Interview with Bernd Voss for truva

1. We witnessed growth across nearly all key figures for spoga horse 2025. Could you summarise the main results and highlights from your perspective?

Over the past two years, spoga horse has once again expanded its range of exhibitors. In addition to the classic product areas such as fashion and equipment for horses and riders, as well as horse care and health, we have successfully established new formats for products in the areas of capital goods, e-commerce, dog supplies and the Start-up Village. This has enabled spoga horse to achieve growth and we will continue to stay close to the market in order to present new content in the future.

2. Looking at the market as a whole, what major changes and developments have you observed during and after the pandemic?

During the pandemic, the equestrian industry benefited from strong demand, as equestrian sports and training with horses were permitted in some areas. The high demand then declined immediately after the end of the pandemic and many companies have had some difficulty since then.

Riders are now very cost-conscious when making purchases. However, they do not skimp on equipment, care and health for the horses.

3. Although many regions are still trying to return to pre-pandemic economic levels, political conditions and their effects continue to pose challenges.
How has the equestrian market been affected and have industry events faced similar difficulties?

Equestrian sport thrives on its loyal fan base. Major tournaments in Germany, such as the CHIO Aachen or the Hamburg Derby, attract large audiences each year. However, smaller tournament organizers often face challenges in hosting their events due to a lack of sponsorship support.  

4. spoga horse brings together international exhibitors from more than 30 countries.
What are your thoughts on the future of international manufacturing, particularly regarding importers from outside the EU?

All major industry brands are represented at spoga horse 2026. In addition to the well-known equestrian labels, companies supplying raw materials to the industry also exhibit at our fair. Especially in light of recurring trade barriers, spoga horse plays a crucial role in ensuring that all key players are brought together in one place.

5. What are spoga horse’s plans for international exhibitors in future editions?

In 2025, we introduced a country pavilion for France for the first time. It enabled smaller companies to participate at spoga horse for the very first time and this model could also be an attractive approach for other countries.

6. What new features or highlights can we expect at the 2026 edition?

spoga horse 2026 is excellently positioned. All leading brands will be present in Cologne: that alone makes the trip worthwhile. In addition, with our new formats DOG VILLAGE powered by pet and the Stable Village, we will be providing fresh inspiration. The stage program is top-tier and will offer exciting content.

Further: spoga horse is the perfect networking hotspot. Those who attend the fair will experience first-hand what this exciting industry has to offer.

7. Finally, what would you like to say to our international – especially Turkish – visitors? Which key reasons would you emphasise for attending spoga horse?

I warmly welcome all professionals from Turkey to experience the opportunities of the fair. The equestrian industry presents itself in Cologne in such a sophisticated way, and there’s plenty happening across all three days. Award ceremonies, fashion walks, talks, top athletes on stage, online marketing, and all the major equestrian brands from around the world make the fair an unforgettable experience for every equestrian fan.

Picture: Koelnmesse/diefarbenull/Cihan Hazar