Last year, animal welfare-related issues had occurred at Grönwohldhof Stud. Together with the stud owner and a working group consisting of Dr Thomas Nissen (animal welfare officer), Thies Beuck and Norbert Boley, as well as the senior stud staff, the issues were addressed, and assistance and advice were provided in implementing measures to improve housing conditions. In addition, meetings were held with the responsible veterinary authorities. Housing and management improvements were worked out together and have already been optimised. The Holsteiner Verband working group now considers its advisory activity for this current task to be completed.
As reported by Verband Chairman Ulrich Steuber, the animal welfare and management-related topics of the operation were addressed in numerous meetings and farm visits between mid-December 2022 and mid-May 2023, and assistance was provided in implementing housing improvements. The members of the working group initially drew up a "transition concept" with an inventory. From this – and from correspondence with the veterinarians – it quickly became apparent that the size of the horse population had to be reduced. Professional feeding advice was also brought in, and an adequate supply of roughage until well into the spring was ensured. The space conditions in all rearing facilities were established in accordance with the guidelines for horse husbandry.
Now, the stud owner and senior staff are keeping their focus on the important animal welfare topics for Grönwohldhof and will undertake further restructuring measures. In a final meeting, these topics were once again clearly addressed and minuted. In doing so, the Verband committee placed particular emphasis on the required reduction in stock.