The Latest on the Attacks on Ponies at the "Preis der Besten" Screening in Munich

In mid-February, the tryouts for the “Preis der Besten” dressage competition for various age groups took place at the Olympic Equestrian Center in Munich-Riem. The participating horses and ponies were stabled there during that time. During the night, unknown perpetrators tampered with several ponies. As a witness at the scene later reported, manes and tails—and in some cases, forelocks—were cut off, tongues were tied, and one pony’s front leg was tied to its girth. Fortunately, none of the animals suffered any lasting harm.

Case Dismissed

The Bavarian Equestrian and Driving Association, as the organizer and host of the event, filed a police report against persons unknown. The police launched an investigation and eventually referred the case to the Munich I Public Prosecutor’s Office. For months, nothing happened. Today, in response to an inquiry from EQUI PAGES, it was announced that the case had been dismissed. The reason: No perpetrator could be identified.

Response from the Bavarian Equestrian and Driving Association

Thomas Schreder, executive director of the Bavarian Equestrian and Driving Association, then stated that, as far as he and the association were concerned, the matter was by no means settled. “For us, this incident is far from over!” Schreder emphasized.

The association’s concern is not merely to hold the perpetrator accountable. The whole situation also has financial consequences for the association. After all, security measures at events must now be significantly increased. Schreder:

“We have hired a security service for the Bavarian Championships starting on July 9. We have also installed a camera system that monitors the stables in accordance with GDPR regulations. This involves significant additional costs, primarily due to the extra staff that must be deployed as a result.”

The Bavarian Equestrian and Driving Association has therefore retained its own legal counsel to pursue the matter further.