What can you learn from a horse? A lot, according to Travskolan Gävletravet, which runs courses for children to develop their superpowers.
Gävle trotting school is one of Alleima's collaboration partners in 2026, and thanks to Alleima, the trotting school has been able to support children who otherwise might not have been able to afford a leisure activity.
People feel good being around horses, and being part of that context has proven positive effects for the well-being of both humans and horses.
"Being with horses creates both a more meaningful free time and promotes our mental health," says Elina Ruth, manager at Travskolan Gävletravet. Travskolan Gävletravet has about 200 members and arranges courses for both adults and children. The courses are based on developing knowledge and awareness of horses and trotting. One of the directions is the program "Learn with horses" which is aimed at children who may need extra support. The program structure is well-proven and designed to strengthen and develop the participants' self-esteem, self-awareness, and collaboration skills.
"Through 'Learn with horses' we train the children's superpowers: communication, collaboration, making decisions, solving problems, setting boundaries, regulating emotions, and using their body language. Horses are very sensitive to body language and emotions and react directly and honestly and give clear feedback without judging," explains Elina Ruth. Thanks to the collaboration with Alleima, Travskolan Gävletravet has been able to offer the activity to around twenty children where the family's finances are limited. "Horses are an expensive hobby, and because of that, many children easily end up on the outside. Here we can offer children and youth courses that they otherwise might not be able to afford," says Elina Ruth.
The collaboration is also in line with Alleima's core values. "For us at Alleima, it is important to support the local community and association life. In the collaboration with Travskolan Gävletravet, we see the opportunity to contribute to more children and young people getting the opportunity for a meaningful and developing free time," says Glenn Johansson, Site Manager for Alleima in Sandviken and chairman of the company's local sponsorship group.