At the oldest riding school in the world, tensions continue. After the turbulence of recent months, which led to the dismissal of the management, a new suspicion of animal cruelty has now emerged. An internal survey speaks of sensitive situations with young horses. Employees describe mistreatment, stressful moments, and treatment that they viewed as not compliant with animal welfare standards.
According to ORF, this survey from 2023 originated with the dismissed managing director Alfred Hudler. He had to step down in September after the ministry accused him of irregularities in expense and travel reimbursements and reported him to the public prosecutor’s office on suspicion of embezzlement. Hudler has always denied the accusations. The presumption of innocence applies to him.
Ministry reportedly informed
The responsible Federal Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management, Climate Action, and Environmental Protection is said to have been informed about the now emerging allegations of alleged animal abuse. When confronted, however, the results were reportedly “not available following a quick inquiry,” according to an initial statement to ORF. It was noted, however, that there is regular information exchange. “If grievances are brought to the ministry, appropriate action will be taken.”
On Tuesday morning, Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig (ÖVP) released a statement: “I take these allegations very seriously and have therefore immediately commissioned internal auditing to conduct a review. If these allegations are confirmed, then the legally required consequences will follow.”
For now, however, he said it is important to investigate and verify the facts. According to initial information from the Spanish Riding School, there has never been any animal cruelty and the animals are well cared for, guaranteed in part by a company veterinarian, Totschnig continued. In the current restructuring process, “the welfare of our Lipizzaners has the highest priority.” The statement does not clarify whether Totschnig was previously aware of the allegations.
Supervisory Board being restructured
These revelations hit the prestigious institution at a sensitive time: The supervisory board of the Spanish Riding School is scheduled to be reappointed as early as Wednesday. On November 27, the application deadline for the new management ends. Meanwhile, past events are the subject of a parliamentary inquiry. The question being raised is whether there may have been a “targeted dismantling” of Hudler and whether the ministry sufficiently involved the supervisory board.
