Straô Burgh-Haamstede

Between February and March, the Straô riding tradition takes place in six villages on the island of Schouwen: Burgh-Haamstede, Ellemeet, Scharendijke, Serooskerke, Renesse, and Noordwelle. The highlight of Straô is washing the horses' hooves in the sea, with the riders remaining seated on their horses during the process. Riders and horses gather in the morning at a fixed starting point and head to the beach around midday. Each village has its own schedule.

On Saturday, February 15, it’s time for Straô Burgh-Haamstede. The route of the horses is as follows:

• 11:30 AM: Burgh, Achterweg: gathering and registration behind Bakkerij Sonnemans, judging of horses and ponies by the jury.
• 12:00 PM: Hogeweg: departure towards Kraayensteinweg, entrance to Boswachterij (Forestry).
• 1:00 PM: De Trap Westenschouwen, Strand Westenschouwen, Strandpaviljoen de Buurman.
• 1:45 PM: Westenschouwen roundabout, restaurant Zeelust/snackbar The Sixties.
• 2:30 PM: Burghsluis / restaurant 't Oliegeultje.
• 3:15 PM: Ring Burgh.
• 3:45 PM: Zorgcentrum De Duinen, Kloosterweg. From there, the Royal Music Association Witte van Haemstede and the Apollo drum band lead the procession to the Ring.
• 4:15 PM: Ring Haamstede: reception of the horse procession at the Ring of Haamstede by a representative of the Municipality of Schouwen-Duiveland. Galloping at Slotlaan near Slot Haamstede (if the path is suitable for riding).

At 5:30 PM, the prize ceremony and Straô party with B4You will take place at Dorpshuis De Schutse.