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The Week in Germany: Sports July 6, 2007 Horse Riding in Germany is not Limited to the Elite
Riding has been undergoing something of a renaissance in Germany in recent years. With more than a million horses and ponies now trotting about the country, the equestrian industry generates some 300,000 jobs and an annual turnover of at least 6 billion euros ($8.14 billion). Forty years ago, the country was home to just a quarter of that number of horses, and those who rode were considered somewhat anachronistic, so what has changed? Thomas Hartwig, Spokesman for the National Equestrian Federation, says that once horses were rediscovered for sporting and entertainment purposes, Germany came up with a system designed to simplify the process of learning to ride for both the horse and rider. "Germany did what it does best and created a highly systematic and universal riding code which all trainers and riders are obliged to stick to," he said. "That makes it much easier to learn to ride well than in countries, such as England where there are often several different codes." What Germany has also done well is to succeed in making riding accessible to everyone. With more than 7,600 horse clubs in Germany and another 3,300 private horse farms, horse lovers up and down the country have ample opportunity to ride at affordable prices."In Germany people from every social group ride." The World Equestrian Festival, which opens in Aachen this week, is testimony to Germany’s relationship with horse riding. Although it is the largest such event in the world, attracting competitors and visitors from all over the globe and offers prize money totaling 1.6 million euros, it has not let success overshadow its grassroots beginnings. Festival General Manager Michael Mronz says the event has always been a people’s festival and he is committed to keeping with that tradition while looking for new ways of attracting new fans.(Deutsche Welle) Links: |
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