Heavy accusations against top-rider Kühner
Max Kuhner Faces Serious Allegations. A Horseshoeing Infringement Charge Has Been Filed Against the German Showjumper.
Max Kuhner, the rider representing Austria in equestrian events, is under investigation for an infringement of the Animal Protection Law. According to a statement from the Amtsgericht Starnberg, the Munich II Public Prosecutor's Office issued arrest warrants for Kuhner, who denies the accusations, and another person involved as a trainer in March. Kuhner is accused of using the controversial "active spurs" method in May 2023. In this method, a stick is struck against a horse's legs as it jumps over an obstacle to make it lift its legs higher.
Kuhner insists that all the accusations are baseless, as the spokesperson for the Austrian Equestrian Federation confirmed upon request. Kuhner told the Austrian Press Agency (APA): "These are accusations that lack any foundation. On the contrary, we can prove through veterinary certificates, experts, and numerous witnesses that our horses are always in good health and have been. Animal welfare is our top priority, and our entire operation is designed around the clock for it."
Objection Filed
The World Equestrian Federation (FEI) is aware of the situation, and, according to FEI Chief Veterinarian Göran Akerström, they are currently gathering information. If there is any suspicion, a procedure will be initiated. However, this has not occurred yet.
An objection has been filed against the arrest warrants. The deadline for submitting statements is still ongoing, so no prediction is possible at this time regarding whether and when the main trial will take place, according to the Starnberg Amtsgericht. "It is assumed that no further new evidence will be issued in this matter before mid-September 2024," a spokesperson for the court told the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" (FAZ).
Kuhner to Compete at the Olympics
The spokesperson for the Austrian Equestrian Federation also stated that the investigation will not affect Kuhner's participation in the Olympics in Paris and that he will compete as planned. Previously, the federation emphasized that, due to his impeccable attitude towards his equine partner, there is no reason to assume that he has applied or used animal cruel methods in training or in the past.
Since 2015, Kuhner, who was born in Munich and lives in Starnberg, has been active for Austria. The 50-year-old is currently ranked third in the world. The showjumping competitions at the Olympics begin on the upcoming Thursday.
Despite the allegations against him, Max Kuhner, a top-rider for Austria in equestrian events, maintains his innocence. He has strongly denied using the controversial "active spurs" method and has provided veterinary certificates, expert opinions, and witness statements to support his claim. Despite an objection filed against the arrest warrants, a court spokesperson has indicated that no further evidence is expected before mid-September 2024. Despite the ongoing investigation, Olympia-Start, a German equestrian team, has announced that Kuhner will continue to compete in the Olympics in Paris as planned.
