Royal sovereignty at the 39th Leonhardi ride in Illerbeuren!

Royal sovereignty at the 39th Leonhardi ride in Illerbeuren!

Illerbeuren, Deutschland - A spectacle of tradition and splendor: The 39th Leonhardi ride in Illerbeuren moved numerous riders and splendid teams to the picturesque open-air museum last weekend. In foggy autumn weather, visitors experienced a festive procession that not only presented the beauty of the horses, but also a royal sovereignty. In a flower -decorated carriage, pulled by four noble raps, the brown cattle queen Isabell Allmendinger, who celebrated her last official appearance, drove through the streets of the museum village.

The 22-year-old Isabell Allmendinger, freshly baked agricultural champion and passionate trumpet player, beamed with joy. After two years in office, this was an emotional farewell for the queen, who had advertised in her tenure for the endangered brown cattle. They led their appearances throughout Europe, from South Tyrol to Switzerland. The Leonhardi ride, a custom that is deeply rooted in rural culture, offered her the perfect stage for this special moment.

a sacred custom with history

Another highlight of the ride was the life -size figure of St. Leonhard, which was carried on a car. This figure, which has been part of the ride since 2020, was carved by a talented sculptor from Reichholzried. In the past you had to "borrow" a sacred for the ride, but now St. Leonhard is firmly integrated into tradition. The procession led the riders and carriage drivers to the Sankt-Leonhards chapel, where the horses were blessed-a central moment of the Leonhardi ride.

Alfons Weber, deputy district president and patron of the event, emphasized the importance of this tradition. "Tradition is not holding the ashes, but passing on the flame," he emphasized. The horses, once work animals, are now loyal companions in sports and leisure and are the focus of this festive event. The chairwoman of the home service Illertal, Simone Zehpfennig-Wörle, was pleased with the great response and commitment of the riders and team drivers who had prepared their animals with great effort and love.