The roots of Stücklerhof reach back to the 19th century. As early as 1884, Stefan Stückler was first recorded as the owner of the historic Probsthube in St. Margarethen in the Lavanttal – the very farm where Stücklerhof stands today. This marked the beginning of the Stückler family’s uninterrupted history at this remarkable place.
What once was a small agricultural holding with suckler-cow farming was led into a new future from the year 2000 by Karl and Marianne Stückler: they founded Reiterhof Stückler and began developing a facility that uniquely combines equestrian sport, hospitality, and nature.
Today, Andreas Stückler continues the family business in the fifth generation – with the goal of uniting tradition and innovation and further developing the farm as a place of experience, encounter, and passion for horses.
In October 2025, the name was officially changed from Reiterhof Stückler to Stücklerhof – a step that reflects the grown diversity of the operation. For Stücklerhof now stands for far more than equestrian sport: it also represents culinary experiences, events, and unforgettable weddings in the Lavanttal.
2000–2005: The Birth of an Equestrian Center
With the construction of the first riding facility – 40 stalls, an indoor arena, an outdoor arena, a walker, and a small “Stüberl” – the story of Reiterhof Stückler began in 2000. In 2001, the facility was officially opened, and from 2002 onward the first competitions took place in show jumping, dressage, and driving.
As early as 2002, extensive earthworks began, so that from 2003 competitions could be held on what is today the main show-jumping arena – even though it had not yet reached its current size back then.
In the “Stüberl,” the first meals were served – simple, warm, homemade – and it quickly became a popular meeting place for the entire village.
In 2004, the former hay barn was converted into a banquet hall, with its own bar and space for up to 120 guests – ideal for celebrations, club evenings, and social gatherings.
A striking figure: between 2000 and 2020, around 1,000,000 m³ of excavated material was brought to the farm to level the areas and create today’s harmoniously shaped hillside terrain. This is where the passion for equestrian sport – and for ambitious visions – truly began.
2005–2010: Growing with the Sport
During these years, the main competition arena was completed step by step and the slopes were shaped – a key step for the quality and the overall appearance of our equestrian facility. Directly below the arena, a first level grass parking area was created so that trucks and trailers could finally stand on even ground – a clear improvement for riders, horses, and logistics.
In parallel, the lower parking area was gradually expanded with excavated material, and the farm became more professional on many levels.
The Riding Club St. Margarethen was particularly active and deeply involved during this period. Our riding school experienced a real boom: more than 300 children attended lessons regularly.
The stables were also fully occupied: more than 50 boarded horses were housed – a sign that the facility increasingly became a hub for equestrian sport, education, and community.
2010–2015: Crafted with Care
With each new event, expectations rose – and Reiterhof Stückler grew with them. The outdoor arena was expanded to its current size of 80 x 40 meters, and more and more competitions found their way to us in the Lavanttal.
At the same time, the operating concept changed: what had been a traditional boarding stable gradually became a professional competition facility. The horse walker was removed, and instead 45 modern horse stalls were built, which are now a fixed part of our infrastructure.
A lot changed in culinary terms as well: the small farm kitchen, originally serving riders only, was first used for a special celebration in 2013 – the first wedding was catered. Guests liked it so much that demand for celebrations increased rapidly.
In 2014, a decision was made: a new large-scale catering kitchen was built – powerful, modern, and a clear signal that at Reiterhof Stückler, it’s not only sport that matters, but enjoyment too.
2016–2020: Milestones, Machinery & the Courage to Grow
2016 was a turning point: for the first time, we hosted the Austrian Show Jumping Championships. Originally, only the General Class was planned – but after a strangles case at an organizer in Lower Austria, all classes were assigned to us at short notice.
350 horses arrived – more than ever before. We reached our capacity limits and knew: this is the start of the next expansion stage.
Major investments followed:
- The main arena was widened by 30 meters and lengthened by 25 meters, regraded & drained
- Otto mats and a high-quality footing layer were installed
- A 20,000-liter water reservoir was built beneath the arena
- New irrigation systems and a 16,000-liter watering tank were purchased
- The parking areas below the arena were gravelled, slopes were secured with stone revetments, and more than 5,000 groundcover plants were planted
At the same time, we fully stepped away from chicken farming. Instead, more than 120 weatherproof horse stalls with automatic drinkers were built.
We also invested heavily in the event sector: in 2017, the winter garden was built – a stylish, light-filled space that can be combined with the banquet hall. Today it accommodates up to 260 people. Whether wedding, seminar, conference, celebration, or club night – the venue convinces with atmosphere and facilities. Club nights soon gained popularity and are now among the largest parties in the Lavanttal.
In 2019, construction began on the forest wedding location – a heartfelt project in the middle of nature.
2020–2025: Turning Vision into Reality
2020 was a year of completion: the forest wedding location was finished, and the first ceremony took place.
The tournament catering area was comprehensively modernized and converted into an enclosed building with a kitchen and a lounge area.
In parallel, the new restaurant with a rooftop terrace was created, connected to the event area by a corridor. The forecourt and entrance area were also completely redesigned. A modern large-scale catering kitchen for both restaurant and tournament operations was built. In 2023, the restaurant officially opened.
Further infrastructure milestones:
- Expansion of the tournament catering area with a terrace and grandstand seating for 300 people
- New showers and restroom facilities for tournament participants
- Installation of a 600-lux floodlight system on the main show-jumping arena
- Renovation and widening of the access road, including new parking areas
The major highlight in 2024: hosting the U25 & U21 European Dressage Championships – a moment that filled us with pride and made us internationally visible.
And we are far from finished.
Whether tournament sport, a forest wedding, a seminar, or an evening of great food – Reiterhof Stückler is now a place with many facets and a strong identity.
With our eyes on the future and our roots in the region, we continue to evolve – with heart, grounded values, and the ambition to offer people, animals, and moments a special setting.
The next chapters are already being planned – and we look forward to writing them together with you.
