Horseback Riding Holidays in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has a highly developed infrastructure that allows you to enjoy a perfect horseback riding holiday, surrounded by its windmills and flower fields. It is a country with a great equestrian tradition that is well worth visiting.

The Netherlands: Land of Windmills and Tulips

The Netherlands officially changed its name from Holland in 2020. However, due to its historical importance in the region, the name “Holland” is still commonly used to refer to the country.

Currently, the region of Holland consists of two provinces, South Holland and North Holland, which, together with 10 other provinces, make up the Netherlands.

Its capital is Amsterdam, although the seat of government is in The Hague. Another important city is Rotterdam, with one of the most significant seaports in Europe.

Amsterdam

The country’s geography is dominated by water. It is located on the North Sea coast, at the mouth of the Rhine and Meuse rivers.

It has numerous rivers and lakes and an extensive network of inland canals. Its coasts are made up of low, sandy shores that form an almost continuous beach along the entire coastline.

In addition, much of the northwestern part of the country lies below sea level, characterized by plains and various geographical features such as rivers.

The land below sea level is actually man-made, reclaimed from the sea thanks to a complex system of canals and drainage: the polders.

That’s why its original name, Nederlanden, means “Low Lands”. Only the southwestern part is slightly above sea level and is called the Upper Netherlands.

As mentioned above, the Netherlands is the land of windmills and tulips.

Thanks to windmills, pumping techniques could be used to drain hundreds of lakes and marshes and prevent the land from flooding.

The oldest mill is a watermill dating back to the 8th century. Today, windmills are characteristic of the Dutch landscape and symbolize the country’s ongoing battle with water.

Tulips are the most popular flowers in the Netherlands. The striking colors of blooming tulip bulbs are one of the typical images of the Dutch spring. The best place to see them is Keukenhof, a park with 7 million flower bulbs surrounded by tulip fields.

Equestrian Associations in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of the most prestigious equestrian countries in Europe.

The country has a long tradition in equestrian sports. They excel in all disciplines such as dressage, show jumping, vaulting, and western riding, in which the Dutch are truly skilled.

They are famous for the great ability of their riding instructors and the quality of their schools, and of course, also for their horse breeds, such as the Friesian horse.

There is a national organization, the Royal Dutch Equestrian Sports Federation (KNHS), which regulates and oversees all activity. The welfare of the horse, safety, and the integrity of the sport are the most important starting points for the KNHS.

Another relevant organization is the Federation of Dutch Professional Equestrian Centers (FNRS). Affiliated companies meet basic requirements for quality, safety, and welfare. Many riding instructors in the Netherlands are approved by this federation.

The FNRS actively promotes the interests of its members and associated equestrian entrepreneurs, advising and organizing meetings, workshops, and events throughout the year to exchange knowledge and experiences.

Horseback Riding in the Netherlands

Riding in the Netherlands is a very rich and varied experience. There are many stables, riding schools, and horse farms here.

You will find great opportunities to ride not only in big cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam, but also on the farms of the small villages, which are very interesting.

The scenery here is very beautiful. You can ride along the beach and through green meadows. The stables and farms throughout the country are well worth a visit.

Among the options for Horseback Riding Holidays is the Hoge Veluwe National Park, with an area of about 5,500 hectares, making it one of the largest national parks in the Netherlands.

It features a landscape that has not been altered or modified by humans for hundreds of years, with both natural and cultivated forests and green areas.

The Veluwe is famous for its diverse wildlife, including deer and wild boar, as well as its abundant plant species native to sandy soils and heathlands.

Deer in Hoge Veluwe National Park

You should also visit Loonse National Park in Drunense Duinen. This park has more than 3,500 hectares and is located between the cities of Tilburg, Waalwijk, and Hertogenbosch.

The landscape in this park is very diverse. The sands of its dunes and desert areas contrast sharply with the marshes (swampy land below sea level, invaded by seawater), nutrient-rich meadows, lush flora, and green pastures.

