An exciting time is coming for equestrian associations in the municipality of De Wolden. Two riding schools, where equestrian sports can still be practiced indoors, seem to be going up for sale. And that is a problem, because practicing indoors elsewhere in the municipality is currently not possible.
It concerns the halls of Manege Den Esch in Zuidwolde and Manege Zuidwolde in Veeningen. The indoor accommodations are necessary to continue training in the winter. Seven equestrian associations in De Wolden that use it have therefore sent an urgent letter to politicians to express their concerns. According to the group, five hundred athletes could suffer from it.
Last night, Maaike Buning-Wolting of riding association Ceres spoke on behalf of all associations during the council meeting. “Five hundred athletes are at risk of becoming homeless. In the winter, an indoor hall is crucial to practice equestrian sports. If that is no longer possible, it will mean the end of weekly club lessons and competitions for youth, para-athletes and adults.”
The equestrian athletes think it is time for the municipality to stand up for amateur sport. “De Wolden calls itself a real horse community”, Buning-Wolting continues. “De Wolden cannot let it happen that residents will soon be forced to stop the sport. Or that they will have to cross the municipal border or even have to move.”
Both locations are commercial accommodations. According to the group, the chance that new owners will make the hall available is small. “That’s a trend that’s becoming more common in the country.” Council member Riny Jansen of Gemeentebelangen wondered if there were any other riding schools in the municipality that could be used. “For example, was there contact with them?”
“Yes,” replied Buning-Wolting. “We have been in contact with almost all of them, but there are no options. Jansen also wondered whether the associations could not take over the riding schools themselves. According to the speaker, that is not an option. The prices for both accommodations are too high for the can afford.
Anneke Assink of the PvdA wondered whether new owners really don’t want to help. According to Buning-Wolting, they are not there yet. The prices are also too high for other buyers, she says, and that scares people off.
Iris Bouwers of the CDA wanted to know what the associations expect from the municipality. “That she wants to think along with us about moving to a different place. By building a hall herself, or buying land, for example, where she can guide us. Or possibly help us to keep one of the two indoor locations” , was the sound.
The group has previously had contact with alderman Egbert van Dijk about this. “He suggested looking at a piece of land where we could build. The municipality could then help us with the process. That is actually the best option for us.” The associations have been in contact with a broker. “But it is not easy to find affordable land.”