Today they are lined up in long rows, the horses and ponies on the horse market in Rolde. Early this morning there were already more than 140 animals on the village green. A few years ago, in 2018, things were different. Then the market with eight horses seemed to be dying.
“The supply continues until 10:00 am,” says Margé Emmens of the organization. “So there will definitely be more horses and ponies, it’s a huge success.”
Since this year, the horse market has had a new board that decided to put their shoulders to the wheel, says Emmens. “We think we should keep the tradition alive. It belongs to the village. Rolde used to be the largest horse market in Drenthe. You can hardly imagine that now when you know how well-known Zuidlaren is now.”
The board has asked advice from two people who have a lot to do with the horse trade. “We approached them with the question of how we can put the horse market back on the map.”
There was already a lot of people on their feet early this morning and action was taken immediately. “You see the horses and ponies coming from the car and immediately the clapping of hands starts,” says Emmens. “Some animals go straight to the new owner’s trailer.”
Horse markets have sometimes been criticized, but according to Emmens it is well organized in Rolde. “The welfare of the animals comes first. We have water and feed facilities, there are special boxes for mares with a foal and they are on grass or on straw.”