The once-respected equestrian association is now spiraling into self-destruction.
Riding on a horse's back is an honorable pastime, but within Germany's horse riding association, it's more like a dirty backstabbing game. A new leader is needed, but all potential candidates are getting tarnished and pushed aside. It's disheartening to see.
Ursula von der Leyen isn't an option, the horse-loving EU Commission President has more pressing matters on her plate. Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg isn't interested either, the former defense minister has made it clear he wants no part of this. As for candidates brave enough to take the reins of the dysfunctional German Equestrian Federation, they're getting slandered and ousted left and right.
The latest casualty is Stefan Unterlandstaëttner, ex-CEO of DKB and a generous donor to the Federation. His pal Holger Wulschner, an active show jumper and a member of the current, limited Federation presidency, proposed Unterlandstaëttner as the new president. The 62-year-old rider, breeder, and recent retiree was up for the challenge and had some ideas to revive the struggling Federation.
But the topic's off limits now, Unterlandstaëttner has withdrawn his bid. Suddenly, a set of photos surfaced showing Unterlandstaëttner's own grey horse, Caruso, bucking against the bit at a show, clearly resisting. The snapshot went viral online, and Unterlandstaëttner's explanation that he was trying to keep Caruso from running into an obstacle fell on deaf ears. "The Federation missed a golden opportunity," Holger Wulschner raged, and promptly resigned in anger.
The situation's dire
The situation is clear as day: no one wants to lead, or can they? For now, Martin Richenhagen, the boss of a US multinational, a man of his words, and not exactly popular with the voters, is the only one left standing. Richenhagen, who could be relaxing on his farm in Georgia, seems determined to help the struggling Federation.
The 72-year-old isn't making any comments in this heated moment. Behind closed doors, people are wondering how long Richenhagen will put himself through this ordeal. Stefan Unterlandstaëttner, who was given the boot, has his thoughts: "I just can't stomach this level of drama."
The level's hit rock bottom
The level within the German Horse Riding Federation, right in front of their office in Warendorf where a bronze statue of Halla, the legendary horse, serves as a reminder of better times, has been at rock bottom for a while now. Potential candidates for the extraordinary elections in November are being sought, but no one seems to want the job. Michael Klimke's name has been mentioned, but even he allegedly turned it down.
Now, the Federation has hinted that the search committee might get a little extra time to find a candidate or two. Whether Martin Richenhagen sees this as an insult, he's keeping quiet about it. By the way, the photo that ended Stefan Unterlandstaëttner's dreams was also leaked by a member of the search committee.
Despite the urgent need for a new leader, potential candidates in the sports realm of horse riding are facing criticism and being pushed aside. The level of infighting within the German Horse Riding Federation has reached a point where sportsmanship and honor seem to be forgotten.
