From home invention to patented horse patch

When Sofie’s horse was injured in the summer of 2013, there was no bandage available that could protect the wound without disrupting the healing process. Her solution? A homemade invention so effective that the veterinarian immediately saw its potential. Today, Rheva Horse Bandage is a patented product that combines wound care with insect protection and is used by horse owners and veterinarians across the country.

Innovator of the Month, Sofie Westberg, lives in Östersund and currently works as a counsellor in child and adolescent psychiatry. Her passion for horses and innovation has shaped her journey, and through Rheva, she has combined her love for animals with entrepreneurship and product development.

The idea for the horse bandage was born in the summer of 2013 when Sofie’s horse, Fengur, suffered a deep wound that was difficult to heal. Since the wound was located over a joint, it could not be stitched. The hot summer weather made the wound an easy target for flies, further complicating the healing process. To protect it without sealing it off completely, Sofie cut pieces from a fly mask and secured them around the horse’s leg using an elastic bandage. This provided protection while still allowing the wound to breathe.

– When the veterinarian saw my solution, he said, “That’s brilliant!” I replied that it would be even easier if it worked like a plaster instead. “Now you’re onto something,” he said.

The idea was later developed into a school enterprise project and eventually evolved into the netted, ventilated protection that Rheva Horse Bandage is today. Sofie participated in several entrepreneurship competitions with her invention and even reached the Swedish Championships in Young Enterprise. She initially planned to move on to other projects, but then Gekås Ullared contacted her, inviting her to participate in the TV show The Hunt for the Bestseller. Sofie won, and Gekås Ullared placed a large order for her horse bandage.

– The TV recording took place in September, and Ullared wanted the order delivered by March. At that time, I only had a prototype ready. It was a stressful period trying to get everything done in time, Sofie recalls.

What makes Rheva Horse Bandage unique?

– It’s the simplicity that makes this product unique. Many people have asked, “Why hasn’t this existed before?” It’s an easy and effective solution to a common problem for horse and pet owners, says Sofie.

Challenges and successes along the way

Being young and inexperienced in running a business was both a challenge and an advantage for Sofie. She had no prior experience in product development or patent applications but received support from many sources. Introducing a new product to the market was also challenging, as funding was needed to cover production costs. To finance the manufacturing tools, she used the profit from her first major order.

However, the product development process went surprisingly quickly. Within six months, a fully functional version was ready. Some minor adjustments were made, such as tweaking the hardness of the plastic, but the core idea was solid from the start. At trade fairs, even the early homemade prototypes sold well—clear proof that there was strong demand for this type of product.

Positive market response

– The demand has been high, and the response overwhelmingly positive. Many customers have said they’ve been waiting for a product like this. Our buyers range from private individuals to stables and veterinary clinics, with many veterinarians also serving as resellers.

Future plans and innovations

Rheva aims to continue as an innovative company, developing new wound care solutions for animals. One idea currently in progress is a reusable wound covering, something that is missing from the market today. Sustainability is a key part of the company’s vision.

Manufacturing and materials

Made in Sweden: Every part of the product is manufactured in Sweden.
High-quality materials: Made from medical-grade materials.
Ethical production: Good working conditions are a priority throughout the production chain.

Sofie’s advice for other innovators:

  Test your product and gather feedback – it may take a few or many attempts to get it just right.
  Seek support and advice from others – no one can know everything on their own.
  Dare to take the leap! It can be scary, and there are no guarantees, but even the best idea won’t succeed if you don’t take the chance.