Ringreiten Breklum — Zügelfest

Ringreiten — The North Frisian Equestrian Tradition

Ringreiten is one of the most traditional forms of equestrian sport in North Frisia and Dithmarschen. Riders gallop on a fixed, marked course under gallows-like structures from which small metal rings (often only 2–3 centimeters in diameter) hang, attempting to spear the rings with a lance at full gallop. The discipline demands the highest concentration, a calm horse, and precise hand-eye coordination. In Breklum, the tradition is maintained by the Ringreiterverein "Zügelfest" — alongside the second Breklum Ringreiterverein "Freie Bahn", one of two clubs in the village.

Course of the Zügelfest

The Zügelfest starts on Saturday morning at 9:00 AM on the Gemeindekoppel. Throughout the day, riders complete several gallop passes under the ring gallows, with each speared ring counting. Various categories are judged: adults, youths, ladies, and in some years, guest riders from friendly clubs in the region. At the end of the day, the new club monarch is proclaimed and crowned.

Children's Ringreiten on the Following Day

The day after the Zügelfest — Sunday, May 31st, 2026 — the two Breklum clubs "Freie Bahn" and "Zügelfest" jointly invite children to participate in Ringreiten on the village square. Here, children and youths ride smaller horses and ponies under the ring gallows — an important initiative for nurturing the North Frisian equestrian tradition.

Breklum in North Frisia

Breklum is a small municipality in the North Frisia district, about 10 kilometers north of Bredstedt and 25 kilometers north of Husum. The village is primarily known as the location of the Bredstedt Hospital and the Christian Jensen Kolleg Academy, but it also boasts a vibrant club life — with two Ringreitervereine, Breklum is practically a mecca for North Frisian equestrian sport. The Zügelfest and the children's Ringreiten on the following day are two of the most important club events of the year.