Article: STRĒID meets showjumping hero and BHOOF Founder, Peder Fredricson
STRĒID meets showjumping hero and BHOOF Founder, Peder Fredricson
Join the STRĒID team as we interview Peder Fredricson, highly decorated Swedish Olympic Event and Showjumping rider, and of course, founder of BHOOF.
Hi Peder! Bhoof has quickly become one of the most intriguing new names in contemporary tack design. Can you take us back to the moment the idea first took shape? What gap in the sport, or in the rider–horse connection, did you feel compelled to address?
My journey began in 1992, during my first Olympic Games in eventing with my horse, Hilly Trip. She was a small Thoroughbred mare, quick and determined, and I knew that every bit of energy would matter in such a demanding competition. To save her strength for the cross-country course, I chose to run beside her during the roads and tracks phase instead of riding. That's when I truly realized how impractical my riding boots were. Running in them was uncomfortable, to say the least. So I went to a local cobbler, and together we designed a pair of sneaker-inspired riding boots—comfortable enough for running, yet functional for riding. At the same time, I started questioning all the equipment we were using. I wanted to strip away anything unnecessary and focus only on what truly supported Hilly's performance and comfort. For example, I cut up an old sleeping mat and used it as a saddle pad instead of a heavy gel pad. That was the moment when the idea of lighter, more comfortable competition equipment was born.
The name "Bhoof" has an unmistakably strong identity. What does it represent for you personally? Is there a story, memory or philosophy behind it that shaped the brand's DNA?
Bhoof represents a way of thinking - always looking to improve and always respecting the horse. The idea is simple: equipment should support the horse, not limit it. That philosophy is at the heart of the brand. We respect tradition, but we're not afraid to rethink it when there's a better solution for the horse.
Your bridles have already gained recognition for merging performance, elegance and true horse comfort. When you designed them, what was the vision guiding your decisions?
The guiding principle was that comfort leads to better performance. We use lightweight, vegetable-tanned leather and focus on anatomical shaping, so the bridle avoids sensitive areas around the poll and ears. This gives the horse more freedom of movement and clearer communication with the rider.
Fit is also essential. Every horse is different, so our bridles are designed to be highly adjustable, allowing a precise and individual fit.
Bhoof's leatherwork has a distinct aesthetic signature. Are you exploring new colours, finishes or materials that reflect where the brand is heading next?
We're constantly curious, and that curiosity is at the heart of what drives us. Exploring new materials, finishes, and design possibilities is a natural part of our development, because we believe tack should always evolve with the sport and the needs of the horse. What you see today is just the beginning of our journey. There is so much more ahead.
Bhoof is entering a new chapter as the brand becomes available in new markets - including your partnership with STRĒID in the GCC. What excites you most about this expansion, and how do you think riders in this region will connect with the brand's philosophy?
Sweden holds a leading position in show jumping, with a strong equestrian culture and a deep commitment to horse welfare - and that philosophy is embedded in everything we create at Bhoof. This philosophy is at the core of everything we do at Bhoof. Expanding into new markets allows us to share this approach with riders who value modern design, high performance, and genuine respect for the horse. The GCC's passionate equestrian community makes it a natural next step, and we're excited to connect with riders who share these values.
Beyond bridles, can you share a glimpse of what's coming next for Bhoof? Are there new product categories, innovations or collaborations you're particularly excited about?
Innovation is an ongoing process for us. We've just launched our first saddle pads, which marks the start of our textile line. It felt like a natural next step - bringing the same focus on lightness, comfort and function into a new product category. And this is only the beginning. The textile line opens up new possibilities, and we're excited to continue developing new solutions for horse and rider.
Looking back at your trajectory as both an athlete and a founder, is there a professional milestone that feels especially defining or meaningful to you?
Looking back at my trajectory as both an athlete and a founder, I don't think there's one single moment that defines everything - it's more about continuous progress and growth. Of course, some achievements stand out. Winning Olympic medals, including team gold and multiple silvers, has been incredibly meaningful. At the same time, it's deeply rewarding to see top riders choose Bhoof and feel a real difference in comfort and performance. But for me, the smaller steps, improving a detail, refining a design, making something more comfortable for the horse - are just as important. That's how real progress happens, both in sport and in product development. Every design improvement, every small win in comfort or function, adds up over time - much like training for a competition. They all matter, and together they define the journey.
If you could sit down with your younger self at the beginning of this journey, what piece of advice would you give him today?
Don't wait for the perfect moment. Start before you feel ready, trust your instinct, and take responsibility for your ideas. Progress comes from action, not certainty. Every meaningful step will feel uncomfortable at first - that's how you know it matters.
