Driver is departing, leaving behind
In the picturesque Lüneburg Heath, carriage rides have long been a popular attraction for tourists. However, recent changes and developments in the industry are shaping its future.
According to Klaus Meyer, a specialist in dental care for horses, the maintenance of a carriage team costs around 10,000 euros per year. This includes food for the horse every day of the year, as well as regular visits from the farrier and the vet, who have become more expensive.
The majority of bookings for these carriage rides come from bus companies, accounting for approximately half of the total, while around 40% are private pre-bookings. Interestingly, about 10% of the rides are taken spontaneously.
A significant development in the industry is the increased regulation. Annual basic courses and further training for coachmen are now mandatory, thanks to the dialogue project initiated by Hilke Feddersen, the director of the nature park. This project, funded by EU funds, has also led to agreements on the maintenance of paths between the involved parties.
Carriage parking lots in Schneverdingen are used almost exclusively for reserved rides, a testament to the growing popularity of advance bookings. The nature park has compiled an overview of the carriage ride offer, including maps and contact addresses, to make it easier for tourists to plan their visits.
Despite the regulations and costs, some operators are thriving. Britta Albers, a one-woman operation, specializes in unique carriage rides, such as trips to see the wild Dülmen horses. She is almost fully booked in August, a testament to her popularity.
However, not all operators are doing as well. The Meyers, who once had 27 teams, have significantly reduced their offer due to low demand. Margret Hedder of Bispingen Tourism finds it difficult to find successors for a carriage operation due to the high and costly regulatory requirements and the lack of appropriately trained employees for this seasonal job.
One positive development is the training of aspiring coachmen by Klaus Meyer in Schneverdingen. The Aspiring Coachmen, a group of trainees from all over Germany, are learning the ropes under Meyer's guidance, ensuring the future of the booking industry in the Lüneburg Heath.
