Riding Tournament in Munich Canceled Following Animal Welfare Concerns
– A riding tournament in Munich, Germany, has been abruptly canceled after a veterinarian discovered abnormalities in several ponies early Sunday morning, according to an announcement from the German Equestrian Association.
The cancellation concerns a training selection trial for the Bavarian “Preis der Besten” (Prize of the Best), a nationwide competition for young riders in dressage, jumping and vaulting. The event, held in Munich-Riem, was halted after the veterinarian’s findings prompted immediate action.
Dennis Peiler, chairman of the German Equestrian Association, expressed deep shock at the situation. “We are deeply shocked by the incidents in Munich-Riem,” he said. “We condemn this action in the strongest possible terms. The protection and well-being of the horses and ponies entrusted to us is our top priority. It is very important to us that the incidents are fully investigated and punished accordingly.”
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the matter. The police are currently involved, and the responsible district veterinary office is also participating in the process. The German Equestrian Association stated that no further details will be released at this time to avoid compromising the investigation.
According to Dr. Michael Zeitelhack, the veterinarian involved, only a “few ponies” were affected by the observed abnormalities. He assessed the overall condition of the ponies as “good,” and currently anticipates “no consequential damage.”
The ponies had been housed in a stable at the Bavarian viewing for the “Prize of the Best.” Thomas Schreder, managing director of the Bavarian Riding and Driving Association, echoed the sentiment of concern and emphasized the paramount importance of animal welfare. “The events of last night leave us shocked and stunned,” Schreder said. “For us, the well-being of the ponies and horses is above all else. There was therefore no alternative to the decision to cancel the sighting. We are working closely with the responsible authorities and are doing everything we can to fully clarify the events.”
The incident comes amid broader scrutiny of animal welfare practices within equestrian sports. In 2021, Germany’s modern pentathlon coach, Kim Raisner, was disqualified from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games after video footage appeared to show her striking a horse, Saint Boy, during the show jumping round. The Modern Pentathlon Federation (UIPM) took swift action following the incident, issuing a black card and disqualifying Raisner from the remainder of the games.
That incident highlighted the challenges athletes face when assigned horses at random with limited time to bond before competition. Athletes are given only 20 minutes to familiarize themselves with the horse before the show jumping event. The German Olympic Committee subsequently called for changes to the rules to better protect both horses and riders, emphasizing the need for fair competition and animal welfare.
The recent events in Munich are likely to further fuel the debate surrounding animal welfare in equestrian sports and could lead to increased pressure for rule changes and stricter oversight. Animal welfare organizations have previously called for a re-evaluation of equestrian events within the Olympic program, citing concerns about the potential for harm to horses.
