Damian and Dorian gallop in unison through the demonstration ring in Hall 25. On top, with one foot each on a horse’s back, is Michael Hülsedau. The material of his white harem pants flutters in the wind. When the head stud keeper from the main and state stud Neustadt (Dosse) takes one hand from the reins and raises it to greet the visitors to the Green Week, enthusiastic whistles and cheers ring out from the audience.
What the two sport horses Damian and Dorian from the Neustädter Stud and Michael Hülsedau are demonstrating is called “Hungarian Post”. The technique has its origins with Hungarian horse herders, the so-called Csikós, who guarded their herds on the wide plains of the Puszta. In order to have a better overview of the animals and the landscape, they developed the ability to stand on and lead several horses at the same time.
Training at the Neustädter Stud: From foals to paddock care
“The “Hungarian Post” is one of the most demanding disciplines that exists in equestrian sport,” says Jörg Menge from the Neustadt (Dosse) main and state stud farm. The Neustadt stud farm is one of the oldest and most important state stud farms in Germany with over 230 years of tradition: it was founded on the orders of Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm II from 1788 to 1791 and continues to shape horse breeding in the region to this day. This includes a renowned one Riding and driving school with a wide range of training and course offerings. “With us, the apprentices experience the raising of horses. They can be there when a mare foals and, in addition to riding, learn everything about paddock care,” explains saddle master Christian Dietrich. With four trainees he presents a show program on several days of the trade fair.
In addition to training presentations and vaulting diagrams, the regional associations and stud farms show driving skills with different breeds and tensions as part of Hippologica, including the “Presentation of the Giants”. The largest horse breed in the world trots through the ring: the British Shire Horse. With an average height of 170 centimeters to sometimes over two meters and a weight of often more than 1,000 kilograms, the British draft horse is considered the largest horse breed in the world.
Hippologica Grand Prix meets Hobby Horsing
Another program highlight is the sixth S** class jumping competition – the final of the Hippologica Grand Prix (Sunday, 2:30 p.m.). The riders and their horses have been competing since Thursday at the large indoor equestrian tournament in Hall 25. The demanding competitions extend into the advanced classes of show jumping and dressage.
But it’s also possible without real horses: with hobby horsing. The trend sport has its origins in Finland and is based on classic hobby horse riding. Participants complete dressage, jumping and obstacle course exercises on a hobby horse, combining movement sequences from equestrian sports with gymnastics and athletic elements. The sport is not just a playful hobby, but is practiced with a fixed set of rules and a competitive nature and is increasingly gaining fans in Europe, especially among children, teenagers and young adults. Hobby Horsing will be presented for the first time as part of Green Week, on Sunday at 1 p.m. and at 4 p.m. in the animal hall.
