A life between cows and horses: Horst Koch's journey through time to the youth village

A life between cows and horses: Horst Koch's journey through time to the youth village

Neu-Ulrichstein, Deutschland - A very special reunion took place in Neu-Ulrichstein: 90-year-old Horst Koch traveled back to the place of his moving childhood memories with his wife and friends. Here, in the youth village, where he worked as a milking in the 1950s, old stories came to life. He still remembers his first day in the stable: A cow caused an embarrassing mishap and presented the 15-year-old with a big challenge. But after a short withdrawal and the encouraging address of his master, he returned to work and stood up to his tasks.

Horst Koch, the native of Berlin, went through an adventurous childhood, which finally led him to Neu-Ulrichstein. Here he learned to milk from hand and took responsibility as a team leaders for the heavy horses. He reports with a smile, as he learned despite all the adversities, and learned milking and the field work. His path later led him to a career as a milking master and finally to the chemical industry when the milking machines made traditional professions superfluous.

a life of life full of challenges

machinations, hurdles and lots of horse love shaped Kochs youth. When he still lived in the youth village, he even took on legal tasks and managed small conflicts among young people who often broke the rules. But he never lost his passion for horses and his job. Over the years he built up a group of riders and discovered the world of western riding, which dealt with it until a stroke in the previous year.

The nostalgic visit to Neu-Ulrichstein was not only a return to the roots, but also offered the opportunity to refresh old memories in society of loved ones. The old cowshed may no longer exist, but the memories of the hard -working young people and their very special experiences will remain forever. Koch’s life story is an impressive testimony of how strong the bond for origin and the will to change in life can be formative.