Hello!

Welcome to EWA's very first newsletter! We're delighted that so many of you are already interested in EWA's new sustainable riding surface. Through these newsletters, we'll share our journey - from testing and developing the new EWA Fiber to the road towards launching a fully developed riding surface.

We look forward to keeping you updated on our progress, sharing insights from our development process, and celebrating the milestones ahead with you.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

The idea behind Equestrian Wool Arena (EWA) was born in the stable in 2024. Helena had her horse stabled at Kattis Riding Centre, where we started talking about the Glacier Blanket that Helena manufactures for a glacier research team. Made from 100% wool, the blanket is used on Kebnekaise, Sweden's highest mountain, to help protect the glacier and reduce melting.

During that conversation, the idea emerged to apply the same principle to develop a wool fibre for riding surfaces. With the polyester fibres used in today's riding arenas set to be prohibited from 2031 under upcoming EU regulations, there is a clear need for sustainable alternatives.

We began by testing the material in Kattis' riding centre's indoor arena. We then established a collaboration with Axfoundation and Lars Roepstorff at the SLU to further develop a more sustainable riding surface. A number of tests have been carried out, with the riding surface also being evaluated using a mechanical hoof to measure its performance and properties.

What started as an idea in the stable has grown into an innovative project with the potential to contribute to a more sustainable future for equestrian sport.

We have now reached an exciting stage in the development process: our first full-scale test arena has been installed. From here, more testing and evaluations lie ahead, and we look forward to sharing the results and our progress with you in future newsletters.

Stay connected and follow our journey!

/Helena & Kattis