The TOP INNOVATIONS for the worldwide equestrian industry

Karsten Lütteken

- Since 2021 | Co-Managing Director, Beerbaum Stables GmbH / Riesenbeck International
- Since 2023 | Tournament Director – Longines Global Champions Tour | Riesenbeck

What constitutes innovation for you?

"For me, true innovation is always based on a comprehensive, technically sound assessment of the current situation.

Its essence should be to holistically improve this specific situation or develop it in a certain direction, while also having the courage to break new ground.

Changing things just because it is technically feasible would not be enough for me to call it innovation."

Audrey Chong

- Leading equestrian retailer in Southeast Asia
- Training as a fashion merchandiser

What constitutes innovation for you?

Innovation in the equestrian world means much more than just the use of state-of-the-art technologies or high-tech gadgets.

It is a multi-layered concept that touches equally on ethics, science, tradition and art. For me, innovation in the interaction between horse and rider encompasses any new or significantly improved idea, method, technology or product that contributes to advancing one or more key areas of equestrian sports.

These primarily include the well-being of horse and rider, the effectiveness of performance and training, safety, knowledge and understanding of horses and the sport, as well as the accessibility and sustainability of the entire discipline.

Matthes Röckener

- Works as a blacksmith
- Known for western riding, dressage, show jumping and carriage driving

What constitutes innovation for you?

"For me, true innovation in equestrian sports is something that noticeably benefits both rider and horse – whether through greater safety, functionality or comfort.

The decisive factor for me is that a product is tried and tested, well thought-out and sustainable, rather than just looking new.

For me, innovation means combining everyday practicality with clever ideas. And: an innovative product must be authentically developed from practical experience, not just for marketing purposes!"

Annalisa Sella

- founder of Equestrian Hub Middle East
- Extensive equestrian experience as rider, trainer, and saddle fitter

What constitutes innovation for you?

For me, innovation is about solving real problems in meaningful ways to improve the lives and performance of horses and their riders. This is achieved by combining knowledge, creativity, and empathy.

Collaboration and the exchange of expertise between equine professionals are essential to achieving these goals. True innovation isn’t just about new materials or technology; it’s about rethinking how we support the horse–human partnership to create progress with purpose.

The benefits for the five winners of the spoga horse TOP INNOVATIONS

• Label: Rights of use and advertising materials for the title spoga horse TOP INNOVATION 2026.
• Online gallery: Professional presentation on the spoga horse website.
• Video clip: A short product teaser with the title spoga horse TOP INNOVATION per winner, which will be shared on all communication channels.
• Exposure and attention: The results will be shared across the worldwide spoga horse network.
• Trophy and certificate: A trophy and a certificate complete the benefits.

The benefits for the most innovative products

• BOULEVARD OF INNOVATIONS: The most innovative products of the up to 20nominees will be presented to the entire spoga horse audience at a central location at the trade fair.
• Online gallery: The nominated products will also be presented on the spoga horse website for one year with images and product information. Your website will also be linked in this context.
• Exposure and attention: The results will be made available to the worldwide spoga horse media and visitor network and played on all spoga horse communication channels.
• Certificate: All nominees receive a "spoga horse PROOF OF INNOVATION 2026" certificate.

The evaluation process

The submitted products will be evaluated by an independent, interdisciplinary jury. The jury members come from the fields of retail, influencers, and professionals. More information about the 2026 jury will follow shortly.

All products submitted on time will be presented to the jury for evaluation. Based on seven different criteria, the jury will award points to each product. Each criterion can receive up to ten points, with the categories Innovation Strategy & Solution Approach and Overall Concept being weighted double. The points from all four jury members will then be added together for each submitted product.

In this way, up to 20 products will be identified to receive the spoga horse PROOF OF INNOVATION. The five best products will be awarded the title: spoga horse TOP INNOVATION 2026.

The evaluation criteria

• Mini pitch of the product (via video link is welcome)
• Innovation strategy & solution approach
• Sustainability
• Differentiation from competing products
• Quality & Functionality
• Design
• Overall concept

Participation fee

• The participation fee is EUR 270 per product.
• The invoice for the participation fee will be sent to you by post after the trade fair.

What is the participation fee used for?
Participation in the spoga horse TOP INNOVATIONS is only possible for exhibitors who have already registered for the trade fair. The participation fee will be used to highlight and strengthen your benefits so that you can benefit from the award in the best possible way.

Registration and submission

If your product is among the nominees, you will receive an official notification from us starting 10 January 2026.

If your product is selected as one of the 5 winners of the spoga horse TOP INNOVATIONS, we will inform you shortly before spoga horse 2026 so that we have sufficient time to prepare the digital presentation of your product.