The Annual Wild Horse Roundup in Merfelder Bruch: Tradition Meets Conservation
Thronging Crowds in Dülmen for the Yearly Wild Stallion Pursuit
Happening annually until 2027, the Wild Horse Roundup in Merfelder Bruch, Dülmen, is a thrilling spectacle that attracts thousands of onlookers to the Münsterland region. Here's a lowdown on this celebrated event, its history, and purpose.
A Timeless Tradition
With roots dating back to the 17th century, this roundup has become a cherished tradition in local culture. Initially, the horses were caught for agricultural use or sale. Now, with a renewed focus on preservation and heritage, the roundup maintains its significance as a cultural event [3].
A Necessary Measure
The main goal of the event is to maintain a balanced ecological system in the Merfelder Bruch nature reserve. As the horses mature and become sexually active, they may engage in destructive rival fights, risking the herd's population growth. Capturing and auctioning off young colts helps control the herd numbers and secure their continued well-being [3][4].
The Roundup Experience
As the horses approach the arena, phones are out, capturing the moment. The catchers, easily identifiable by their red neckerchiefs and blue shirts, work efficiently to separate and secure the one-year-old colts. This seemingly brutal process is, in fact, a methodically refined and gentle technique attested to by the organizers [3][4].
Auction Time
Once captures are complete, the colts are up for auction. These popular animals fetch several thousand euros, though they're not taken away immediately, to give them time to recover from the capture stress [3][4].
Our insider updates:
- Reporter on-site
- Herzog von Croy's administration
Be sure to catch our feature on this event in the 16:00 local news program "Our Website Current" on May 31, 2025.
[1] Reporter on-site[2] Herzog von Croy's administration[3] Wild Horse Capture Tradition in Dülmen: https://www.nachrichten-online.de/region/ober-westfalen/rennwilder-horsen-rennwildreiten-in-duelmen-erlebbar-8858066.html[4] Wild Horse Roundup: Preservation and Conservation: https://www.br-online.de/nis/mein-westen/unterhaltung/rennwildreiten-in-merfelderbruch-neue-machart-gepruft-138.html
- Despite the focus on conservation, the Annual Wild Horse Roundup in Merfelder Bruch also maintains its roots in sports, as the captured colts are auctioned off, often fetching thousands of euros.
- Being an event with a rich history, the Wild Horse Roundup in Merfelder Bruch can be considered a unique blend of tradition and sports, attracting thousands of onlookers every year.
