Text © World of Showjumping

Known for its opposition against equestrian sports, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has for years been on a quest to have dressage, eventing and jumping removed from the Olympics – and with only a few days to go before the jumpers arrive in Versailles for the 2024 Games, the German branch of the animal rights organisation has published an article online accusing Austria’s Max Kühner of horse abuse. Consequently, PETA has called for Kühner to be excluded from participating at the upcoming Olympics. 

In the article, PETA makes headlines of a potential criminal case that is currently pending in Germany – where Kühner is based. PETA claims that Kühner, who currently sits 3rd on the world ranking, has been using illegal training methods – suspecting him of so-called “rapping”. Under the FEI General Regulations art. 142, it is prohibited to rap a horse during a FEI event or at any other time – and rapping is defined as horse abuse.  

However, no actual evidence relating to the claims have been made public and apparently no information will be made available from the local court handling the legal proceedings until mid-September 2024.

Regarding the claims PETA has made against Kühner, a FEI spokesperson commented: “The FEI initially learned of the allegations against Mr Kühner via the media and upon doing so contacted both the GER NF and AUT NF for further information. The FEI understands that the ongoing case in Germany is based on a complaint submitted by PETA. The FEI has not seen the case file or any of the related material. The FEI further understands that the GER NF has requested PETA and the German authorities to provide it with the evidence but it has not been provided.”

“According to the publicly available information, it seems that the Munich court will not provide more information on the matter until mid-September 2024,” the FEI Spokesperson pointed out. “The FEI will await and assess the outcome of that procedure before taking any further steps.” 

The Austrian Equestrian Sports Federation (OEPS) has confirmed that proceedings are pending at the Starnberg District Court in Germany. “The principle of presumption of innocence applies,” OEPS stated. “In accordance with the consistent and well-founded plea of not guilty, a motion to have the case dismissed was filed. The length of the proceedings is the result of several transfers of judges.”

The OEPS also highlighted that “(…) on the basis of all observations in the course of years of cooperation with Max Kühner (currently number three in the world rankings) that the keeping, training and presentation of his horses is of the highest quality. Due to his impeccable attitude towards the horse as a sporting partner, there is no reason whatsoever to assume that he uses or has used in the past methods in training that are contrary to animal welfare.” 

Kühner himself describes the allegations as completely unfounded. “These are accusations that have no basis whatsoever,” the Austrian rider stated through his federation. “On the contrary, we can prove through official veterinary certificates, experts and many witnesses that our horses are and have always been well. Animal welfare is our top priority, and our entire business is geared towards this around the clock.”

In a letter to the OEPS, Kühner’s lawyer Dr. Alexander Birnstiel confirmed that the allegations made by PETA have no basis. “None of our client's horses were harmed at any time. We cannot identify any violations of the Animal Welfare Act, which has also been confirmed by an independent expert,” Birnstiel stated – highlighting that legal efforts will be made to have the proceedings discontinued.

OEPS President Elisabeth Max-Theurer also commented on the case. “Our head of equipe Dr. Angelika May, a former judge, knows the file, has inspected it and confirmed that these are completely unfounded allegations without any evidence,” Max-Theurer said. “These old accusations were deliberately spread before the Olympics, when the media attention is particularly high. This is a witch hunt like in the Middle Ages against him as a person and against the entire equestrian sport. Max Kühner is known for his fine, elegant riding style. I myself have a young horse in training with him. I wouldn't do so, if I didn't fully trust him. We as an association condemn cruelty to animals in the strongest possible terms! Personally, this is one of my most important concerns. That's why, as an international judge, I also work intensively in a group for horse welfare in the European Federation.”

OEPS added that until a court decision is issued, the principle of presumption of innocence applies and no further comments will be made.

PETA’s allegations against Kühner follow hot on the heels of FEI’s recent provisional suspension of Great Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin – a former dressage world no. one and multi-medallist at the Olympic Games, World Championships and European Championships – which caused headlines world-wide earlier this week. The FEI suspended Dujardin on 23 July 2024, after it received a video through a Dutch lawyer, depicting the British dressage rider engaging in what the governing body described to be ‘conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare’. The FEI has opened an investigation and condemned any conduct contrary to the welfare of horses.

Well aware of the current challenges equestrian sports are facing, the FEI recently launched a campaign – ‘Be a Guardian’ – aimed at emphasizing the importance of horse welfare. Launching the campaign, the FEI highlighted the human role in caring for horses – underscoring each individual's responsibility for ensuring horse welfare. Parallel to launching its new initiative, the FEI also announced that for the first time at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, a position of Equine Welfare Coordinator has been established – with Dr. Richard Corde, President of the French League for the Protection of the Horse, appointed to the position. Dr. Corde will offer advisory oversight on animal welfare throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Games, ensuring all stakeholders adhere strictly to FEI regulations.