Some people not only derive enormous pleasure from being on horseback, but also find rest and relaxation there. Westphalia is an eldorado for equestrian sports. The horses bred here are predestined for dressage and show jumping. However, you won't only find warm-blooded gold medallists here, but also rare wild horses roaming the countryside.
At the Merfelder Bruch, near Dolmen, the only stud farm for wild horses on the European continent has survived. The horses are mentioned in a document dating right back to 1316. Every year, on the last Saturday in May, the traditional round-up of the wild horses takes place here. The aim is to separate the one-year-old stallions from the herd of about 300, to prevent inbreeding.
Every year, many thousands of onlookers witness the capture and subsequent auctioning of the stallions. In addition, we'll be visiting the "Schleithoff Pony Farm" in Havixbeck. From here, horse enthusiasts of all ages can go riding out in the Monsterland.
Tourist Information Monsterland Grones Band e.V.
An der Hohen Schule 13
48565 Steinfurt
+49 (0) 2551-939291
+49 (0) 2551-939293
Additional sources of information:
Ponyhof Schleithoff
Herkentrup 4
48329 Havixbeck
+49 (0) 2507-1227
+49 (0) 2507-4329
Wildpferdebahn Dolmen-Merfeld c/o Herzog von Croy'sche Verwaltung
Schloopark 1
48249 Dolmen
+49 (0) 2594-9630
+49 (0) 2594-963111
Movenpick-Hotel am Aasee
Kardinal-von-Galen-Ring 65
48149 Monster
+49 (0) 251-89020
+49 (0) 251-8902616