Photos: Viktoria Hainzl
The Austrian Federal Stallion Show, organised by Pferd Austria, took place on Whit Sunday at the Stadl-Paura Equestrian Centre. To mark the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Imperial Stallion Depot, the Federal Stallion Show sent a strong message about the diversity and high quality of Austrian horse breeding. The participants’ flawless presentation of the stallions made the Show a special experience and underlined the sense of unity within Austrian horse breeding.
With 121 top stallions entered from 15 different breeds across Austria, the presentation was unique in this format and served as an impressive showcase of Austrian horse breeding. The quality of the stallions on display is the result of successful collaboration between the breeding organisations, as well as the passion and dedication of all those involved, spanning generations.
Guests of honour from home and abroad
Numerous guests of honour from Austria and abroad, representing the agricultural, political and business sectors, educational institutions and the Austrian horse breeding associations, accepted Pferd Austria’s invitation to the Karl-Bauer Halle. The interest shown by foreign breeding associations was particularly encouraging, and representatives from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania were welcomed.
A full house and a fascinating programme
The moderator Stefanie Zottl hosted the afternoon’s proceedings alongside the breed experts Hans Wieser and Dr Peter Zechner, who were also responsible for preparing the show programme and providing expert commentary on the stallions.
In front of packed stands, the stallions put on a varied programme lasting around three hours, showcasing their abilities under saddle, by driving and in engaging show performances.
The impressive programme was rounded off by welcoming addresses from the Austrian Chamber of Agriculture and the Austrian Farmers’ Union.
The pioneering collaboration between Pferd Austria and landwirt.com was also unveiled. This is an important initiative to raise the profile of Austrian horse breeders and to support the online marketing of quality horses from Austria.
Highest honour for services to Austrian horse breeding
During the Austrian Federal Stallion Show, Mr Johannes Frickh, Ministerial Counsellor, was awarded the Golden Badge of Honour by Pferd Austria. With this, its highest honour, the Austrian umbrella organisation honours individuals who have rendered outstanding services to Austrian horse breeding.
A heartfelt thank you goes to all the volunteers who played a key role in ensuring the success and smooth running of the 1st Austrian National Stallion Show!
Chairman Ing. Andreas Höllbacher and Ing. Natascha Stolka
