There is no better stage than the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for the 24^th St. Leonard's Ride, which was celebrated on Sunday, 10 November in Alta Badia. The protagonists of the event, organised by the Noriker and Haflinger horse associations of Val Badia, have been over 150 horses and breeders from all over South Tyrol and the other Ladin valleys. 

The St. Leonard's Ride is an excellent opportunity to relive ancient Ladin traditions and customs in an authentic way, as well as to discover Alta Badia during the autumn months, enjoying the tranquillity of this period.

 

This edition has been dedicated to the 120^th anniversary of the Marebbe/Enneberg Horse Breeders' Association, headed by Enrico Nagler for the past 40 years and established in the village of Piccolino by Peter Videsott. The event began, as per tradition, with the solemn Holy Mass, celebrated in the parish church of Badia, consecrated to St. Leonard and St. James. At 10.45 a.m., the parade continued, winding its way through the centre. The procession was led by the patron saint's float, followed by a large number of Haflinger and Noriker horses, traditional costumes from the various Ladin valleys and numerous festively decorated floats. These include the float with the miniature model of St. Leonard's church, built for the 20^th anniversary by some local craftsmen, as well as the float with the harvest products, sold at the end of the procession, the proceeds of which will be donated to charity. Thanks to the great participation of horses and breeders from various valleys, the music bands from Badia, Moena and San Giorgio, and local dance groups, the spectators were able to admire a variety of colours and traditional costumes, seen on only a few other occasions in South Tyrol. The year 2024 was very important for the local Haflinger and Noriker Horse Associations, having won important awards at provincial level. Parading during the parade with the winners' sashes was the filly Elodie of Thomas Alfreider, winner of the 3-year-old filly show in the Haflinger horse category, the filly Felina of Stefan Zingerle winner in the Noriker horse category, the mare Elodie of Thomas Alfreider was also confirmed first in her category at the provincial Haflinger horse show. The roundup ends with David Bernardi's mare Desi, bred by Simon Dapoz, awarded at the provincial Haflinger horse show on the occasion of the 150^th anniversary of the Haflinger horse as BEST of SHOW, i.e. the most beautiful horse at the show.

 

The most eagerly awaited moment of the day was certainly the blessing of the horses and their breeders, in front of the Santa Croce mountain, which took place immediately after the parade. Following the success of the last editions, the event was again broadcast live via streaming on the Alta Badia facebook profile.