Lienz celebrates Noriker horses
On Saturday 17 May, the Austrian city of Lienz revolved almost entirely around Noriker horses bred in and around Tyrol. It was the fourth edition of the All-Tyrolean Noriker Show after Innsbruck in 2008, Rasun Anterselva/Rasen (I) Antholz in 2015 and Ebbs in 2019 – each time proving more and more just how popular this cross-border initiative is with the public. And Lienz was no exception: Seemingly endless crowds lined the RGO grounds, a venue ideally suited to hosting major events of this calibre, while prominent representatives from the worlds of politics and business seized the opportunity to witness the vibrant culture of Noriker breeding in and around Tyrol in person.
Successfully representing the South Tyrolean Noriker breed: (from left) 7-8-year-olds winner and South Tyrolean runner-up LEYLA NBZ021/18 with Albert Purdeller (owner: Martin Purdeller), 5-6-year-olds winner and South Tyrolean winner FANNY NBZ008/20 with owner Oswald Weitlaner and 4-year-olds runner-up RAMONA NBZ013/21 with owner Richard Ramoser
The South Tyrolean breeders, too, were able to impress with a strong performance: Out of a total 156 Norikers on show, they contributed a whopping 38 horses, many of them born and bred in South Tyrol by their very presenters – and it was those horses that scored especially highly: The South Tyrolean delegation expertly presented their horses in perfect show ring shine, making them worthy ambassadors of their region of origin.
A particularly moving highlight was the tribute to a number of individuals who have over many years distinguished themselves for their contribution to the breed. From South Tyrol: Luigi Prugger from Val Gardena/Gröden, Georg Schwarz from Chiusa/Klausen, Dr Hugo Valentin from Issengo-Issing, Roman Wanker from Castelrotto/Kastelruth and Dr Erich Messner from Lana. These names exemplify the commitment, expertise and deep connection to Noriker breeding cherished throughout South Tyrol.
(from left) Erich Messner, Luigi Prugger, Roman Wanker, Georg Schwarz and South Tyrolean Noriker representative Edith Obexer