13.05. - 21.05.2010 riding pilgrims
from Wetzlar to Lahnstein
on the German Santiago
The pilgrim group consisted of four people, including a riding teacher, who led the pilgrimage tour. It also represented the distribution of the three other female horses. Three Mixpferde with height from 1.48 to 1.55 m. Furthermore, a South German draft horse mare with height 1.63 m. All four horses were off-road experience, between 14 - 18 years old.
The pilgrims with a horse was offered as a package deal. Thus took over the riding instructor the organization including booking guesthouse room and board. One participant ended the pilgrims riding occupationally already on the fourth day, as was already discussed in advance. Since not everything went as expected, I mention especially not the riding instructor in my report. Simply call Mrs. A..
Well first of all to the history of these nine days on horseback along the German Way of St. James. My husband and I had long been the desire to more days with horses in the area on the road. Unfortunately we were not experienced riders. Many years ago I had once made a kind of horse driving, spent three weeks in a riding holiday with the handling and Beritt been made in the familiar terrain. Then I had in the years every now and then participated in rides during holiday travel, several hours or even days progress. But regular riding experience I was missing. Furthermore, I went during an off-road ride a horse through and once I had some anxiety since then, in quick gallop through the woods to ride.
A weight gain I did not trust me any more on a horse. Did not want to burden the horse's back. Thus passed several years in which I have not ridden. My husband has always had the desire to ride. Since first riding experience with Indians in the U.S., it was a long-cherished dream of him. Now he began three years ago to take riding lessons in Western riding. He began with Ground work and after a few hours he had developed a good relationship with the horse. Unfortunately, the horse was
right behavior problems, it came out bad attitude and was more than 10 years is not mounted. The extreme nervousness made it an unsafe partner with whom you could not trust in terrain. Alternatively, we took lessons on a horse farm on the North Sea. There, the horses were relaxed and reliable. But the journey way was too far for us to regularly ride there.
I took last year of creative courses in part of the community. With an instructor I came into the conversation. Told her of our interest in country rides. She told me about a Known of her, the riding instructor Mrs A., the pilgrims with horse trails on German Jakob offers. A very expensive package that only requires low basic skills. Would mainly ridden slowly in step one would be all day with the horse and could go almost directly on the way to acquire riding skills and strengthen.
, the teacher had even a horse and was very personable. So I thought that it could be determined only with people known or friends, at least as comfortable as they were themselves. When I told my husband on the evening of that possibility, he was thrilled. So we took with Mrs A by e-mail and telephone contact, her horse farm was about 100 miles from our home. They confirmed to us that participation was also heavier and relatively little riding experience absolutely possible.
Since we had just saved a U.S. holiday, we were able to raise the cost of the package (1,800 € per person for nine days). Thus, we have booked at the end of 2009, the pilgrims riding, paid half the total in early 2010 to the account of Mrs. A.. Without knowing them personally or are the court in advance or even to see the horses. To the fullest confidence that everything will go as it was described on its website.
In April 2010, agreed We first event on the equestrian center. It was clear to us that we would have to prepare really well this pilgrim riding. On 11 April, we went there. Mrs. A. was a small and agile woman. A petite Endvierzigerin with a gypsy touch and dyed black hair. Very communicative and open.
She told us that they have been more than 20 years organized and supervised trail rides. Furthermore, offering riding lessons and can point to relevant training courses. In their possession were about seven horses, plus several pension horses stood in the yard, which was equipped with huge speakers and outdoor facilities, an indoor riding arena. She herself lived right on the farm itself, along with her son and a life companion. That Mr B was the riding. A tall, gaunt man in his late forties. He was mounted officer, and accompanied with her riding.
On this day we learned not only the two horses to ride our pilgrims know, we also took equal part in a three hour ride. I thought the horse was fed a South German draft horse mare, about 17 years old. My husband could choose between two horses. He chose a distinctive dappled, a English Mixpferd. Both school horses were quiet, reliable and relaxed. We were given the animals a very good impression. The language of the horse's mind of Mrs. A., who is our impression really good Competence has to form balanced relying horses for trail rides.
The first ride was a very nice experience, the horses rode very well. So we were happy to have made the right decision. We were immediately in the cleaning, which included aspects related to the horse. They gave us some useful tips during the rides. The scenic surroundings did the rest. So we took a total of four more hours of riding and with a two-day weekend ride some night. Were familiar with the horses galloped and my husband after the second ride in a guided tour. Through my previous experience I was there and they gave me a little uncertain the opportunity to stay behind the group in the slower trot.
