Training, education, and the documentation thereof have also been optimized. Additionally, with an annual basic compensation of 2.5 million euros, the company's liquidity has been secured.

In the 2021 report "Spanish Riding School - Lipizzaner Stud Piber," the Court of Audit highlighted that stallions were used too frequently for performances. The performance-free time during the COVID-19 pandemic was used for training: in 2023, 66 stallions were available for performances, 18 more than in 2020.

Progress Identified

Previously, according to the auditors, training did not meet equestrian sports medical standards - progress has also been made here: according to entries in the new load database, some of the stallions were moved in a walking machine on certain days in 2024 before training. This facility is intended to prevent a lack of movement and, according to RH recommendations, should be used more frequently.

The IT-supported recording of the training and movement units of the stallions should be expanded. Further improvements in animal welfare include the revision of the handbook and defined responsibilities, as well as a project to improve the stable climate, which was being implemented at the time of the audit.

Transparency and Breeding Strategy

More transparency has been created in training. Goals and progress of the riders and the presentation stallions were documented uniformly for the first time. As recommended, a breeding strategy was also finalized, which envisions a medium-term expansion of the herd - an adequate number of breeding mares is important to ensure the preservation of the Lipizzaner breed.

The Ministry of Agriculture cushioned the loss of income due to the Covid-19 pandemic with 17.70 million euros from 2020 to 2022. Additionally, an annual basic compensation of 2.5 million euros was decided from 2024. The ministry is also developing an ownership strategy - instead of a multi-year performance agreement initially proposed by the Court of Audit - which is intended to contribute to efficient service delivery and financing. The auditors consider this "in line with the intention of the original recommendation" and look forward to its implementation, it was stated.

Conclusion from the Court of Audit

"Overall, the Ministry of Agriculture implemented one of three reviewed recommendations and committed to implementing two recommendations. The company fully implemented four of nine reviewed recommendations and partially implemented five," was the conclusion of the auditors.

(APA/Red)

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