The foundation for four days of peak performance – 2,000 bales for the well-being of the horses

Before the first horses enter the course of the Longines Global Champions Tour Vienna | Schönbrunn Palace at the end of September, preparations are already in full swing behind the scenes. One figure impressively shows the effort required: around 2,000 bales of bedding are needed for the stables in the Schönbrunn Palace Park.

What remains invisible to many visitors is an important component of horse welfare. This is because the stables are the horses' home during the event. Therefore, optimal conditions are all the more important so that they can feel comfortable and be best prepared for their competitions.

The bedding is provided by the Lower Austrian family business Happy Horse. The specialist in high-quality horse bedding is delivering around 2,000 bales of wood.Edel.Einstreu to Schönbrunn this year, which is twice as many as at the event's premiere last year.

This isn't just about comfort. Litter that is as dust-free as possible and a soft, non-slip surface contribute significantly to the horses' well-being. At the same time, they help to create optimal conditions in the stables for horses and support teams.

Logistically, delivering in the middle of the capital is also a challenge. Within a short time window, two complete truck convoys must be delivered precisely to the designated areas in Schönbrunn Palace Park so that the construction of the stables can proceed as planned.

The connection between Happy Horse and equestrian sports extends far beyond the Longines Global Champions Tour Vienna. Since the company was founded in 1991, it has supplied the Spanish Riding School. To this day, the traditional institution holds customer number 1 for Happy Horse.

Furthermore, the collaboration is not limited to equestrian sports. As part of the partnership, Happy Horse provided Schönbrunn Zoo with an annual supply of bedding, thereby supporting numerous animals in the zoo's indoor enclosures.

The story of the 2,000 bales shows that behind every athletic achievement there are numerous people, partners, and preparations that ensure the horses in Schönbrunn can feel completely at ease.