The municipality of Boden has identified five growth areas in its strategic plan for society and business. These areas were selected based on their development potential in relation to the unique opportunities available in the municipality. One of these areas is the equine industry. As part of this, we find the Boden Riding Club, which has grown tremendously in recent years and is now also working with Hartic to become an even more attractive employer.

Boden Riding Club, founded in 1968 with roots dating back to the Boden Field Riding Club established in 1907, strives not only to be a leading organization but also a workplace where people feel happy and healthy. For them, the way they work together is a key factor in creating a positive work environment.

“Cooperation and mutual understanding are important. It’s essential that everyone feels comfortable with one another and with their work tasks,” says Paulina Mannberg, Operations Manager.

As the town with the highest concentration of horses in northern Sweden and home to Sweden’s northernmost trotting track, Boden offers plenty of opportunities for horse lovers. Harness racing and equestrian sports are deeply rooted in the region, with year-round competitions and numerous businesses supporting the industry. Boden offers not only competition, training, and educational opportunities but also extensive veterinary expertise and horse-friendly accommodations.

By adopting Hartic, Bodens Riding Club is taking another step toward its vision of a workplace where everyone feels at home and can grow, while also helping to strengthen the equestrian industry and the local community.

“Hartic is a great way to pick up on changes in our employees,” says Paulina Mannberg. “We work closely together, and it’s essential that everyone pitches in and contributes, but also that everyone is allowed to have an off day and that there’s someone else who can step up and take the lead on those days.”

By listening to employees, analyzing results, and taking action in Hartic, the association has been able to identify changes in the work environment at an early stage and quickly implement measures to ensure a positive workplace.

“We’re getting ready to expand with new facilities, and that requires professional development. We all want to make the Boden Riding Club the obvious choice for anyone looking to improve as a rider and horse owner. Growth is just around the corner, and we’re looking forward to all the new challenges,” she continues.

The association has become more aware of the strong sense of teamwork and positive atmosphere within the organization. Among other things, this has strengthened their cohesion as a team.

A fine example of this excellent work is when Pernilla Eriksson, a riding instructor at the Boden Riding Club, won the award Riding Instructor of the Year in Sweden in 2023.

“You put your heart and soul into this job, so this means a great deal to me. I felt happy, proud, and moved,” says Pernilla Eriksson about the award presented at the Ryttargalan in Stockholm on November 29, all in the Swedish Equestrian Federation .

Emilia Sahlén, the director of Granngården and its equestrian program, emphasized how important riding instructors are to the social role that riding schools play in the community.

– Granngården holds this award very close to its heart, as the riding instructors truly inspire a life in harmony with animals and nature—something we at Granngården also stand for.

Please watch the video about Pernilla Eriksson, in which she talks more about her work.

That same year, the association also won the Equestrian Safety Award. The citation read as follows:

For the wholehearted initiative “Hej på dig,” which spreads positivity and warmth throughout the club and inspires everyone to see how even small actions can make a big difference for others. The “Adult in the Stable” initiative is also very important, as it ensures that there are always safe and attentive adults around the children in the stable.

“The stable should be a safe place for everyone,” says Paulina Mannberg. Saying ‘hello’ and treating each other with respect is just as simple a rule as not running in the stable. And I’d also like to extend a big thank you to ICA Kvantum and Team Sportia in Boden, who made it possible for the entire group of fourteen young people to travel to Stockholm and accept the award at Friends Arena.

She emphasizes how important youth programs are to the organization. They invest significant resources in internal training and in supporting the young people in their daily lives.

Boden is unique in that it offers land close to the city center for those who want to combine their home life with their passion for horses. Here, you can build a horse farm just ten minutes from downtown or give your children access to Boden’s largest recreational facility: a quality-certified riding school with no waiting list.

Are you a business owner, an active member of an organization, or simply interested in how you can systematically improve your workplace environment to make your organization more attractive? We let everyone try Hartic for free for a couple of weeks, so you’ll never have to wonder if it was a good investment (49 SEK per user).

Learn more about Hartic and feel free to contact us if you’d like to know more.

Visit the Boden Riding Club, or why not check out their website if you’re interested in the industry and looking for an employer at the forefront of the field.