The Swedish Warmblood Association of North America (SWANA) is pleased to announce the 2009 Sweden Equestrian Tour. SWANA and its parent organization, ASVH, and SwedeHorse are hosting an equestrian tour of southern Sweden from October 11-19, 2009.

If you love horses, this is one of the most fun and educational tours you could imagine. Sweden is one of the most horse-centered countries in the world; their National Stud farm, Flyinge, is one of the oldest in Europe, and Sweden was the founding country for the equestrian portion of the Olympics in 1912. Modern Swedish horse breeding has produced such luminaries as Briar, for eight years the highest-ranked stallion in the world in FEI dressage.

Sweden is also a gorgeous country; clean and friendly, with beautiful towns and universities that were founded in the 1100’s. The food is among Europe’s best, and English is spoken everywhere.

Participants will:

• Cope with jet lag on the first day by staying in a seaside full-service spa, Saltsjöbad
• Attend a conformation and jumping evaluation clinic with two of Sweden's highest international judges, Lasse Berglun (jumping) and Jan-Ove Olsson (conformation and gaits)
• Stay in a marvelous Swedish castle, Häckeberga Castle
• Have a farm tour plus VIP tour of Flyinge (the National Stud Farm of Sweden,) presented by Flyinge Breeding Director Karl- Henrik Heimdahl
• Attend special Flyinge horse sales event
• Visit the farms of top international competitors and breeders (including the breeder of Briar). Learn from top clinicians how to look for top dressage and jumping prospects
• Watch the talented young horses at the Swedish Sport and Breeding Championship
• Enjoy meeting the top breeders and go dancing at the Gala Dinner and Breeders Ball
• Attend the Swedish Sport and Breeding Grand Championship with expert commentary by our hosts

Whether you want an awesome vacation, to look for a dressage or jumping prospects, or to further your equestrian education while having a marvelous time, this is the trip of a lifetime! Join us on this exclusive tour of Sweden! The cost is $1,600, exclusive of airfare.

For more info, please contact, either SWANA, Carol Reid, Soccoro N.M., (575) 835-1318, or visit www.swanaoffice.org or www.equitours.se.