There is a great variety of flora and fauna here.

Loonse Dunes

The Loonse and Drunense dunes cover a large part of the National Park. In the middle of the area is one of the largest sand plains in Europe.

As far as the eye can see, you will find sand, sand, and more sand to gallop freely. In this desert, it can get hot in the summer. Only hardy plants like grass and sand reeds can survive in these dunes.

Suggestions for Your Horseback Riding Holidays in the Netherlands

Whether we call it Holland or the Netherlands, this country has very interesting equestrian offers.

The providers Koren Tot Manen and Herberg de Brand are two good options.

Koren Tot Manen

Located near the Hoge Veluwe National Park, they are surrounded by nature, in an environment where you can relax and enjoy their horseback riding routes.

Koren tot Manen began its activity in 2001. Over the years, they have perfected their equestrian routes, offering riders a unique experience in a protected natural environment. You can ride for hours without having to cross roads or urban areas.

You can bring your own horse or ride with the horses from their stable.

If you choose to ride with Koren Tot Manen’s horses, on the first day they will help you select the ideal horse for you, one that matches your personality and riding ability. They have a variety of breeds available.

Here you can organize a meeting with other rider friends or family members, whether or not they practice this activity. At Koren tot Manen, they are happy to meet the needs of their visitors, even if they are not riders.

Their horseback riding programs

Their riding routes follow the so-called Star Programs: every day the route starts at the stable and returns there in the afternoon to rest. They organize a different route for you each day.

The programs are tailored, and the options are many and varied. They also offer group trips with predefined programs.

Multi-day excursions are also available, but only for groups of 5 or more. If the group is not large enough, other riders may join.

The varied landscape of Kootwijk has several equestrian routes that will take you through forests, moors, and sand plains. Wildlife is abundant; you may encounter wild boar, deer, and foxes.

Their guides know the area very well, the most hidden corners, and the most beautiful places to unsaddle and enjoy a moment surrounded by nature.

Along the routes, there are numbered posts that show you the way and help you find the routes, so if you decide to travel alone, you won’t get lost.

Children can participate in these groups if they have enough experience; otherwise, they can ride outdoors with equestrian guides who are experts with young riders.

Herberg de Brand

Located near the Loonse and Drunense Duinen National Park, it is an excellent alternative for exploring the routes of this magnificent Dutch park on horseback.

Helma and Karel, the hosts, will make you feel as comfortable as possible, helping the inn become a popular option for riders who return year after year.

The Herberg de Brand inn will be your accommodation during your holidays. A place where you will feel at home, with the warmth of the fireplace and gatherings around the table.

Herberg de Brand Inn

At Herberg de Brand inn, there is a stable located on its extensive property, where you can develop your riding skills and use their jumping area.

They are the perfect combination: spacious luxury stables, good food and drinks, a pleasant sleep in their comfortable rooms, and the Loonse and Drunense Park all around.

Their horses

They have KWPN horses (Royal Dutch Sport Horse).

The KWPN horse is very versatile; its calm and steady character makes it enjoy its work and willing to give its best in all activities.

Their riding routes

On their routes, an experienced guide will show you the most challenging and beautiful trails and routes of the Loonse and Drunense Duinen National Park.

You will enjoy rides in the morning and afternoon, allowing you to explore everything the national park has to offer.

Here, in the best of Brabant (the dunes of this national park), more than 100 kilometers of routes and intricate trails have been established for riders who want to explore and discover them.

You will be amazed by the nature on these routes: sand drifts, forests, swamps, hills, and valleys.

The riding routes are very clearly marked and very varied. If you wish, a guide can take you to the dunes so you can enjoy the natural beauty.

For the rest of the routes, you can ride alone without risk.

Learn more about this provider by visiting their website: www.herbergdebrand.nl.

Riding among tulip fields, with their beautiful windmills and green plains, becomes an unforgettable experience. The Netherlands invites you to be at peace with nature and enjoy its fields. Watch the cows grazing and taste its wide variety of cheeses.