The background to the discussions is last year's diagnosis, according to which Viva la Vida was no longer considered rideable. In the course of veterinary examinations, rib fractures were diagnosed at the time, which led to considerable uncertainty about the stallion's future.
The Westphalian Studbook takes the resulting public criticism seriously and therefore attaches great importance to a transparent presentation of the facts.
The recovery process of Viva la Vida
‘After the diagnosis, we were not satisfied with a hasty prognosis,’ explains Thomas Münch, Breeding Director of the Westphalian Studbook. ‘We thus obtained several independent veterinary assessments. In close consultation with the vets, the stallion came to the Westphalian Horse Centre last year to observe him under controlled conditions and - if possible - to begin a cautious rehabilitation.’
The stallion was carefully worked on the lunge for several months and given sufficient time to regenerate. In August 2024, a cautious attempt was finally made to start riding him again. ‘To our relief, Viva la Vida showed no signs of pain or discomfort,’ Thomas Münch continues. ‘He was then gently retrained under veterinary supervision.’
Following this positive development, further independent examinations were carried out, which confirmed that the stallion is fully resilient and healthy. As a result, it was decided to include him in the auction lot for the spring auction.
Comment from the Schürner family
The Schürner family, who have been closely involved in the stallion's career, also commented on the events:
‘After his licensing in 2022, Viva la Vida was acquired by the Equus Invest AG. His bloodlines and talent raised high hopes. After an initially unproblematic starting process under the saddle, he suddenly became unwilling to perform under saddle in spring 2023, resulting in a veterinary examination. Healed rib injuries were discovered. As a result, the stallion was given a longer break and was only worked lightly on the lunge. When the Westphalian Studbook found out about the situation, breeding manager Thomas Münch offered to bring the stallion to the Westphalian Horse Centre to monitor his further development under professional supervision.
A cautious test was carried out in August 2024, during which the stallion showed no signs of pain. After a further independent veterinary examination, which confirmed his health, it was decided to include him in the spring auction under the name Va Va Voom.’
Transparency and further examinations
The Westfälisches Pferdestammbuch emphasises that all X-ray images and the complete veterinary examination report will be published on 24 March - as with all other auction horses.
‘We understand that the stallion's past raises questions and welcome an objective discussion based on reliable facts,’ says Thomas Münch. ‘The health and welfare of our horses are our top priority.’
