Shortly before the Paris Olympics, a legal case was initiated against Austrian show jumper Max Kühner. Kühner was accused of engaging in "barring" practices with his horses. However, the court in Starnberg, Bavaria, has dismissed the criminal proceedings against Kühner, fully acquitting the show jumper!
The dismissal was agreed upon by both the Public Prosecutor's Office and Kühner himself, thereby upholding the presumption of innocence. The Austrian Equestrian Federation (OEPS) also expressed relief at the outcome.
"Max involved us in the proceedings and gave us full access to the case file. Official veterinary certificates and independent expert evidence demonstrated that the horses in Max's care were housed, treated, and trained under optimal conditions! The accusations proved to be not only unfounded but also defamatory!"
