The German Equestrian Federation (FN), big politics and the GOT

Warendorf meets Berlin. Or equestrian sport Germany and big politics: Prof. Martin Richenhagen, President of the German Equestrian Federation (FN) and Dr. Klaus Miesner from the Executive Board made the trip to Berlin. An important trip, even if the two did not have a meeting at ministerial level on the agenda. But they did have a number of topics. First and foremost the GOT – it is pointless to ponder what the old FN management team should or should have done better in the run-up to the reorganization of the fee schedule for veterinarians. After all, the baby has long since fallen into the well – as we all know from our veterinary bills. (For background information and positions on the GOT, I would highly recommend the podcast episode on the GOT by “Erzähl mir was vom Pferd”, see also the banner at the bottom of this newsletter).

With the parliamentarians

The two were presented to the parliamentary group for horses and, according to the FN press release, were also heard. In this respect, a better effect than was once achieved by the delegation that – with the attempt to obtain the hot brand for foal identification in their luggage – was received by the then Minister of Agriculture, Ilse Aigner, for a photo opportunity, but was then swiftly escorted out again. Motto: Thanks for nothing.

Equine (sport) Germany has enough issues that need to be addressed by politicians. The GOT is probably the biggest chunk. And Dr. Klaus Miesner has also taken a maximum demand with him to Berlin: “We now need a clear political commitment and the legislative will for a complete review of the GOT.” At first glance, this sounds like politician-speak, but at second glance it is a really important sentence. And a correct one. After all, “complete scrutiny” means nothing other than putting the entire GOT construct (which, as a reminder, only exists in Germany) up for debate per se. “Is this art – or can it go?” This clearly defines a position.

Topics placed in Berlin

The fact that the issue of wolves has been dealt with by the change in the law, but is by no means off the table, was also pointed out, as was the fact that the declining numbers of riders and in German horse breeding in general are also having a negative impact on society and the economy. And that they would like to be supported in terms of research for genomic selection, keyword “health data”.

Finally, a commitment to Germany as an Olympic location with the trump card that no other sport has a similar track record as equestrian sport. Anyone who thinks they have to turn up their nose at top-class sport should first realize that funds that also benefit (FN) grassroots sport come from Berlin, namely from the Ministry of the Interior, which is responsible for sport.

Conclusion: people are talking and that’s good. It remains to be seen whether and how intensively we will be heard.

Witchcraft instead of a working group

Another thing that “Pferdesport Deutschland” has announced is a new cooperation partner: “Bibi and Tina”. As a father of extremely confident children (who have long since come of age!!), I can say that we have found a player who is firmly anchored in society.

What the two big-heads must have thought on the way back to the tranquil Münsterland: “Eene meene Pferdekot, in Pferdeland Deutschland everything is fine. Witch, witch?”

With this in mind, best regards and see you next Monday!

Jan Tönjes
jan.toenjes@equi-pages.de

This text was first published in the newsletter of March 23, 2026. Every Monday, Jan Tönjes comments on the events of the previous week in our newsletter on EQUI PAGES.

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