Thus already the anticipation grew up on a pilgrimage with a horse in mid-May until Pentecost. After the rides we sat still with Mrs A and Mr B in a Eiscafe close together, talked a lot about everything. I also helped Mrs. A. smaller in some ways with regard to browsing and texts. First, I offered my help because I just like to help me and the idea of pilgrimage enthusiastic. Also wrote some articles about himself, alluding to the publications of A. Ms. What I was growing a little uncomfortable, however, was the challenging nature of Mrs. A..
first she wondered why her I just So help. Without knowing them. I described to her that I just like the idea and I also like to just help. It is my way okay. But this aid quickly became self-evident. Since I would rather have to consider the principle, not someone to help with things he can do yourself. Somehow, my helper complex a problem. But the pilgrims has helped me to rethink this position.
I thought of the pilgrims is very close. Christian charity is not just a word. Unfortunately, my long deceased father brought me the Christian ideal is very close. It had been his greatest wish to become a priest. Unfortunately, he had his career, the war, the years of Prisoner of war in Russia and the years of reconstruction to be related professional in a very different field of activity. But even there he had much to do with church officials, had close friendships with Christians and Jews. So I grew up in an environment of religious tolerance. Learned early to perceive the similarities rather than differences in religious denominations.
pilgrims is a faith-border aspect, which plays a role in all religious communities. For me it is an expression of faith, consciously and quietly praying on the way to be. Meditative pilgrimage has a self-cleaning and stages of life can give a profound farewell and a new beginning. So I allowed myself to like the adventure of a, pilgrims may experience with horses. Although in many ways different than expected was, it still had a great effect on me. My head was clear and I have made with many things. The power to get a fresh start. Perhaps that is against all odds things have been clear to me about myself that I would not have known in everyday life. Pilgrims, in my opinion is pure self-awareness. And with horses it is a very special experience that we will definitely repeat again.
On 13 May 2010 launched the pilgrims ride.
We went early to the stables, the horses got ready, cleaned and saddled them. Then we were clock down to 11 with a horse trailer to Wetzlar held on a seat behind Wetzlar (Nauborn). Although we had planned to start only at the cathedral, we stopped but the difficult traffic conditions on it. In Nauborn we attached the panniers on the horses. Pilgrims basically means to be on the road without much ballast. Thus, we restricted ourselves with our luggage to a minimum. Each had two side panniers, the weight on each weighing up 3.5 kg on the side. A Western saddle on the back pocket was attached banana initially empty, should there later the jacket or lining can be accommodated.
it is important to reduce the luggage to the most basic needs. So I have a day in the inns at night to wash them on each of the next day, enough clean clothes was possible. But that was no problem. On the contrary, the experience was positive, with how little we still get along for 9 days. Often you carry too much unnecessary baggage ballast with on holiday. Pilgrim guides give good tips and advice on what you really need only.
began the Clock Around 12 pilgrims with a horse on Thursday. First, we introduced the horse primarily because they had to get used to the unusual slow even more weight on the saddle. On average about 10 kg more weight. The weather was cool but pleasant. At a monastery ruins, we made a short stop. In total we rode about 1 hour, the rest of the time we had the horses. It was through the village and run Solms-Oberdorf. The goal of the first stage was Braunfels, we stayed in the "Brauhaus Upper Mill".
After we arrived, we first built on the lawn behind the inn, the paddock for the horses. The cold blood mare had to be made separately, as with the three geldings was not reliably compatible. The night was so divided that we together with the third participant in a triple room the night. Mrs A. slept in a wooden house directly on the horses.
The fact that Mrs A, contrary to the agreement one of their big dogs took on the pilgrimage, I was somewhat problematic. The accommodations were not logged on one night with a dog. Furthermore, it was also still quite young dog are not already familiar with trail rides. They cried during the itinerancy permanently after the dog and it occurred during the course of the day some dangerous situations that could have been avoided. For me it was just this constant and unrest, this constant need to take care of the dog, not that I liked. So I stayed most of the time always last in the group and held apart. to
With a dog and horses in this kind of be on the road, is absolute obedience and reliability ahead in a dog. If otherwise, another free-running dog, it can quickly lead to biting or other unpleasant side effects. So I did not understand why she took this risk in A.. You had to mind last Sunday declared before the pilgrims ride, without the dog she could not bear 9 days and would take him.
Although she had four dogs and this dog well in a pack with her partner could stay. I was very uncomfortable, because in the run twice in the riding one of her dogs was kicked by the horses. Normally, the dogs would have some distance to the horses when they have been properly educated would. They have not made, and such situations are relatively less experienced riders as well as our burden. We also have
even a dog, which we had given for the period of pilgrimage to retire. Had we been aware in advance that we had our dog can take, that would have been perfectly fair. After all, we per day for the pilgrims have paid 400 euros riding. And had to be as well still have to pay the pension fees. Even our dog would have in contrast to her dog's right, because he is well educated.
The third participant also not paid the full cost, but only 100 € a day. For this they paid their accommodation and That the food itself was considerably less than when the same amount as we would have paid. This was not fair to us. Apart from the fact that Mrs A told us that first evening that on the evening just a meal and a drink for us pays, we would have to pay the rest. Even that had not been agreed upon in advance and so it was that we spent additionally about 150 euros in the nine days of food and other beverages. So we were only bed and breakfast. During the day a picnic.
As Mrs. A. said she needed only a maximum of 1200 calories a day, it was probably assumed that it behaved similarly to us. I recommended it, but to fast during pilgrimages. But I have not done. Finally, it is an unusual physical stress, which I did not want to complicate with unusual food waiver. In principle, this behavior practiced for so much of pressure that you do not even dare to order a proper meal. Somehow it was all very unpleasant.
introduced Total found that it was in principle not the pilgrims, but to a comfortable earning money for Mrs. A.. It turned out that she had ridden even the Jacob routes not yet, or gone. There were a number of orientation problems as the way Mrs A were not disclosed. Between Mrs A and the third participant It was always disagreements. Overall, a rather stressful day. This situation also changed in the following days not much.
The next day, had breakfast at 9 clock. Then, the Paddock reduced. As will every day we have completely gone through everything and helped. Mrs A bent part to rumzukommandieren very bossy. I thought that was inappropriate, since we have already addressed us from everywhere. It was not until around noon we took off. That we do not like it. We wanted to make a pilgrimage throughout the day, not only half days. But Mrs A. slept badly, was obviously not a morning person. It was not a day that began with the 11 clock riding pilgrims in many cases even much later.
We, my husband and I are very positive-minded people. We can not easily pull down and mess of bad temper or bad manners of our fellow men the day. So we stay cheerful and relaxed, took a good face on some pretty bad job. If we were to colorful, we retreated a bit. We let things take their course. Saved us the criticism. We did not make the situation unnecessarily complicated. for the beautiful scenery and have enjoyed being together with the horses. As an outspoken human harmony, we can not do that to us the hustle and bustle. But it was a tough test to stay even more balanced and calm. In everyday life, I have much less Stress, as advertised on this "let your soul and have nothing to worry about" pilgrims of Mrs. A..
On May 14, 2010 stop was Kubach. On the first leg of the horses were again out of the way through the forest was very beautiful nature. Something was drizzling rain, about 2 hours we rode. Since it was rainy and cold, we were off and abridged from Weilburg.
Kubach we still rode in the crystal cave, however, was not visited. In Kubacher Court was stayed. was the next day (May 15) already had breakfast at 8 clock, since the next leg up pretty long Runkel was. So we made it to this day, even get free 11 clock. The road was very stressful and Mrs A. verritten are common. So we rode through some undergrowth and on country roads. The area was very scenic, but the tension between the two women increased markedly. When we
while riding on a country road along the way was, Mrs. A. had always rode ahead, the dog gets caught by Mrs A. at a street pole. Mrs A rang constantly while riding, plus they leinte the dog on the horse. So they had missed well to hang the dog remained. 'Then the dog to the street pole. He banged loudly on the street. The second horse behind her with the other participant was afraid, the horse of my husband before me. My mare just stood there frozen, responded fortunately not panic. The gelding of the participant, however, attracted middle of the road just as cars drove past. Haarscharf it would almost come to a major accident. After this incident took
's say that woman would give to the dog A. her partner, who came in the evening to the inn, "Oberhofer mill" to bring food. But she said the event further. Phoned and left it still probably be important. After many hours without a break, very hectic and jostling and ridden out, we passed the evening at the Mill at. It was situated very idyllic. We were really made of this ride. So Ms. A. made the proposal, a day to stay there longer. The mill was very nice and we have the next day (May 16) only made a ride around the mill, about 5 hours without luggage.
