The Harness Racing in Medemblik is normally mainly about who rides the fastest through the Nieuwstraat. But this year the floor was also given to a jury of secondary school students. In the category ‘The Most Beautiful Whole’ they chose which horse with sulky (a light cart, ed.) and rider looked the most beautiful. The winner received a premium of 250 euros and a grooming box to care for the horses.
Nico from the board ‘Prins Hendrik’ explains that this part has been added to involve young people more in harness racing. “We have to move with the times, other trotting companies also have this,” he says.
The high school students give the horse and rider a separate grade. The averages are added together and a winner is determined. This year the prize was won by horse Doc Holiday from Stal Meiden van Assum.
“When you have a competition, you spend extra time on it. A ribbon and a bow in your hair. That takes 45 minutes to an hour,” says winner Natasja Sprengers.