Equestrian fair brings international sport to Wiener Neustadt

Wiener Neustadt will host four days of equestrian competition and a horse trade fair through Sunday, ORF reports. The event, “Apropos Pferd”, has brought international riders to Arena Nova, which has been converted into a riding hall.

About 220 horses are expected to compete in the tournament, organised by the Army Sports Club of the Theresian Military Academy. The programme includes show jumping and dressage. Sunday’s show-jumping highlight is traditionally the Grand Prix of Sportland Lower Austria.

Young horses competed in show jumping on Thursday morning. Sweden’s Karoline Goldberg cleared the obstacles without a fault. “This is my first time here with my six-year-old horse. It feels very much at home here; the atmosphere is always so good,” she told ORF.

The fair also offers horse-sport equipment, including saddles and riding boots, as well as specialist feed supplements. Exhibitor Christian Gutenbrunner said products for horses include supplements for joints and breathing, to help them perform at their best.

Some visitors said owning a horse has become a luxury. Andrea Lenger of Vienna, who has two horses, said many things had become two-thirds more expensive. Horse owner Irene Kutschall, also from Vienna, said an average-income earner could no longer afford a horse.

Other visitors have come to see horse demonstrations and shows, attend specialist talks and view different breeds.