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  Middelburg (15), De Ringrijder  

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Uploaded: 02/06/07 6:57 PM GMT
Middelburg (15), De Ringrijder
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This 'De Ringrijder' sculpture can be seen in Middelburg, the Netherlands. I'll try to explain the story behind it. Zeeland is a province of the Netherlans. In the past Belgian draught horses were used by Zeeland farmers to work at their fields (e.g. to plough). When the work was done some Zeeland farmers practised a sport with use of those horses. This sport is called, in Dutch, 'ringrijden' (tilting at the ring). Ringrijden means that a farmer was sitting on his huge horse without use of saddle and stirrups. While the horse was galloping at full speed, the farmer had to catch a ring with a lance. The ring was placed in a holder and hang, by means of a rope between two poles, in the air. The farmer who caught the biggest number of rings in a certain number of rounds was the winner and was a hero (because of his courage and dexterity). He became 'world famous' in his village. Zeeland farmers mostly were member of the 'Zeeland ring rider club'. This sculpture was made on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of that club. Nowadays ringrijden is mostly a folklore sport, primary to show the tourists in Zeeland some traditions of the past.

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.twinkel
02/06/07 7:17 PM GMT
wow Cornelius what a story and what a lovely picture:))
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laughter is the best medicine.
::dutch_postings
02/06/07 7:20 PM GMT
A very nice image with a good narrative !
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please visit my gallery - mountain site or my little Switzerland Forum
::fogz
02/06/07 7:27 PM GMT
An excellent sculpture Cornelius - with a lot of action! well captured and thank you for the interesting narrative! Patti
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"Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity." ...live well ...love much ...laugh often ..... mygallery
.boremachine
02/06/07 7:37 PM GMT
this must be a must see :o)
very good and interesting story!
btw, was New Zealand founded by the dutch?
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If you have some minutes why don't you come visiting my gallery ?
.corngrowth
02/06/07 7:55 PM GMT
Chris: indeed. New Zealand is called after the Dutch province Zeeland, by Abel Tasman (1603 - 1659), a Dutch seaman (born in the Dutch province Groningen) and the first Euopean which saw the both islands of New Zealand.
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Verbeter de wereld, begin bij jezelf (improve the world, start with yourself).
::Marzena
02/07/07 1:01 AM GMT
And Tasmania has also been called after a Dutch !!!!
I love and enjoy every second here on Caedes - nowhere else I can get my hunger for instruction [understood most comprehensively LOL] and search for beauty satisfied to such an extent !!!
Many thanks, Cornelius dear !!!!
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With all my love and respect, Marzena
.corngrowth
02/07/07 7:44 AM GMT
Marzena, you are right as well. See my above answer to Chris. Tasmania is called after Abel Tasman.
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Verbeter de wereld, begin bij jezelf (improve the world, start with yourself).
.RayW
02/08/07 8:01 PM GMT
Hi Cornelius, that's a great peice of history, thanx. It's a great picture and I think the cyclist gives it an air of Irony, so glad you left it in. Would have cloned out the graffiti though.

Cheers! Ray.
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::Jimbobedsel
06/04/15 10:49 AM GMT
Great looking shot, Mr. C. The creator of this statue did a wonderful job. It looks just like the picture you posted of the man and horse in action.
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