Adolf Mayer known as „Pferdemayer“
– a deep connection with horses

When Adolf Mayer talks about horses, he is not talking about a hobby. He is talking about his life.

He grew up with them. His father already worked with horses – and was the one people turned to when an animal became difficult, unresponsive or lost its way. With patience, experience and a fine sense of understanding, he would bring them back into balance. His grandfather, he says, worked as a coachman for Emperor Franz Joseph. A story that has endured. Perhaps because it carries something forward.

For Adolf Mayer, horses were never something extraordinary. He cannot imagine a life without them. They were always there. Naturally. Today, they are not only co-workers, but also part of the family. The vineyards were once cultivated with horses. Until the age of 18, there wasn’t even a tractor.

Noriker – a conscious choice

Today, he breeds Noriker horses. One of the most demanding breeds. But not for sale. He does it for himself. Because he is fascinated by the work. Because he wants to understand how an animal develops. And because he is drawn to what is not easy.

At the G’würzerhof, you can meet him together with his horses – Nori, Santos and Hanna. From here, he sets off with his carriage through Tramin, along the vineyards and through the village.

Working with his hands

Even as a child, he was never someone who sat still. He built things, experimented, took them apart and put them back together. He always had plenty of ideas. What he had to learn was to follow them through.

“Because ideas alone are not enough. It takes patience. And perseverance.”

This is how his works come to life: large stone grape clusters, garden figures, sculptures made of wood, metal and stone – many of which can now be found in Tramin and beyond. The sun along the Gewürztraminer Trail is also his creation. And at some point, he began building larger objects: carriages. A postal carriage. And eventually a Roman chariot – just like in ancient Rome.

Understanding history – and driving it

His path began with curiosity. A film from the 1950s – featuring chariot races like in ancient Rome – left a lasting impression on him. Not because of the images, but because he wanted to understand how it worked. How a chariot is built. How it is driven. How movement is created. And how horses perform.

The Noriker – originally from the Roman province of Noricum – is perfectly suited for this: strong-nerved, reliable, calm and powerful. Adolf began to explore this world in depth. And eventually, he put it into practice himself.

Movement, speed, feeling

For over 20 years, he has been part of the medieval games in Schluderns. There, he takes part in chariot races – just like in ancient times. He is also invited to other cities in Northern Italy to participate in Roman festivals. Four horses pull the chariot – a quadriga. The race takes place on an oval track, counterclockwise.

It is fast. Direct. Physical. A competition in which every stallion strives to be stronger than the others. A balance of power, control and sensitivity. Not a show in the traditional sense. But something you truly experience.

Collecting, searching, making things possible

Alongside horses, there is another passion: collecting. Old objects have always fascinated him. Because they can be repaired. Because they last.

Today, he owns thousands of items: tools, props, objects filled with history. He searches at flea markets, in old barns, wherever things are left behind. And if he doesn’t have something, he finds it. This is how his work in the film industry began: he provides props, scouts locations, organizes processes and works as an animal driver. He supports four to five productions per year. In total, he has been involved in around 50 films.

Experiencing Tramin – by carriage

Today, you can meet Adolf Mayer where everything comes together: every Tuesday and Friday, he sets off from the G’würzerkeller and rides through Tramin with his carriage.

Together with his horses Santos and Hanna. Those who join see the village in a different way. Not only from the outside – but from within. You hear stories: about the grape harvest, the cornfields, the transport of grapes, past times and the transformation of agriculture. You see, hear and feel Tramin. Slower. Closer. More authentic.

What else

Adolf Mayer is many things: breeder, craftsman, collector, film professional. But above all, he is someone who acts. Who doesn’t ask too long whether something is possible. He begins.

With an idea. With his hands. And with the patience to bring it to completion.

(Interview by Erica Furini)
April 2026