Harness Race Warmond

The Harness race is organised by the Stichting Harddraverij Warmond (Warmond Harness Race Foundation). Warmond is a geographically isolated village with 2000 houses. The entire village feels involved in the event and the race therefore has a social and reunion function.  In addition, the involvement of the inhabitants is evidenced by the many volunteers who participate in the event. In addition to the local population, the NDR and the Bond van Harddraverijen are also involved, as are the owners of the horses, the drivers and the caretakers and trainers of the horses.

The first horse races in Warmond were held in 1864. After 100 years, this tradition stopped, but was resumed in 1989. However, the character has always remained the same, for example, there was always some kind of betting on the horses. In the first 100 years the race was held at other locations in Warmond than today. Often, the race was held in meadows because the through route had to remain free. In those years it was a local entertainment with the rider on the horse in the first years. Later on, the driver sat behind the horse on the sulky. Because no board members could be found, the village had to do without the event for 25 years.

 The call for a restart was so great in 1988/89 that a number of volunteers restored the trotting event to its former glory. A new location was found on a through road; this place has remained the same in the years since.

Especially in recent decades, the event has undergone developments that often have to do with aspects of safety, material, regulations and technology, more legislation, digitalisation, electronic start and finish equipment. Horse welfare has become increasingly important over the years, for example, the use of the whip has been banned and the transport of horses in today's cattle cars has improved. In addition, climatic conditions are taken into account and there is a heat protocol.

Safeguard actions

 2020-2023

• A PR and communication expert will be recruited, preferably from within the organisation.
• A scenario is drawn up for the promotion/communication.
• Communication/promotion moments are organised by means of the programme booklet and the New Year reception.
• The programme booklet with also explanation and background of the race is delivered door-to-door in Warmond (2,100 pieces).
• Social media such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram will be used.
• Contact will be sought with the only primary school in the village and two associations to increase the attention and interest for the Harness race among the youth through pleasant and interesting information.
• Information will be given about the (rules of the) Harness race at the local business club, with the aim of emphasising the possibilities of sponsoring.
• A set-up will be made for a structured documentation and archiving system. Concentration of information from the past, present and future. A plan of approach will be made with the historical association in Warmond.
• A plan of approach will be made to collect scattered stored information concerning the Harness race. The aim is to collect all archive documents in one place within one year and to have some important documents digitised.
• Administrative consultation with sister associations in the neighbourhood to exchange knowledge and experience about organising a short track in the broadest sense.
• Check with associations in the village (such as the Tourist Information, the Vereniging tot viering van Warmondse Feesten and Sportvereniging Warmunda) what is possible in the area in view of helping each other with each other's events (prize-giving, joint purchasing and promotion via the calendar of activities).
• Concrete agreements have been made with the Municipality of Teylingen about enforcement, catering, road closures, public), aimed at a smooth and safe running of the short track.
• The secretary and the chairman are specifically charged with monitoring the regulations and taking the necessary actions arising from this. The board ensures that the short track is included in the environmental plan by, for example, speaking at municipal meetings and informing political parties of the importance and necessity of the short track.
• The board regularly discusses animal welfare, heat protocols and regulations, and the chairman is the spokesperson for the press, social media and the outside world.
• The board makes a concrete action and communication plan to prevent calamities and possible foreseen dissatisfaction and to avoid escalation. It is essential to respond quickly and to nip any commotion in the bud by providing clear information.