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Austrian Dressage Rider, Trainer Fined for Using Electric Shocks in Training

February 20, 2013
Posted by Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA

The pair are accused of using electric “stun guns” in their horses’ training.

Topics: Abuse Neglect News, Article

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Training by electric shock is inadmissible in Austria, according to a recent decision of an Austrian court house ruling against international dressage rider Ulrike Prunthaller and trainer Friedrich Atschko of Bartlguts Stables.

Prunthaller has been fined 4,000 euros (about $5,351 USD) and Atschko 5,000 euros (about $6,689 USD) in a civil court decision resulting from a lawsuit filed by the Australian Equestrian Federation. Prunthaller has also been banned from competition for nine months, according to the federation’s website.

Electric "stun guns" were discovered in the stables without plausible explanation, the website reported. Experts, including German welfare expert Maximilian Pick, DVM, searched the premises after learning of reports of abuse.

According to the German equestrian magazine Pferd Plus, Bartlguts grooms anonymously posted a YouTube video describing training methods, including the use of stun guns, nails poked against the withers, and stones under nosebands. However, the court determined that the plaintiffs lacked sufficient proof to substantiate claims other than use of the stun gun

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Written by:

Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA

Passionate about horses and science from the time she was riding her first Shetland Pony in Texas, Christa Lesté-Lasserre writes about scientific research that contributes to a better understanding of all equids. After undergrad studies in science, journalism, and literature, she received a master’s degree in creative writing. Now based in France, she aims to present the most fascinating aspect of equine science: the story it creates. Follow Lesté-Lasserre on Twitter @christalestelas.