spoga horse 2023: Leading trade fair is shaping the future of the equestrian industry with a new concept

Inspiring discussions and lectures, a fantastic line-up of brands as well as individual exhibitors and diverse award-winning innovations: That is the resumé of spoga horse 2023. Over the course of three successful trade show days, around 6,200 visitors from 65 countries came together at the international trading platform of the equestrian industry to inform themselves about the comprehensive offer for the horse and rider. 320 exhibitors namely presented the current and future trends of the industry. The hybrid leading trade fair concept that rests on the three pillars - exhibition, content and networking - was now implemented on its original venue date for the first time. The "spoga horse TOP INNOVATIONS" competition, lectures and panel discussions, Fashion Walks, start-up pitches and many more highlights could be watched live or subsequently called up on demand.

The response of the exhibitors was thoroughly positive, which was also reflected by the figures. In this connection, at 64 percent the share of international exhibitors is particularly pleasing. "The strong result shows that the readiness of the exhibitors to assert themselves at the trade fair has totally paid off," emphasised Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse GmbH. "We find it important particularly in these times to stage spoga horse on its customary annual date in February again. That gives the industry plannability and security and will enable spoga horse to grow further in the future too," he added. The exhibiting companies proved to be more than satisfied after the trade fair closed too.

In the year 2023, there was a great deal of development at spoga horse: The bundled concept comprising of an exhibition, event, information and training platform was expanded and the entire programme was streamed by ClipMyHorse for the first time.

The central hub was the large main platform called THE STAGE, where among others the spoga horse FASHION WALK, the award ceremony of spoga horse TOP INNOVATIONS, the Equestrian Sport Industry Retail Award as well as exciting panels and discussions took place. Particular attention was placed here on the themes sustainability, digitalisation or the horse within society. The event was hosted by Annica Hansen, who has among others presented various TV formats and currently reports about equestrian sport topics on diverse social media platforms.

Furthermore, in the scope of the new "EQUI LIVING" special event in Hall 8, spoga horse 2023 showed where the living space of the horse is headed and how it is changing in line with the current political, ecological and economic developments.

A wide range of content partners, such as Röwer & Rüb, HAU, HIT or Böckmann supported this special event with their new products. The show was enhanced by a panel discussion and exciting guests, including several influencers.

Beyond this, the international Start-up Village was expanded this year to offer young, innovative companies of the industry the chance to make an effective appearance at the trade fair.

The spoga horse TOP INNOVATIONS that are presented annually were a further highlight. A high-calibre international expert jury selected the five in their opinion most innovative products from a pre-selection of 30 products. It was possible to admire the nominated innovations on the BOULEVARD OF INNOVATIONS throughout the entire duration of the trade fair. The products of the following companies were distinguished: Barnery GbR, Equestrian Technology, Joh's Stübben GmbH & Co KG., Röwer & Rüb GmbH, Suedwind Footwear – H+P Handels GmbH & Co. KG. A special price was awarded in the Equine Professionals section for the first time too. Here, the target group of equine professionals actively select new "out of the box" ideas, which make everyday life easier for the horse and rider. The special prize went to the company Hoofbeat, who have developed a mobile gait mapping system that monitors the well-being of the horse via data recognition. The special prize was awarded by BARN NET, a partner of spoga horse.

The decision had also been eagerly awaited to see which international equestrian sport specialised stores would assert themselves in the second edition of the Equestrian Sport Industry Retailer Award Europe 2023 powered by spoga horse. Here the jury selected the following outstanding specialised stores: HypoStore (Emmeloord / the Netherlands), GNL Gabriela Wójcicka (Lodz / Poland), last year's winner Selleria Faggin (Padua / Italy) as well as the Best Retailer 2023 from Germany Reitsport Manski.

After the successful re-start of spoga horse 2022, the plans for the 2023 event were pacing ahead. Having only six months' preparation time for the trade fair in 2023, was a tough task for the team. "In spite of this short period, it was the right decision to return to the original schedule date of spoga horse. It was lovely to see and hear that the industry wouldn't like to miss out on the exchange and content platform spoga horse," said Dr. Maria Näther, Director of spoga horse.

In addition to the special prize in the Equine Professional section that was awarded for the first time, in all probability there is going to be a further special price in the section Sustainability in the coming year. One thing is sure: The equestrian industry is on the move and needs to find sustainable alternatives for an ecological 'hoof print'. The respective innovations will be presented and distinguished at spoga horse 2024. "We are already looking forward to the many fantastic submissions now," Dr. Maria Näther concluded.

316 companies from 30 countries, 78 percent of which were from abroad, participated at spoga horse 2023. Around 6,200 visitors from 65 countries attended spoga horse 2023. More than 60 influencers reported live about spoga horse on-site. The share of international trade visitors was 64 percent.