Funding for plastic coverings used on horses in fiaker and horse rental carriage services

The funding supports fiaker operators in Vienna in the transition to joint-friendly plastic horseshoes for horses used in fiaker and horse-drawn carriage rental services. The goal is to reduce wear on the roadway surface through the use of specially tested plastic horseshoes while simultaneously improving animal welfare in a sustainable manner. Eligible applicants are natural and legal persons as well as partnerships with a valid concession according to the Vienna Fiaker and Horse-Drawn Carriage Rental Act. Eligible expenses include costs for plastic horseshoes, farrier services, and veterinary assessments; lost profits are not considered. A maximum funding amount of up to €4,000 per horse and up to €65,000 annually per business can be applied for. The project duration is up to 36 months, with the application period running from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2028.

For the application, an online funding application, an official photo ID, a veterinary assessment according to Annex G, an invoice for the horseshoes, and proof of horse deployment must be submitted. The use of the horseshoes must be documented in compliance with animal welfare standards, and at least four hooves of a horse must be fitted with plastic horseshoes. Reports are submitted semi-annually, including current veterinary assessments and logbooks. The funding not only minimizes road damage and reduces repair efforts but also creates better footing safety for pedestrians. The processing is free of charge through the Vienna Chamber of Commerce – Economic Service/Funding Service, financed from the funds of the City of Vienna.