Redefiner Horse Days: Minister Backhaus secures stud farm for the future!

Redefiner Horse Days: Minister Backhaus secures stud farm for the future!

Last weekend the Redefin Horse Days were a complete success. Almost 4,000 visitors flocked to the Redefin State Stud, which is located in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district. The event offered an impressive presentation of the country's own stallions and regional breeding animals, including Lewitzers, Haflingers, cold-blooded horses and Shetland ponies. But the focus was not only on the beauties of horse breeding, but also on the controversies surrounding the future of the stud farm.

With a lot of commitment and emotion, numerous visitors expressed their opposition to a possible sale of the state stud. Environment and Agriculture Minister Till Backhaus (SPD) commented at the event: “The state stud will not be sold,” he emphasized clearly in his opening speech. This decision could not only affect the 315-year-old facility, but also the entire horse farm landscape in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The minister added that the search for partners for the future-proof development of the stud farm is underway, who will strengthen the stud farm as a center of excellence for horses and riding and better integrate tourism. Regarding the financial situation, it should be known that the state stud needs around 1.8 million euros annually.

Protests and concerns

But not everyone sees these measures positively. A former stud farm manager has launched a protest call, and the local community and horse lovers are also voicing their concerns with clear banners. The taxpayers' association agrees with the lawsuit and considers a sale into state hands to be untenable, while this view is vehemently rejected by the Ministry of Agriculture. “There is a lot of need for discussion,” explains Backhaus and announced a dialogue forum that is intended to promote constructive cooperation.

The horse industry is also skeptical. A change of operator entails risks for the economic and professional future of the stud farm. Experts warn that a purely business restructuring could endanger key elements of horse breeding. The state stud has established itself as an indispensable facility that not only produces high-quality stallions, but can also carry out comprehensive performance tests and events such as foal shows and championships.

Future and development

The question remains as to how the future of the state stud farm can be specifically shaped. The focus is on a fundamentally necessary change to the operating model. Interim boss Matthias Munz has the task of preparing the stud farm for the next steps. The political opposition, in particular the CDU, meanwhile confirmed that a sale of the stud farm was not up for debate and declared its willingness to constructively support the responsible developments.

Mayor Roswitha Böbel expressed concerns about the employees, who often work at the stud farm for many years. “It is really important to us that their interests are protected,” says Böbel. She receives support from the horse breeders, who demand close professional involvement in all decision-making processes. The Association of Horse Breeders M-V e.V. is ready to accompany the developments constructively, but would like to ensure that the breeding tasks and training offers remain secure.

The future decision about the partners and the structural changes at the Redefin State Stud will be made by the end of the year. A look at the history of this traditional stud farm shows that it is considered the foundation of horse breeding and should therefore enjoy special protection. The pressure to take all interests and concerns seriously is high. It is all the more important that everyone involved conducts a dialogue that preserves the values ​​of this flagship.