July 26th 2024.
There has been a recent uproar in the equestrian world as another Olympic rider has been accused of mistreating a horse during training. Max Kuhner, who hails from Austria and is currently ranked third in the world, has been accused of using a banned training method that involves hitting a horse's legs with a bar to make it jump higher. This news comes just days after Team GB's Charlotte Dujardin had to withdraw from the Olympics due to a video showing her repeatedly whipping a horse.
The allegations against Kuhner stem from an incident that took place in May of 2023, where a whistleblower provided information to PETA, an animal rights organization. As a result, a criminal complaint was filed against Kuhner with the Munich II public prosecutor's office. In March of this year, penal orders were issued against Kuhner and a trainer who was also involved in the alleged abuse.
The prohibited training method, known as "barring," involves placing a wooden or metal bar over an obstacle so that it strikes the horse's legs and forces it to jump higher. This practice is not only banned by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports but is also considered animal abuse. The incident is said to have taken place at Kuhner's training stable in Starnberg, Germany.
Kuhner, 50, has vehemently denied these allegations and has requested for the proceedings to be discontinued. He released a statement to the APA, stating that the accusations have no basis and that he can prove the well-being of his horses through official veterinary certificates and expert witnesses. He also emphasized that the welfare of his horses is his top priority and that his entire operation is focused on ensuring their well-being.
The Austrian Equestrian Federation has also come to Kuhner's defense, stating that they have observed his training methods for years and can confirm that they are of the highest quality. They also stated that there is no reason to believe that Kuhner uses any methods that go against animal welfare or has used them in the past. Elisabeth Max-Theurer, the vice president of the Austrian Olympic Committee and OEPS president, also criticized the length of the investigation, especially considering Kuhner's upcoming appearance at the Olympics.
When asked why the allegations were not addressed before the Olympics, Max-Theurer explained that they were deliberately spread and that there may be some jealousy towards Kuhner due to his ranking and chances of winning a medal. The FEI's chief veterinarian, Dr. Gotan Akerstrom, has also stated that they are gathering information about the legal proceedings in Germany.
This is not the first time Kuhner has faced accusations of animal cruelty. Back in 2008, videos captured on a mobile phone allegedly showed him jumping a horse over a wire at a water obstacle. An investigation was conducted by the Bavarian Riding and Driving Association, but the disciplinary commission was unable to find evidence of animal welfare violations and the case was discontinued due to minor guilt.
In conclusion, while the allegations against Kuhner are serious and must be investigated, it is important to remember that these are only allegations and Kuhner has denied them. The welfare of the horses must always be the top priority in equestrian sports, and it is up to the authorities to determine the truth behind these accusations. Kuhner is set to compete in the Olympics for the first time in his career and has the full support of the Austrian Equestrian Federation.
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