Sandra Ruuda, the recently appointed chairwoman of the Swedish Equestrian Federation, has stepped down in response to significant criticism regarding the implementation of a 13-year age limit for national and international competitions. The proposal, which drew outrage from many in the equestrian community, was later rescinded, but the backlash against Ruuda intensified, culminating in an open letter signed by over 160 individuals, including celebrated equestrian Rolf-Göran Bengtsson, demanding her resignation.

In her resignation statement, Ruuda expressed her disappointment but acknowledged that stepping down was in the best interest of Swedish equestrian sports, declaring, "I would have liked to stay until the next federation meeting, but for the sake of Swedish equestrian sports, this is the right decision." Ruuda made history as the first woman to hold the chairman position in the federation when she was elected in 2023, making her departure particularly significant in the context of women in sports leadership roles.

Following Ruuda's resignation, Camilla Sjölund Lundevall, the former vice chair, will assume the role of acting chair. This leadership transition comes at a critical time as the federation grapples with the implications of its recent controversies and strives to restore trust and cohesion within the Swedish equestrian community. The episode underscores the challenges faced by sports organizations in balancing regulations and member sentiments, especially in a sport where tradition and progress must continually coexist.