Ridehesten reported that Hestens Værn, Denmark's Horse Animal Welfare Society, has awarded its Horse Welfare Award of 2025 to steward Birgitte Tribler.
Tribler was recently acquitted of libel in a very public, controversial civil lawsuit, but Hoeck is appealing the court decision and taking it to the High Court.
In the summer of 2023 Danish dressage rider Anders Uve Sjøbeck Hoeck got suspended for one year from all Danish warmblood related competitions after he got disqualified to ride the mare performance test if he did not "tone down" his riding in the warm-up. Steward / technical delegate Birgitte Tribler wrote in her report that Hoeck's riding was "violent and unacceptable." Complete details about this case here. According to the Danish equestrian federation, Tribler's acquittal was a clear signal for stewards to feel safe and protected in doing "correct and well-executed work."
While Tribler awaits the appeal, Hestens Værn awarded her the Horse Welfare Award for "her persistent work in ensuring that horse welfare is always in focus at equestrian events and competitions. The award is presented on special occasions to individuals who have made a special effort for horse welfare."
The presentation of the Hestens Værn Horse Welfare Award will take place in the new year.
More information on Ridehesten
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