The stables of the equestrian club Riddersviks fältrittklubб, with no less than 141 years of history behind them, are in urgent need of renovation to comply with current animal welfare regulations. However, a disagreement between the sports association and the City of Stockholm — which owns the property — over who should bear the costs has left the club at a dead end.
Unable to finance the renovation on its own, the riding club is being forced to leave the facilities it has occupied for more than six decades. The departure brings an end to a long-standing relationship between the club and this site in the Hässelby district, in the western part of the Swedish capital.
The dispute highlights the tensions that often arise when the upkeep of historic buildings leased to sports associations falls to public authorities — such as the City of Stockholm — that are not always willing to commit to large-scale investments. For the club, which brings together dozens of riders and equestrian enthusiasts, losing the stables poses a direct threat to its survival.
Original source: SVT Nyheter