This Sunday we had made spontaneously at friendly people stop who offered us coffee and where we could tie into the yard the horses. During the discussion, Ms A. me that they consider to give me mare ridden by the pilgrims ride to the slaughterhouse. As a reason they called the ongoing eczema in the summer months. As I slowly began a close relationship to the build mare, that fact made me very upset.
the evening, the third participant and the horse was picked up by the mill. So we were from that date only to third on the road. In the course of the evening we came to talk personally with Mrs. A.. She told us about their personal problems, which were much worse than we could have imagined. Of course, we felt sorry for Mrs. A.. But we had no idea how we could help her. In principle, they had recognized their situation quite accurately. Normally they would have long ago, the consequences must be drawn from these facts. But she was not ready. Without going into details go to do, I can only give a basic impression of us do. Basically there are two
grossly different ways of dealing with problems. We identify problems, weigh the possible solutions and act consistently. I think this is called active coping. And then there is the second form, which I would even call it displacement or displacement. Mrs A was clear enough in my head to see their problems clearly, to appoint and to see solutions.
But they did not act. She shifted and pushed the consequences. She took a victim and did not see that this role was artificial. Maybe she has the hope that problems To solve when it rolls long enough and aussitzt. This behavior we find. But that is their business. Everyone gets what he deserves. And that in the actual sense. Cowardice, indecision and waiting that will eventually come, and as a representative to solve problems, is unproductive. Such behavior not only destroys the person concerned, it also burdened the environment.
Mrs. A. saw their possible solution only in money. Sure makes money, many decisions, but not in every situation, it is the decisive factor. Since we had identified at this time very clearly that women's human and Christian A. and we are not on the same wavelength, were we are also back and listened to neutral, to be seen without. We do not care what a man says. Is important to us, behaves like a human. How he deals with his environment, nature, its people and its animals. Life is not all one way. And self-perception does in many people the chance of constructive self-criticism.
We have indeed the problems of Mrs A noted but not adopted it. We have said clearly that it is their problem, not ours. We remained friendly and calm. But we're of the opinion that no one should expect from others what you yourself are not willing to do. My husband saw the partially absolutely critical than I am. But we agreed to not criticize and hold us back our honest opinion. So we have tried to take all events with a certain humor and we have succeeded.
Unfortunately we are constantly confronted in life with people trying continuously to transfer their problems. It was so far a good exercise to stand neutral about these experiments and without interference. So I could finally learn to build my helper to make complex and not always the problems of others to my own problems. For this I am myself often neglected. The bitterness of the battle intention of the mare by Mrs. A. is certainly powerful helped. One of the main lessons of pilgrimage, it was for me, just to help even those who deserve help honest. And to realize just help themselves. Otherwise they themselves much too quickly, only the stupid or the.
On 17 May we had breakfast at 8 clock and let fly at about 11 clock direction Aull. About 14 km along the Lahn Mountain Trail, which is partially identical to the St. James. As many lines were on asphalt, we passed the horse often. In Limburg, we have inserted a one-hour break. At a restaurant with water wheels directly on the Lahn. This was despite the rain very well. At the end of the day we rode out. In Aull, we gave the horses a From farmers, who had a scruffy courtyard. Build such we had that night no paddocks. The accommodation for man and horse was in Aull not OK.
The hostess was very unfriendly, the room bad. Eating there were around 21 clock with a pizza - delivery service. On 18 May we had breakfast at 8 clock, went to the farmer. There, she took her horse from A. Just the fence and asked my husband to follow her with his gelding, even though the mare was still on the other side of the barrier. The mare was nervous and I was just able to close the gate when she broke through the barrier. She wanted to the other horses thundered and repeatedly up to me. I had twice the This page so that they do not crush on the wooden door.
I had a real shock and after this experience fear of the mare. After this situation had almost reached my breaking point and I thought seriously to end the whole thing. Mrs A had told yes, we could cancel at any time, but would the money, the second part, we had her hand over cash at the start, do not get back. So I tried my panic to get a grip. Did the mare calm and collected cleaned and saddled. Only when I then rose, crept the fear in me high and I am again descended. I said, it is not reasonable so afraid to sit on the animal, the horse feels this uncertainty.
My husband had behaved very well in this situation. He pledged to lead to the rest of the time his horse just now if I'd be afraid of a ride on the mare. That gave me courage and strength. From 14 clock I got back on his horse and rode.
I trusted the mare and she has not disappointed me. Mrs. A. always rode ahead, most of the time on the phone or shouting for their dog. Turned to us for little. She made the remark that I would necessarily have to take with her riding lessons, as I struggled to put the horse on sitting correctly. You did not think it necessary to explain to me just the same times and to show. Rather they wanted immediately arrange follow-hours, although it would have been handy at this moment and important.
