Horse thriller near Tulln

16 show jumping horses and a missing rider

A show jumping rider entitled to asylum for Iran left Austria months ago - without his 16 show jumping horses.(Bild: Klemens Groh)

For years, a 30-year-old Iranian show jumper is said to have been involved in a dubious trade in show horses. Months ago, he fled abroad - without his horses. Now Lower Austria has to pay for the costly return of the horses. 

Some stories read like a thriller and are as convoluted as the legendary Gordian knot. In this particular case, it's about a show jumper from Iran in beautiful Lower Austria. He has spent years here. In the local equestrian scene, the 30-year-old made remarkable appearances and rides. Until he went abroad a few months ago.