New interim managing director at the Redefin State Stud – future uncertain!

New interim managing director at the Redefin State Stud – future uncertain!

The Redefin State Stud, located in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district, is currently the focus of heated debates and restructuring. On August 14, 2025, it was announced that Matthias Munz had been appointed interim managing director. Munz, an experienced businessman from Lübtheen, brings extensive knowledge of the stud farm's processes, having advised on the strategic realignment of the business in recent months. Agriculture Minister Till Backhaus (SPD) emphasizes that in this crucial phase, Munz should ensure that the stud farm is managed stably and that the conditions for successful further development are created.

But the situation is tense: the previous acting managing director had to resign from her position for health reasons. The new management will be appointed as part of the planned realignment. In the meantime, the state stud remains open without restrictions and all events and training offers will continue as planned. But the horse industry is expressing concern about the future of the stud, and former managing director Antje Kerber has already launched a protest call.

Protests due to new plans

The Minister of Agriculture's announcement that he would examine a new operating model for the state stud farm has caused waves. A long-term lease of the site and buildings to a private operator is planned. This idea is met with massive protests among horse breeders, equestrian athletes and friends of the stud farm. Backhaus justifies the plans by saying that the new model could protect the public interest and reduce subsidies by almost half, which many residents view with skepticism.

Mayor Roswitha Böbel in particular criticizes the approach because the community only found out about the innovations from the press. Concerns about noise pollution and traffic problems caused by tourist events have also been expressed. Experts and residents fear that after privatization access to the site could be severely restricted and the future of long-term employees remains uncertain. After all, the stud farm is not only considered an important part of the cultural heritage, but also a significant economic factor for the community, especially for local guesthouses and cafés.

Future and challenges for the horse industry

As can be seen in the table below, a study by IPSOS from 2019 shows that interest in equestrian sports is quite high in Germany. Around 11.2 million people have an affinity for horses and 2.32 million describe themselves as active riders. The number of horses and their owners is also considerable, which underlines the strategic importance of facilities such as the state stud.

The German Equestrian Association (FN), the umbrella organization for equestrian sports in Germany, has over 662,000 members and plays an important role in promoting equestrian sports. The numerous concerns about the future direction of the state stud and the changes planned by politicians highlight the challenges facing the horse industry.

Overall, it becomes clear that the discourse surrounding the Redefin State Stud is much more than a local matter. The upcoming decisions could have far-reaching impacts on the entire equestrian community and agriculture in the region. The path into the future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: There is something to be done and everyone involved is called upon to work constructively on a solution.