The Province of Drenthe is making 60,320 euros available for the implementation of the equestrian vision developed this year. Part of this vision is a pilot for a junction network of horse routes in the Drents-Friese Wold.
At the beginning of this year, the province of Drenthe contributed to the creation of an equestrian vision for Drenthe. The aim of this vision is for Drenthe to become the most attractive ‘horse province’ in the Netherlands. The province is now making a contribution available to implement this vision. The vision and implementation plan were drawn up by the Drenthe Horse Routes Foundation. They will implement the plan together with entrepreneurs, riders, the Drenthe Recreation Board, Marketing Drenthe, municipalities and site management organizations.
Bottlenecks
The plan describes a wide range of activities. The Drenthe Horse Routes Foundation will inventory horse routes and facilities in order to make optimal use of them. Bottlenecks can also be removed per region. The intention is to start a pilot project to build a junction network of horse routes in the Drents Friese Wold. The plan also includes promotion to residents of Drenthe to make the equestrian and driving routes better known, and promotion to tourists about Drenthe, the horse province.
Deputy Willemien Meeuwissen: ‘Drenthe is attractive for walkers and cyclists with the almost complete Drenthe-wide walking junction network and the extensive network of cycle paths and transfers. A pilot to realize a comparable junction network for horse routes therefore fits well with Drenthe. Riders and drivers can then fully enjoy all the beautiful routes in Drenthe.’
Large equestrian offering
Drenthe has an active equestrian community. Compared to other provinces, Drenthe has a relatively large equestrian offering. About 12 percent of Dutch horse ownership is in Drenthe hands. In practice, we are talking about about 50,000 Drenthe horses and 60,000 Drenthe riders who make about 2.5 million outdoor rides per year. About 55,000 ‘equestrian guests’ also come to Drenthe every year.
By implementing the equestrian vision, this target group can optimally experience the landscape in Drenthe on horseback and ample opportunity is given to recreational equestrian sports for both children and adults. It also offers opportunities for entrepreneurs.
In addition to the province and the Drenthe Horse Routes Foundation, Recreatieschap Drenthe, Marketing Drenthe and various municipalities also contribute financially or substantively to the implementation plan. The Provincial Executive has made 60,320 euros available for the implementation of the equestrian vision. Implementation will take place between December 2023 and January 2026.