When it comes to GOT—that acronym that comes up at least once a week, directly or indirectly, in conversations in German horse stables—things might be about to change. The protests from horse owners have certainly been heard, and initiatives specifically focused on the future of horses have already made it all the way to the Bundestag. But a clear statement from those in charge regarding whether there will be any changes is still pending. The arguments are well known (and have been discussed countless times). Horse owners are left gasping for breath when they see their veterinary bills. Politicians must evaluate, deliberate—the Bundestag, the Bundesrat, committees… “German speed”? Not really.

A New Twist on the Discussion?

But now a group has spoken out—one driven not by concern or despair over the care of beloved pets, but by money. A lot of money! The insurance industry is voicing its concerns. Behind this lies“insurance-optimized billing”—in short: insurance fraud—my choice of words as someone with public health insurance.

Citing specific sections of the law, she denounces the uncontrolled proliferation of billing practices targeting pet owners whose animals are insured. The German Insurance Association identifies “structural shortcomings.” These “require urgent legislative action.”

Money Matters

Now that’s a statement. You could also put it this way: Instead of Grandma Kasubke’s poodle with kidney stones—or Susi Sorgenvoll’s Schnutzelputzel, who’s already had two surgeries for colic—there’s a simple number: 238 billion euros in annual revenue in 2024! That’s how much Germans have invested in insurance benefits. Not just in horse health insurance, of course. But that, too.

Grandma Kasubke’s poodle …

Grandma Kasubke’s poodle and Schnutzelputzel, who suffers from indigestion, may let themselves be petted for the cameras during election season to boost their popularity. The man in the dark suit with the polished demeanor—over whom the figure 238 billion hovers when he—pardon the pun—enters the lobby of the German Bundestag as a lobbyist—doesn’t want to be petted. He wants to be heard. I assume he will be. And that’s a good thing.

Ultimately, the entire system suffers because of the black sheep—the clinics, some of which are backed by corporations, that believe they can bill for a service differently simply because the animal is insured. Ultimately, these clinics—which often employ clever PR tactics (after all, they can afford to do so when every little thing is billed at double the rate…) clinics ensure that the mobile vet—the “small-town vet” next door, who keeps the practice running with just three staff members—has to deal with discussions that have nothing to do with the day-to-day reality of these thoroughly idealistic veterinarians.

The rift between those who care about the horse’s well-being

One thing is clear: The GOT has succeeded in dividing the veterinary community and driving a wedge between us—the pet owners—and the treating professionals. Whether that was the intention is known only to the authors and advocates of the GOT. It’s good that another powerful voice is now speaking up in the debate.

Luhmühlen is calling!

Just a quick word about this week: It’s the week when everything should really start with L: L for the joy of great sports, L for the love of horses, L for performance, L for Luhmühlen. We’ve put together some highlights about the German Championships, the CCI5*-L competition featuring many top international rider-horse pairs, and the thinking behind the course. L for Let’s Go. Or LA—the Road2LA initiative will also be on site.

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

Jan Tönjes

jan.toenjes@equi-pages.de

This is the EQUI PAGES Newsletter

This article was first published on June 15, 2026. Every Monday, Jan Tönjes provides commentary on current events in our weekly newsletter on EQUI PAGES.

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