Aull From there went to Lauren Castle. This scenic path was beautiful, you could see the castle Balduinstein from several vantage points. The ascent and descent through the beautiful forest was quite tiring. A very high degree of difficulty was overcome, which made many climbs and narrow paths, neither man nor beast easily. Added to this was the drizzle. But it was a positive experience to overcome yourself and do not give up. In
Laurenburg it was fine, the cozy inn directly on the River Lahn, the people friendly and the meadow for the horses in front of the Inn.
On May 19, it went further by Lauren Castle Trail along the Lahn. The road was extremely narrow and muddy, we slid over again. Then after a few kilometers of the road from falling tree trunks was not cleared enough. Mrs A did, however, must continue. So they had us so climb through the trees and even took one after the three horses, led them on a steep slope around the big tree root.
failed When my mare this way, they came to skid rolled away, rolled over and stuck down on the way in two other trees. I got a huge fright and thought, now it is done for the poor thing. Would it was specifically my horse, I would never (750 kg) in the mud with the heavy animal such a steep slope to a run. But the mare was very brave. She stood up again and was also a second time on a steep slope. Was finally over. Except for some minor dirt and scratches it was obviously nothing happens. I was completely resolved internally, there Mrs A. was not. The mare I was so very sorry. I have had it on that day only. Only wanted to be sure that she has no pain.
At another fork in the road was at some point end. The obstacles were so great that we no longer continue with the horses were. So we had mile-long walk back. If Mrs A review in advance the routes that would have been avoided. Also, it started to rain flowing. So we were at the end of the day not even half on the road. Then we saw a horse farm (Nollenhof - Friesenhof) on the way to the free board seats offered. We went inside and decided in the short term, house the horses. Near organized Mrs. A. an inn in which we are eventually due to bad weather 19th May and on 20 May, spent the night.
On 20 May we took a short ride, about two hours. I was very happy that the mare was fine. On 21 May we then rode to Nassau, past the monastery Arnstein. There, we took 20 minutes break. On 21 May brought us the boyfriend of Mrs A. from a horse transport clock against 17 in Nassau. Finally, we, Ms A. that they would be with the pilgrims on horseback were very satisfied. It would not everything worked out and we would not have come to Lahnstein, but that just belong to the pilgrims. We see this not as if our opinions have no comments.
We were glad to be back on Friday last in our car. We said goodbye to the horses and drove straight home. Then we decided not to ride this horse farm. We wrote a letter to Mrs. A., canceled all other appointments booked for 2010 and also made it clear that we want no further contact with her more. Taking stock, we can say that it was a very instructive pilgrims. And we will definitely be returning pilgrims with horses. However, for several years and then with our own horses. We would no longer participate in a flat rate of organized tour. Also, because we would have been important to make a pilgrimage really relaxed and to find our own pace. It was not possible.
postscript, When we got home, we seriously thought about how we could save the mare prior to slaughter. We spoke to a sanctuary in the area, which is a therapy horse for a newly established Association for disabled children was looking for. Decided that we buy the mare Mrs. A. and donate them to the club. Unfortunately it turned out several consultations with other parties that the mare was not suited for it. But Mrs. A.
they can probably not be slaughtered. Because of the many drugs they received already given, it is assumable manner not approved for the slaughterhouse. It was probably just an attempt to press for further possible vet bills around. In fact, as early as 2009 had been recommended by a veterinarian, according to Mrs A. euthanasia, since the animal was in great pain when the eczema broke out.
It is So in principle, to question whether the animal would ever be such a ride may be involved. But in principle, this fact fits into the overall picture that we have received from Mrs. A.. Of course you can donate a club not a horse that, in principle, only costs. We hope that Mrs A is sensible and bring the mare to a sanctuary to them if they are not put to sleep but must. We have no influence. And because of the clear criticism that we practiced writing for the pilgrims ride, they will no longer allow reasonable talk with him. More could we do, unfortunately, not for the poor mare. And I have a clear conscience because I treat them well and very have mounted little and gentle step.
Despite the stress, it seemed the animal during the pilgrimage to go watch better. She enjoyed the attention, the long brushing and lush meadows. Although it was only a short time, I will keep the mare in good memory. Sometimes it's not the length of a co-existence of humans and animals, but the intensity is what matters. Unfortunately, not everyone sees in the animal an equal entity that deserves our full respect, understanding and sympathy. Horses are unfortunately too often used only for sport. I very much hope that this attitude will change in many people yet.
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