Schleppjagd auf der Kollerinsel am Sonntag 03.04.2011

Hier der Artikel der Schwetzinger Zeitung: Bericht

Hier der Jagdbericht von Pascale Callabet in Englisch: The weather could not have been warmer for the yearly April Kollerinsel Hunt in Otterstadt. Bad news for the hounds and horses but great news for the many spectators who always seem to gather early and enjoy the buoyant atmosphere at this fantastic location. As usual the Erny Family outdid themselves along with their many helpers, in ensuring that the 11am ‘Rendez-vous’ was well stocked with refreshments and morning brezels. For those who didn’t want to bask in the already 18 degrees sunshine, tents were set up with plenty of background music, settling any pre-hunt jitters that some had (the Sekt also helped!). So off we went to get the horses ready, preparing them for the 15km ride with roughly 30 jumps over the KollerInsel land. Some 60 horses gathered in the outdoor riding arena, with both horse and rider working up a pre-sweat whilst waiting for the big hounds to make an appearance. In the background the Horn Players from Brühl exercised their lungs and announced the arrival of the Hounds and their Master, Gerd M.Klapschus. It can’t go unmentioned that our Jagdherr Tilmann Laupe was unable to ride due to a dodgy hip and entrusted his fellow friends and hunting buddies to lead us on the hunt. Stefan Gropp and Hans Roth took the front position in the 1st Jumping Group with Hartmut Erny holding the tail end with his stunning stallion. The 2nd Group was led by Rainer Forschner and it has to be noted that they were never far behind!!! And last but not least, a special mention to all the hound handlers who controlled the hounds expertly under somewhat stressful conditions for the hounds. And so off we went for the 1st run, mainly designed for the spectators, positioned in front of the Clubhouse. A few grumbles were heard beforehand about the 2nd Jump built; too narrow and too wide. Not a great jump, not only as a warm up fence, but as no more than 2 horses could have realistically jumped it at the same time.  The other reason; no-one really wanted to fall off in front of so many people right at the beginning of the hunt so most by-passed it!! But someone did fall, luckily uninjured and as we carried on riding we saw the horse disappear into the forest. I believe both horse and rider were later found!! Lots of great jumps followed, the ground was super as always and a few pit-stops for the hounds to drink ensured that the spectators got to see what was going on. The wonderful tunes of the horns could be heard in the background as the players in their green hunting coats sat under the shade of one of the tractor-trailers. Half-time consisted of the usual supply of refreshments and sandwiches, the hounds were watered, the riders were also ‘watered’ and I did notice that less beer seemed to drunk this year in the break, with most riders opting for more sugary drinks or water! Proof that we had all ridden at a good tempo and worked up a sweat! The decision was made to do only the last 2 runs with the hounds due to the heat, so as Gerd changed horses, we set off on a super long run at a sensational pace and plenty of natural jumps. I even recall mentioning to the esteemed Hans that my calves were burning and I’m half his age!!!! So the hounds joined us for the 2 water ditches, off again at a super pace. One unlucky rider did fall off after the 1st ditch but luckily unhurt as those in front rode on and followed the hounds. We all met up in front of the Clubhouse where the hounds got their well deserved stomach lining to fight over and Halai halali was done to toast the Hounds, Master and riders. Once the horses were washed and safely in the horseboxes it was time for a well earned drink in the sun. A huge thanks to the Erny Family, Rainer Forschner and all the people involved in this massive organisation. The beer was cold, the atmosphere excellent and the food most welcomed. I also need to say a special thank you to Peter for giving me his horse for the day who truly gave me a great honest ride. I look forward to next year as always.

Alle Bilder mit freundlicher Genehmigung von Martin Diehl: