Ride for Tranquility in Osnabrück 2025
In the heart of Osnabrück, Germany, a unique cultural event unfolds each year, the Osnabrück Hobbyhorse Riding festival (Osnabrück Steckenpferdreiten). This traditional celebration, steeped in history and local folklore, pays homage to the city's guilds and heritage. Participants ride hobbyhorses, symbolising medieval pageantry and Osnabrück's historic customs, in a lively display of community spirit.
The festival, which takes place annually since the Westphalian Peace of 1648, is significant in preserving Osnabrück’s cultural identity. It offers creative fun for all ages, with children designing their own hobbyhorses, and fosters a sense of connection to the city's past. The hobbyhorse, as a motif, embodies the playful yet proud celebration of heritage central to this event.
The parade, a highlight of the festival, winds its way through the historic old town, culminating at the town hall. Here, the mayor presents participants with a sweet pretzel, a tradition that adds to the festive atmosphere. The event also includes a children's festival, centred around peace and community, and a parade commemorating the horse messengers who once brought important peace messages.
Good planning is essential for a relaxed experience during the event. Participants can find project materials, craft templates, songs, and background information at their school or the Bureau for Peace Culture. Over 1,400 children have participated in record years, making it a memorable experience for families, teachers, and everyone in Osnabrück.
The tradition of the Osnabrück Hobbyhorse Riding was started by Clara & Emmy von Dincklage in 1875, made into an annual peace festival by Ludwig Bätje in 1948, and has included fourth-graders riding through the city with pretzels and songs every year since 1953. The parade's participants sing songs like "We riders ride through Osnabrück and sing for peace", adding a melodic rhythm to the festivities.
For precise historical details such as the festival’s origins, key developments over time, and its specific significance to Osnabrück’s society, further dedicated sources or local historical archives would be necessary. Nevertheless, the Osnabrück Hobbyhorse Riding festival stands as a testament to the city's rich history and vibrant community spirit.
This year, the Osnabrück Hobbyhorse Riding 2025 is set to take place on October 9th, inviting everyone to experience history come alive during the parade. As Lilli, a participant, puts it, "My horse should look just like my favorite horse, Peanuts, all black." So, whether you're a resident or a visitor, join in the celebration of community, joy, and tradition that is the Osnabrück Hobbyhorse Riding festival.
The Osnabrück Hobbyhorse Riding festival not only offers a vibrant display of community spirit but also encourages the creative expression of participants, with children designing their own hobbyhorses that reflect their personal tastes and preferences, making it a unique home-and-garden project. As the festival culminates at the town hall, participants are rewarded with traditional pretzels, symbolizing the festival's rich history and lifestyle in Osnabrück.
