Anyone who enthusiastically devoured Karl May's books as a child almost certainly dreamed of galloping across the prairie on horseback towards the golden sunset. Heidi Kanatschnig is one of those people. Growing up in Deutsch-Griffen, she jumped on her Noriker mare every free minute as a young cowgirl to go for a ride. In the end, it was love that brought her to the Wernhof in Glantal. Her husband Silvester - no less horse-loving - shared this passion from the very beginning and so the story took its course. At gallop speed.
What was that again with the "horse bird"?
The Kanatschnig family has owned the Wernhof since 1896 and started renting out rooms 50 years ago. Simply because one day a family came along and asked for a room on the picturesque hill overlooking the Glan valley. In the meantime, cozy vacation apartments round off the western offer, because there have always been horses here. Of course, what else. "First we had a Noriker breed, then we switched to Pintos and warmbloods until we finally discovered the Quarter Horse," says Heidi. This breed is characterized by strong nerves, safety and coolness, which sealed the deal for our passion for western riding. "Silvester preferred to ride bareback anyway and with western riding you simply have more freedom. You ride on a long rein, the equipment is robust and safe and the cowboy feeling is of course fantastic." They both had the "horse bird" right from the start, as Heidi remarks with a grin: "My husband is almost always out and about in western boots." And this has probably also been passed on to their three children Silvester, Elias and Sanna, who are all saddle-sure.
Childhood dreams on four hooves
Those who come to the Wernhof to realize childhood dreams such as galloping across endless meadows and through light-flooded forests will not be disappointed. Beginners and professionals alike can enjoy carefree rides in an unspoiled natural landscape or sign up for a specific western riding lesson in the arena. The WRC (Western Riding Certificate) test can also be taken at the farm on certain dates. Yes, or you can simply spend relaxing hours together with your four-legged friends. For Heidi, this is also a matter of relaxation: "And just making my horses' manes pretty is a moment of happiness for me." A childhood dream has probably come true for her at Wernhof. "People often ask me in summer where I've just been on vacation because I'm so tanned. But that simply comes from the daily work in the fresh air."
Organic farm for 20 years
For the guests, the western feeling is not only realized on the horse itself, but also during cosy evenings around the campfire with guitar sounds. The hotel's own bathing pond with idyllic sunbathing lawn is the perfect place to cool off. And for the perfect start to each day, a varied organic breakfast with homemade products and fresh farmhouse bread is served, which Heidi bakes once a week together with Grandma Heidi senior. So why go far afield when both good things and the Wild West are so close anyway?
Sabine Ertl
www.gedankenschmiede.at, 44 Article(s)
