The Oldenburg and Hanoverian Verband, Germany's two largest warmblood breeding horse associations, have banned Stefan Sandbrink and Dr. Kerstin Klieber from their studbooks until 2028.
One week after they issued a joint statement that they were investigating the Germans' involvement in the Cesar Parra videos, the two studbooks have made their decision known.
"The Oldenburg and Hanover Horse Breeding Associations make a clear commitment to treating horses fairly and adhering to classic riding principles. After hearing from Mr. Stefan Sandbrink and Dr. Kerstin Klieber and the receipt of a written statement a joint decision has been made. The background to the decision is the realization that the statement they provided to the associations and their own statement published on the internet do not lead to an exoneration of the obvious procedure."
The breed societies decided the following:
"Mr. Stefan Sandbrink is not a member of the Oldenburg and Hanover Horse Breeding Association. He will be banned from entering the two association facilities until at least December 31, 2027, as well as a ban on participating as a presenter/exhibitor at association events. For the same period, it is not possible for him to apply for membership in the two horse breeding associations."
"Dr Kerstin Klieber has different memberships as an individual or as managing director of Dressurstall Sandbrink GmbH. Immediate exclusion applies to both memberships. A new application for membership can be submitted from January 1, 2027 at the earliest. For the same period, they will be banned from entering the two association facilities as well as a ban on participating as a presenter/exhibitor at association events."
"The above video is part of published videos related to Dr. Cesar Parra. He is permanently banned from entering the two association facilities as well as a ban on participating as a presenter/exhibitor at association events. It is not possible for him to apply for membership in the two horse breeding associations.
"Those who are proven to be directly involved in animal welfare-related offences (e.g. riders, trainers, demonstrators) will also be subject to bans/exclusions if they are subject to the jurisdiction of the two horse breeding associations or plan to take part in their events."
The decision was only published in German and the original document can be found here.
Related Links
Joint Statement Oldenburg/Hannover About German Involvement in Parra Abuse Case
Hannes Müller: "Where is the Respect for the Animal?"
German Equestrian Federation Investigates German Involvement in Alleged Abuse Case
FEI Provisionally Suspends Cesar Parra (USA) for Alleged Animal Abuse
Morgan Heinrichs: "We Owe it to the Horses to Keep Talking About Welfare"