On Saturday, July 26, 2025, it's once again time to experience animals up close, discover regional traditions and enjoy a colorful day with the whole family. The 14th edition of the Grafschafter Haus- und Nutztierag (County Pets and Livestock Day ) will be held - with a varied program focusing on old livestock breeds, exciting demonstrations and lots of hands-on activities for young and old. As usual, the venue is the riding arena in Uelsen.
This year's Domestic and Livestock Day will once again be held in conjunction with two traditional events:
- the 31st Bentheimer Land Sheep Elite Auction, with presentation and licensing of rams from 8.30 a.m., auction starts at 2.00 p.m.
- the 39th Lower Saxony Mare and Foal Show of the Emsland Cold Blood Horse Breeding Association from 10.30 a.m.
As usual, the highlight of the day is the show of the winning animals at 1.00 pm.
But that's not all: visitors can look forward to an extended supporting program. The Uelsen youth welfare service will be represented with additional children's activities. The Kinderschutzbund will be bringing its popular play mobile and offering creative activities and exercise games. There will also be a bouncy castle, pony rides, face painting and an exciting children's rally with great prizes.
The herding demonstrations with sheep, which show the impressive cooperation between animals and humans, are also a real experience, as is a very special highlight:
The working horse interest group gives a live demonstration of how a horse-powered treadmill works. A transmission belt or cardan shaft drive impressively demonstrates how wood used to be chopped using pure muscle power - a piece of living history you can touch.
At 11.30 a.m., visitors can also look forward to a festive moment: the local pigeon breeding club releases its pigeons into the sky - an impressive spectacle that will delight young and old alike.
Numerous stands with county products, craft demonstrations, a petting zoo, spinning demonstrations, small animal presentations and activities with farmer Jan (known from the Nordhorn zoo) round off the varied offer. As always, the Uelsen Riding and Driving Club will provide delicious food and drink.
The popular painting competition is also taking place again - this time under the motto:
"Grafschaft Bentheim - Meine Heimat". Children of all ages are invited to give free rein to their creativity. Pictures can be submitted to Uelsen Touristik until July 23, 2026. All submitted artworks will be exhibited on the day of the event (outside in good weather, otherwise in the riding hall). Visitors can vote for their favorite picture in three age categories. Voting runs until 3 p.m., the award ceremony with great toy vouchers as prizes will take place at 4 p.m.
Admission is free - so a visit is worthwhile all along the line!