elite show jumping rider mentioned in the reports. Furthermore, the investigation has spurred the implementation of whistleblower protection mechanisms, encouraging individuals to report misconduct without fear of retaliation. Perhaps most significantly, the Swedish equestrian authorities have lifted the mandatory requirement of nosebands in dressage competitions, directly addressing one of the core concerns raised by Nygren’s investigation. This rule change reflects a growing awareness of horse welfare and a move towards prioritizing the well-being of these animals over purely aesthetic considerations.
While celebrating these initial successes, Nygren emphasizes that her work is not aimed at dismantling the sport of dressage entirely. A lifelong rider and competitor in both show jumping and dressage, Nygren’s motivation stems from a deep-seated concern for the welfare of the animals. She believes that equestrian sports can thrive while prioritizing ethical treatment and ensuring that horses are not subjected to unnecessary pain or distress. Her ultimate goal is to foster a culture of respect and responsibility within the equestrian community, where the well-being of horses is paramount. She hopes that her work will empower others to come forward and expose further instances of mistreatment, suggesting that there are more issues within the industry that deserve scrutiny and investigation.
The Swedish Sports Journalist Association recognized the profound impact of Nygren’s investigative work, citing her instrumental role in bringing about significant regulatory changes and promoting a national conversation about horse welfare. The jury’s statement lauded her tireless efforts in uncovering unsettling truths within the equestrian world, forcing accountability and creating a safer environment for horses involved in the sport. Nygren’s recognition as Sports Journalist of the Year underscores the importance of investigative journalism in holding powerful institutions accountable and driving positive change, even within seemingly niche areas like equestrian sports. Her work serves as a testament to the power of a single individual to challenge established norms and advocate for ethical treatment within a complex and often opaque industry.
