It’s a German article but maybe it’s still interesting for some of you.
The article combines the reactions and the next steps of different German breeding associations against S. Sandbrink and K. Klieber.
How crazy is it that these things have been known, reported, and been followed up on, and nothing has happened in 6 years??!!
It took until know, and videos going viral to see action being taken…
This enrages me. He should never be allowed to be around horses again.
Well done, Germany.
Can you provide a rough translation or synopsis? My German is very rudimentary and rusty.
Google Translate did it for me.
This was just posted by Oldenburger Pferdezuchtverband. Is that is what is in the St. George article?
Joint opinion of Hanoveran Association and Oldenburg Horse Breeding Association on current videos with animal welfare relevant content
World/Vechta, February 8, 2024. Since last weekend, various video sequences from a training stable in the United States have reached many people inside and outside of the horse scene, where animal welfare-related content and abhorrent training methods can be seen. One of these videos shows the participation of the German trainer Stefan Sandbrink. The Hannoveran Association and the Oldenburg Horse Breeding Association clearly distance themselves from the content, do not accept training methods of this type and clearly stand behind the German riding doctrine, the ethical principles of dealing with horses and their own and general compliance guidelines.
For these reasons, the Oldenburg Horse Breeding Association and the Hanoverian Association have jointly initiated an internal procedure for animal welfare behavior. On the evening of 7.2.2024, members of the board and management of both horse breeding associations met for a personal appointment with Dr. Kerstin Klieber and Stefan Sandbrink, because both of them are linked to the video content in digital media. They were asked to present the whole situation, as there were no explanations so far. Regardless of the principles, values and principles formulated above, as well as the continuing criticism of the content of the video clip, a changed point of view has emerged in several points. The basis for this is the verbal statement. In the opinion of the two horse breeding associations, this must be taken into account and to be included in the decision-making, among other things, in a legal sense. Stefan Sandbrink and Dr. Kerstin Klieber have been asked to express their opinions in writing to the two associations until February 14, 2024. Based on this, the two horse breeding associations will then announce their own assessment and decision on possible sanctions within a few days.
Both horse breeding associations are aware that a quick response is being demanded. This has been repeated in personal conversations, writing and digital media. However, it is within the legal understanding of the representatives of the participating associations to give the accused the opportunity to hear a hearing and only then to initiate measures. Although violations of obligations according to the statute can also be punished by exclusions and other sanctions in accordance with the statute. On this basis, both boards of directors will come to a common decision on possible sanctions up to the possible exclusion procedure.
In view of the video incident ahead, from the point of view of both horse breeding associations, the horse scene has to realize for itself that behavior relevant to animal welfare is not adequately reduced and repressed. The current statements of many passionate people about horses, in their speed, urgency and breadth, give the task to oppose similar practices much stronger than before. Because just in recent months, the acceptance of the horse industry in society has again suffered significantly. This contract is accepted by the Hanoverian Association and the Oldenburg Horse Breeding Association, both in the area of direct influence in own events and in the field of application.
It is crazy indeed. He "Parra, who became a proud American in 2009, has been invited to the Festival of Champions every year since then. In 2010 won his first National Championship on Lori Washton’s “Olympia” and has since received over 34 invitations to compete from young horses to Grand Prix. "
The people he thanks at the end of the YouTube “Fashion” video are a who’s who of the dressage world. I’m sure these folks will separate from him now. It’s sickening.
What does that mean, “a changed point of view has emerged”?
What could those two have possibly said to condone the actions in the videos?
I don’t know but it sounds as if the two individuals gave verbal statements of some sort that resulted in the Verbands backing off on decisions until after they have had a chance to evaluate written statements. My guess is that the lawyers got involved and reminded the Verbands they must follow due process of law - including their own policies - before initiating sanctions of any sort. It will be interesting to see what comes of it, but it sounds as though the worst thing they can do is “exclude” the accused from membership in the organizations. I am not sure what that really means, although I assume the individuals won’t be able to register foals with the organization or cast votes involving the organization, or participate as owners or riders in Verband-sponsored competitions, etc.
Wasn’t this guy investigated for abuse years ago? I watched the William video and was horrified, did this happen in 2015? Don’t tell me this guy has been doing these grotesque things for years and nothing was done? People had to know what was going on, shame on all the people who participated or knew this brutality was happening.
Yes same person
it actually happened in 2009 I think…and I agree. It’s been know n for years that Parra was abusive.
Using the Chrome browser translates the page automatically.
That’s where I’m at. This is all so sick, so abusive. If this is really where we’re at and just as abusive as the Walkers, QH Pleasure, Reining, Racing, etc etc etc Let’s ban dressage at the Olympics? Seems we might be at that point?
I keep feeling like having a turned stomach isn’t enough. These beautiful creatures need us all to DO something. Write, protest, petition.
How much abuse is going on in barns all over the world?
Human trafficking could put him in prison.
Does anyone recognize this horse in one of the videos?
Oh, that’s very serious. He better be able to defend himself very clearly.