The Horse Forum was founded in 2023 in cooperation with Pferdekraft Austria, the Styrian State Horse Breeding Association, the Styrian Chamber of Agriculture, and the Austrian Rural Riders and Drivers Association. It serves to disseminate knowledge in rural horse husbandry and breeding and is supported and recognized as a continuing education event for teaching and consulting by the University of Agricultural and Environmental Education and the Austrian Animal Health Service. Relevant topics are addressed and discussed in practical presentations, with a particular focus on customs and the integration of traditional knowledge with current specialist information.
The main topics were horse transport, the economics of logging, and the training of working horses, including interesting insights into the work of a saddler. The event, held at Gumpenstein Castle, provided perfect conditions for the more than 120 participants, exhibitors, and other attendees from across Germany.
Irene Mösenbacher, on behalf of the Raumberg-Gumpenstein house and the organizing members, was delighted by the large number of attendees, including Mayor Herbert Gugganig , a delegation from the Hochfilzen Pack Animal Center, teachers from the Austrian equestrian schools, and the Carinthian animal breeding direktor Dr. Johann Burgstaller , the former Pferd Austria chairman Willy Feuerle and many more.
The opening ceremony was conducted by Andreas Steinegger , who emphasized the importance of breeding and rural horse keeping. A key future priority is the effort to shift the focus of boarding horses on farms towards primary production.
Dr. Stephan Hintenaus, MD, DVM , as direktor and official veterinarian for the state of Upper Austria, focused on the transport of horses. The distinction between commercial and recreational journeys is a crucial factor regarding the necessary accompanying documents. The validity of the issued documents must also be regularly checked.
Master saddler Markus Maislinger from Lochen am See, in addition to a historical overview of the Maislinger family business, presented essential information on harnesses and the various designs of horse collars and accessories for driving and working horses. The optimal fit for the horse is crucial in every context.
To shed more light on the economic viability of using horses in forestry, Dominik Zabilka (Pferdeeinsatz Bodenfreund, Upper Austria) spoke about his work, his experiences, and the detailed calculation of forestry operations. A key requirement for the forestry service provider is a sound assessment of the stands, enabling them to calculate operations transparently and in a way that is optimized for both parties. For forest owners, this offers a profitable and, above all, soil-friendly and sustainable alternative or supplement to purely mechanized work.
To round off the theoretical part of the event, veterinarian Bruno Nigsch, MD, a concise presentation on the use of the running rein and the side rein as a "lead rope." Drawing on his own experience, he spoke about the current retraining of his Noriker mare to use the lead rope and interspersed this with international and historical references. This topic was thus presented in an excellent manner to all attendees.
Under brilliant autumn skies, the group moved outdoors to the research institute's grounds. For the practical demonstration of proper harness and collar fitting, Willy Royer from Aigen im Ennstal and his mare La Luna P arrived in style by horse-drawn carriage. La Luna P is a 2016 Noriker mare by Ferdinand Elmar XIV, sporting the sought-after black-headed coat, and comes from the breeding program of his father, Willy Royer, from Ramsau am Dachstein. Master saddler Maislinger impressively demonstrated the criteria for perfectly fitting harnesses on the horse. He explained the essential components of the harness and emphasized in all his explanations the necessary craftsmanship and countless steps involved in producing these special, traditionally rural harnesses today.
the Noriker mare Fara, ridden by Bruno Nigsch, demonstrated work with a lead rope and the skidding of logs. Bruno Nigsch and his mare participate in logging competitions; it was impressive to see the subtle rein and voice commands used in the work. Consistent and trusting communication, combined with regular practice, enables safe and well-coordinated work with horses.
Thus, this third horse forum came to a wonderful close, with many thanks to all exhibitors, sponsors, and speakers. Special thanks go to the tireless team at the research institute for making this event possible.
Likewise, a big thank you goes to the sponsors and supporters:
- Shiatsu Ennstal with Roswitha Marold
- LandmarktTechnikCenter Aigen im Ennstal with Simon Pichler & Team
- Raiffeisenbank Schladming-Gröbming, Irdning branch
- Kraiburg Belmondo with Johannes Zenz
- Weissl Driving Sport with Andreas Gölkel
- Schrottshamer beverage trade, Stainach
Pictures
More information
Animal transport regulations in Austria - LFI