INT'L HORSEBACK TOUR along the TRAIL of the TEMPLARS 19-24.08.2008
In 19-24.08.2008 Horse Stud “Bielin” had the pleasure of organizing an Int’l Horseback Tour along the Templar Knight trail.
The trail, along which we travelled, was determined by historical sites, mainly places visited by the legendary knights – the Templar, who settled on this land in the XIII century. The feeling that we were walking on ground marked by hundreds of years of history was extraordinary. We stopped every now and then to take in the beauty of the surrounding nature and hear exciting legends about the land. Also we relaxed a bit in the sun and enjoyed each other’s and the horses’ company.
After the World Championships in Kecskemet
On 20-23.08.2009r World Championships in Double-horse carts driving were held in Kecskemet (Hungary).
69 teams from 21 countries took part in a three-day test in which they compared their skills, training of their horses and their strong nerves.
Our team consisted of: Sebastian Bogacz (Pastoral Warka), Waldemar Kaczmarek (Kherson Bielin LKS) and Jacek Kozlowski (TKJ Garbówek). Adrian Kostrzewa (Idmar Krajkowo) also took part but rode apart from that team. After the riding test Polish team was ranked 9th.
The Dutch took the top spot, Hungarians were second and Germany placed third. Mieke Van Tergouw (Netherlands) performed best in the individual program.
Among the Polish team, Waldemar Kaczmarek was the best competitor on that day, taking 23rd place. We were all very tired but also very happy, because Jacek Kozlowski took fifth place! The toughest competition - a marathon, proved to be an endurance challenge not only for horses, but also for players self-control. Almost 40-degree heat was an additional problem.
The audience was great! Crowds gathered around obstacles and cheered for their favorite participant. Difficult obstacles, uneven terrain, and lack of luck prevented five players from finishing the marathon. Our team arrived safe and sound on the finish line. Poland moved to the seventh place. Lead remained unchanged.
In the individual classification, small differences in points promised a fierce duel on the last day of the games – the day of the carriage driving skill competition. First two days winner that represented our hosts- Zoltan Lazar, had to eventually make place on the top of the podium for the Dutchman – Harry Verstappen. Sadness of the Hungarian public was even greater because the silver had to be given to the Swiss – Beat Schenk and Lazar had to satisfy with bronze.
Best from the polish competitors was Jacek Kozlowski who took fifth place in individual rides. The audience with orange flags was also the happiest during the team driving competition.
Dutch were ahead of Hungarians and Germans were 3rd. Poles placed very high – 6th. That was a very important and prestigious competition. That was another trip, which raised the bar up for us and showed us many new challenges. It filled us with unforgettable memories and rich experiences. The light insufficiency that we feel will hopefully result in better trainings and great shows in the next season.