Horseback Riding Vacations in the Netherlands

Holland: Land of Windmills and Tulips

Holland changed its name to the Netherlands in 2020. However, due to its historic importance in the region, the name "Holland" is still used to refer to the country.

Currently, the region of Holland consists of the two Dutch provinces of South Holland and North Holland which, together with 10 other provinces, form 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 important seaports in Europe.

Has a geography dominated by water. It lies on the coast of the North Sea, at the mouths of the Rhine and the Meuse rivers.

It has numerous rivers and lakes, and an extensive inland canal. The coastline is regular. It consists of low, sandy shores that form almost a continuous beach along the entire coast.

In addition, much of the north-western part of the country is below sea level. This area is characterized by plains and different geographical features such as rivers.

Most of the land area behind the dunes lies well below sea level. A complicated system of polders, dikes and canals protects the country from floods.

It’s not for nothing that its original name, Nederlanden, means “Low Countries”. Only the southwest part is located a little above sea level, and is called the Upper Netherlands.

As we have mentioned above, Holland is the land of windmills and tulips.

Windmills were used to pump dry hundreds of lakes and swamps and to prevent land from flooding.

The oldest mill is a watermill and dates back to the eighth century. Today, windmills are characteristic of the Dutch landscape and a symbol of the Dutch struggle with water.

Tulips are the most popular flowers in Holland. The striking colours of the flowering tulip bulbs are a typical sight in Holland during the spring. The best place to see them is in Keukenhof, a park with 7 million flower bulbs surrounded by tulip fields.

Equestrian Associations in Holland

Holland is one of the most prestigious European countries within the equestrian universe.

This country has a long tradition of equestrian sports. These horses excel at all disciplines such as dressage, show jumping, voltige or western riding, which the Dutch are very good at.

It is famous for the great capacity of its riding instructors, the quality of its schools and, of course, its horse breeds, such as the Friesian horse.

There is a national organization, the Royal Federation of Equestrian Sports for the Netherlands (KNHS) that it regulates and controls this activity. Horse welfare, safety and sport integrity are the most important starting points of the Dutch Equestrian Federation (KNHS).

Another important organization is the Dutch Federation of Professional Equestrian Centres (FNRS). All equestrian companies that join them should meet their standards of quality regarding safety and welfare. Many riding instructors in the Netherlands are certified by the FNRS.

The FNRS has a large network of interesting partners for equestrian entrepreneurs. They organize multiple gatherings, workshops and events throughout the year, and their members can benefit by using their specific knowledge.

Horse riding in Holland

Horseback riding in Holland is an enriching and varied experience. There are lots of stables, riding schools and horse farms here.

You will have great opportunities to ride in big cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam, and in small village farms, which are very interesting.

On top of all this, the scenery here is stunning. You can ride along the beach and across green grasslands. Their many stables and farms really deserve a visit.

Among the different Horse Riding Holiday options available in Holland, there is Hoge Veluwe National Park, which is approximately 5,500 hectares in area and one of the largest national parks in Holland.

Its landscapes are unspoiled and it has forests and green natural areas, as well as farmland.

Hoge Veluwe is famous for its varied wildlife – you can see deer and wild boar, but also its abundant vegetation is remarkable, with many plants that are native to this barren, sandy soil.

You must also know the Loonse National Park in Drunense Duinen. This park is over 3,500 hectares in area and it’s located near the cities of Tilburg, Waalwijk and Hertogenbosch.

The scenery in this park is very diverse. The drifting sands of its dunes and desert regions contrast sharply to the swampy marshes (a wetland situated below sea level and permeated by the sea), nutrient-rich grasslands, exuberant vegetation and green meadows.

It has a wide variety of flora and fauna.

The Loonse and Drunense Duinen cover a great extension of the park. In the middle of the area, it is one of the largest sand-drift plains in Europe.

As far as the eye can see, you will find sand, sand and more sand where you can gallop freely. In this desert, summers can be hot. In this region, only some plant species can survive such as bunt grass and sand sedge.

Horse riding holiday proposals in Holland

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

Below, you can find two options – Koren Tot Manen and Herberg de Brand.

Koren Tot Manen

Located near Hoge Veluwe National Park, they are surrounded by nature, in a comfortable ambiance to just relax and enjoy, together with the horses, all the equestrian rides.

Koren tot Manen started its vision in 2001. Over the years, they have perfected their horse riding holidays and today, they offer a unique riding experience in a protected natural area. You can ride for hours without crossing busy roads or urban areas.

You can bring your horse with you or use one from their stable.

If you choose to ride with Koren Tot Manen, on the first day, they will help you choose the right horse, one that suits your personality and riding skills.

Here you can organize a small get-together with other fellow riders or your family, whether they practice this activity or not. At Koren tot Manen they are happy to cater to the needs of their customers – non-riders included.

Their proposals on horseback

Their modality is known as Mobile or Star Riding: every day you leave from the Stable and go back to it in the evening to rest. They can arrange a ride for each day of your stay.

They have customized programmes and many different options. They also offer outdoor trips with the horses in groups.

here are tours of more than one day, but for a minimum group of 5 people. If your group is not big enough, you can join other riders.

The varying landscape of Kootwijk has several equestrian routes that lead you through forest, heath and sand plain. Wildlife is abundant. You can see boar, deer and fox.

Their guides know this place perfectly and the most beautiful spots where you can dismount and enjoy Nature around you.

Along the routes, there are numbered poles that show you the way and help you to find the routes. Therefore, even if you want to travel alone, you cannot lose your way.

Children will be allowed to partake in the group if they have enough experience and if not, they can ride on their beautiful ponies with their expert guides so they can enjoy the outdoor adventure.

Herberg de Brand

Located near the Loonse and Drunense Duinen National Park, is an excellent alternative to horseback riding the routes of this magnificent Dutch park.

Helma and Karel, the hosts, will make you feel as comfortable as possible, thus the inn became a very popular option for riders who come back here every year.

The inn at Herberg de Brand will be your accommodation during your holidays. Will make you feel at home with the warmth of the fireplace and meetings at the table.

At Herberg de Brand, there is a riding stable on the extensive terrain where you can further develop your riding abilities, or use their jumping area.

They have the perfect combination: spacious luxury stables, good food and drinks, pleasant sleep in their comfortable rooms and the surrounding Loonse and Drunense Park.

Their horses

They use KWPN horses (royal Dutch sports horses).

The KWPN horse is very versatile, its docile and persevering temperament makes it a great working horse, always willing to push itself in every activity.

Their horse rides

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

You can enjoy rides in the morning or the afternoon, which allows you to explore all the national park has to offer.

Here in the best of Brabant (the dunes of this national park), no less than 100 kilometres of routes and intricate trails have been set out for riders who want to enjoy riding and discovering them.

In these itineraries, you’ll be surprised by nature everywhere – sand drifts, forests, fens, hills and valleys.

The equestrian routes are very clearly marked and are very varied. If desired, a guide can take you to the dunes so that you can enjoy the natural beauty undisturbed or, if your adventure spirit wants some more, you can go for a self-guided ride.

You can enjoy all the other rides on your own without risks.

Learn more about this supplier on their web site: www.herbergdebrand.nl.

Horseback riding among tulip fields, with its beautiful windmills and green plains, becomes an unforgettable experience. Holland invites you to be at peace with nature and to enjoy its countryside. Contemplate cows grazing in the meadows and taste the great variety of Dutch cheeses.

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