A life for equestrian sport: Farewell to Alfons Ertl in Hahnbach

A life for equestrian sport: Farewell to Alfons Ertl in Hahnbach

Passed away last Saturday, November 9, 2024Alfons Ertlafter a long illness at the age of 86. He was a formative figure in Hahnbach equestrian sport. From 1957 to 1966 he was the first chairman of the riding and driving club. He was also a riding warden and, from 1965, a sought-after riding instructor.

Introduction of riding lessons

Back then, there were regular riding lessons for the first time in Hahnbach. Initially these took place on work horses, which were only available on Sundays and public holidays. Later, rental horses, our own horses and a club horse were added. The old sports field next to the changing sheds initially served as a practice location. Soon afterwards, a riding and tournament arena with paddocks could be created on the Ritterwiese at the Vilsbrücke. The riding facility of the Hahnbach riding and driving club is still located there today.

Important events and tournaments

1959 was the central stable ofAlfons Ertlin the Huber property in front of the Upper Gate. He was active where the community's building yard is today. In 1962 he moved to the former Weiß property, the so-called Gegelschneiderhof. This is located in the middle of the market, to the west next to the “zum Hanserl” restaurant.

Ertl organized the first eight fox hunts in Hahnbach. He sometimes combined these with jumping competitions. The first riding, jumping and driving tournaments were also his initiative. The first off-road and eventing tests were also carried out with a significant contribution fromRudolf Steinfeldercarried out.

Achievements and recognition

In 1964 he managed to organize the first association tournament of the Lower Bavaria/Upper Palatinate Association. This happened with the awarding of the hiking standard by the Bavarian State Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Forestry. This event received great national attention. The first tests for the rider badges in Hahnbach were also due to his efforts. He could proudly look back on the successes of several active club members at foreign tournaments.

The association's workAlfons Ertlled to Hahnbach's good reputation in equestrian sports, not only in the Upper Palatinate, but also as far away as Lower Bavaria and Franconia. From 1971 to 1998 he was first chairman, technical director and riding instructor of the riding club on Birkenweg. Here too he organized demanding cross-country and eventing tournaments.

Withdrawal and personal success

A heart attack in 1998 forced him to give up his work as a riding instructor after more than 40 years. He also withdrew from club work. The successful eventer fondly remembered his home-bred horses: Rasmus, Amourette, Rivalin, Ravenna, Amorella, Marko Polo and Prinz.

He looked back on many successes. He repeatedly became team champion. In 1981 he won the Hahnbach Grand Prix with his horse Rivalin. With Prinz he reached 8th place at the Bavarian Championships. From 1976 to 1982 wasAlfons Ertlalso a member of the renowned Bavarian state squad. This brought him and his home community much honor.