Harness Race Lisse and surrounding area

The Harness race is organised by the Harddraverijvereniging Lisse en omstreken (Harness Race Association Lisse and Surrounding Area). The association has a so-called family membership. Each member's partner and any family members up to 16 years of age are automatically members too.

There are over 2500 family memberships. Both members and non-members participate in the events en masse, either as participants or as spectators. The members who have free access to the short track form an important part of the short track audience. In addition, there are about 1500 non-members who visit the short track race. The short track race can also be followed via the internet. Despite the fact that watching via internet is increasing, the active visit to the short track is not decreasing.

The first short track race in Lisse was held on October 9, 1872. It was organised by a few enthusiastic people from the then lodging De Witte Zwaan in t'Vierkant. The municipality embraced the initiative and was delighted that an event was being organised for the citizens. The municipality provided a sponsorship of 30 guilders. From 1894 onwards, an extensive archive was created. Until 1902 the race was organised by a so-called organising committee. On August 7, 1902, the Harddraverijvereniging Lisse & omstreken was founded and one could become a member of the association. In 1906, the association had already 181 members.

The short track was organised on a piece of land, adjacent to the t'Vierkant, on a so-called grass track. From the beginning, attention was paid to the importance of employees in the organisation of the event. They received free 'bread and meat, a cup of coffee and half a bottle of beer'.

In the 1930s, the fun fair became part of the festival surrounding the short track race and in 1958, the grass track was abandoned. From that year onwards, short track racing was organised at various locations in Lisse. In 1975, the track was moved to the Heereweg in Lisse. 

At the end of the 1960s, the association began to expand considerably. Given the enormous annual interest and appreciation of the residents of Lisse, the short track tradition was expanded to include many events now known as 'Feast Week Lisse'. In the following years the number of events was further expanded, making it a festival week for all residents of Lisse. 

The organisation around the short track has become more and more professional in recent years. In addition, there is more and more attention for animal welfare. The track during the race is checked for good and safe rideability for the horses the use of a whip has not been allowed since years.

Safeguard actions

2020-2023

• Together with partners, we are looking for improvements in the provision of information such as results and rankings. Both for regular and one-off visitors.
• Continue to rejuvenate the supporting committees in the short track organisation. By involving young people in the supporting committees, talented people can be found who can move on to other positions within the organisation.
• In cooperation with the Old Lisse Association, one digital environment is created to work in, to archive and make information accessible.
• Together with the horse racing clubs in the Bollenstreek (bulb-growing region), an initiative will be taken for a joint communication plan to further enthuse the public.
• Together with other harness races, it will be investigated how each other's resources can be utilised for the organisation of events.
• Young people should be involved in the organisation of the short-track race and the 'older' people can act as mentors.
• Lobbying is underway to add the harness race event to the environmental plan, so that certain permits and consultations do not have to be requested every year.
• The race is part of the Harddraverij Vereniging Lisse en omstreken, which organises many more events. It is being investigated to what extent one can strengthen the finances by means of actions.