Serious allegations have emerged against a horse trainer accused of abusing horses, with former colleagues detailing mistreatment, including tying horses’ heads and tails together and distressing training methods. Witnesses reported that horses appeared fearful and distressed. The trainer and stable owner deny the claims, while an investigation by the Westphalian equestrian association is underway. Concerns about the lack of action from equestrian authorities have been voiced, emphasizing the need for better protection for horses against abuse.
Serious Accusations Against a Horse Trainer
Alarming allegations have surfaced against a horse trainer, with former female colleagues accusing him of prolonged abuse towards horses. The response from equestrian associations has been disappointingly slow.
Detailed Allegations of Mistreatment
Numerous claims have emerged regarding the trainer’s abusive practices. Reports suggest that he tied horses’ heads and tails together during training, or confined them in a dimly lit riding arena. Disturbingly, he is accused of using a shoelace to tether a horse’s tongue to its halter, forcing it to protrude from its mouth. Furthermore, it has been claimed that he wrapped a curb strap, an essential piece of riding gear, with wire during an event.
Witnesses describe the horses as visibly distressed and drenched in sweat after sessions conducted on a “double lunge.” The intensity of these training routines was so extreme that it reportedly left the arena floor in disarray. Horses under his supervision are said to have displayed fear, often recoiling in their stalls upon his approach.
These accusations come from former colleagues who worked alongside him for several years at a riding stable, where he was responsible for training and showcasing horses owned by the stable owner during competitions.
In April 2024, the German Equestrian Federation (FN) was alerted to these troubling claims. Currently, a disciplinary investigation by the Westphalian equestrian association is underway. A former colleague, who has chosen to remain anonymous, shared her experiences with the WDR’s equestrian Instagram channel, @DiemitdenPferden.
Annika (name changed) was in training to become a horse trainer when she witnessed the troubling treatment of the horses. “It was unbearable to watch. I felt sick every time I saw how he treated them, and ultimately, I had to leave the stable because of him.” To gather evidence, stable employees covertly recorded the trainer’s actions.
Despite bringing their concerns to the stable owner, initial action was lacking. Annika expressed her frustration, saying, “Every time we tried to act, we felt powerless. He was an excellent liar, making it seem like our concerns were driven by jealousy.” Consequently, Annika abandoned her training and left the stable.
Ultimately, the trainer was dismissed in 2023, two years after Annika had left. Now, she rides for pleasure but has given up her aspirations of becoming a trainer. Meanwhile, her former colleague continues to work in various stables.
Responses from the Trainer and Stable Owner
In response to the allegations, both the trainer and the stable owner were questioned. The trainer vehemently denies all accusations, asserting that they are “false.” He claims that the double lunge training was conducted according to established guidelines, and while horses may sweat during exercise, it did not damage the arena surface.
He further refutes the claim of tying a horse’s tongue, stating he has never engaged in such actions or tied horses’ heads and tails together. “The horses never backed away from me; rather, I trained them professionally and helped them succeed at competitions,” he declared.
The stable owner conveyed that he was unaware of the specific allegations until receiving anonymous video evidence during a tournament in January 2023. He emphasized his commitment to horse welfare, stating that the provided material contradicted their standards, prompting immediate termination of the trainer’s employment.
The German Equestrian Federation (FN) has been aware of the claims since April 2024. When contacted, they directed inquiries to the Westphalian equestrian association, which confirmed an ongoing investigation by its disciplinary commission.
Annika feels let down by the authorities involved, expressing frustration over their lack of action despite repeated attempts to report the situation. “We reached out to the FN multiple times, but nothing changed. It felt incredibly isolating,” she said.
The FN has limited authority to impose disciplinary actions, applicable only to competitive sports. While they can enforce suspensions or fines, they lack the power to influence home training or impose animal care restrictions. However, they can notify relevant authorities, which has yet to occur in this case.
Olympic champion Isabell Werth has publicly criticized the leadership of the FN, calling for a more proactive approach in addressing such serious allegations.
Social worker Alena Mess highlights the vulnerability of horses, likening their plight to that of a child. She stresses the importance of swift and thorough responses to abuse allegations in the equestrian community, advocating for the welfare of these defenseless animals.