PETA on the podium at the "Hot potatoes" panel discussion - the FN sticks to it

Under the title “Hot potatoes in Warendorf – Young horses in show jumping: support or excessive demands”, the discussion will take place on Tuesday, May 12 at the FN Association Headquarters. The following guests have been invited to the podium:

Prof. Dr. Christine Aurich (Head of the Equine Clinic at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna and expert for young horses), Ingo Pape, Martin Plewa, Dr. Kirsten Tönnies, Wilken Treu and a PETA representative.

This is stated in the announcement of the event. The announcement that a representative of the self-proclaimed animal rights organization PETA was invited met with resistance within the horse industry.

We have received a letter from “riders, trainers, coaches, owners, service providers, clubs and event organizers”, which is headed with the words:

“Demands on the German Equestrian Federation e.V.”

The wording here includes the following:

“PETA has launched a petition “No equestrian sports at the Olympic Games” and called on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to remove equestrian sports from the program. We demand a critical examination of this organization and do not expect these activists to be offered a stage for “self-promotion”. The discussion round with PETA scheduled by President Martin Richenhgen on 12 May at 6.30 p.m. must be cancelled, as this organization describes equestrian sport as “cruelty to animals” and does not accept factual information.”

However, the authors also go beyond the event on May 12. With reference to 1.25 million horses in Germany, more than 7000 riding clubs, breeding and training stables, including service providers and suppliers from the equestrian industry, they explain that “unrealistic requirements combined with significant increases in fees and conditions” mean that many horse lovers can no longer afford their passion.

And further: “We express our distrust of the current leadership, in particular the President of the German Equestrian Federation.” The word “mistrust” is in bold.

It calls for a “clear position for the responsible use of riding horses in sport and leisure and a clear demarcation against unobjective attacks on equestrian sport”.

Interview with Dr. Dennis Peiler

Today, the FN published an interview with FN Managing Director Dr. Dennis Peiler, in which he explains why PETA will be present at the event on May 12 (which will be moderated by him). On the one hand, he says: “I am firmly convinced that dialog is the right way to further develop our sport.”

The next question is whether this also applies to an organization like PETA, which questions the riding of horses in general. Peiler replies: “(…) I don’t believe in condemning the sport across the board. But I do believe very strongly in talking about concrete improvements. That’s exactly what we can do at an event like “Heiße Eisen”: face to face, constructively and professionally based. Animal rights organizations argue on the basis of animal welfare – and that is precisely our yardstick. (…)”

In response to the comment that “so much openness” on the part of the association goes too far for some and the question of whether he understands this, Peiler says: “To a certain extent. Equestrian sport is under greater public scrutiny than it used to be. Ignoring this criticism would be the wrong approach. Whether we like it or not, the public is highly sensitive when it comes to animal welfare. However, this also means that public perception of our sport plays a key role in determining whether equestrian sport in Germany has a future or not. Our goal is clear: equestrian sport should continue to have a firm place in the center of society. However, we will not achieve this goal through monologues or mutual devaluation. We need to start talking to each other more again, and in an objective manner. Even if this is often the more uncomfortable way. I therefore invite all interested parties to come to Warendorf on May 12 to see for themselves and take part in the discussion.”