Van Den Heuvel Dressage: A Quiet Gem in our Top Sport?

Sales and Training

Van Den Heuvel Dressage is an intimate stable in the Netherlands that doesn’t make a lot of noise about their success, they let their horses do the talking. With a strong focus on individualized development and long-lasting connections, they quietly became a trusted name at the top of the sport.

Discretely at the Top

Look closely at the world’s top dressage competitions, and you’ll find horses from Van den Heuvel Dressage in the arenas of worldclass riders. Take Charlotta "Kiki" Rogerson, for example, who secured a podium finish at the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in Ermelo, riding one of the horses she found through Van den Heuvel Dressage.

And she’s not alone. A lot of top riders have trusted Van den Heuvel Dressage to help them find their next star, including names like Dorothee Schneider, Catherine Dufour, Charlotte Dujardin and many more.

Their Unique Approach of Developing Horses

The difference is in the approach. At Van den Heuvel Dressage, horses are not trained for quick sales. Instead, they are developed with patience, care, and a focus on long-term well-being. Before a horse even sets foot in the stable, it’s handpicked with a sharp eye for talent, temperament, and long-term potential. Only those with the right qualities make the cut.

"Quality takes time," says Roy van den Heuvel, founder of the stable. “That’s why we give our horses the chance to stay with us for as long as they need, receiving a carefully structured training program that prioritizes their well-being and individual learning speed. We don’t rush them, we prepare them for a successful future.” The focus is on balance, self-carriage, and quick responsiveness, essential elements for success at the highest level. "A horse needs to feel confident in its own body. That’s why we take our time, allowing them to develop naturally. In the end, that’s why riders often return to us when looking for their next partner."

A Lasting Partnership

Another key difference that sets Van den Heuvel Dressage apart is not just the quality of their horses, but the way they work with their partners. Each horse is carefully developed and matched to the right rider, with an emphasis on aftercare. "Our work doesn’t stop when a horse leaves our stables," Roy explains. "We stay involved when wanted. We know that a partnership truly strengthens when horse and rider get to know each other, and we’re here to support that process. This philosophy has created a network of loyal clients. The focus on long-term collaborations, ensuring that both horse and rider can reach their full potential together.

A Stable That Lets Its Horses Speak for Themselves

With their accommodation in Berlicum, Van den Heuvel Dressage operates on a small scale, but with a big impact. Their horses are given the time and attention they need to develop into top performers, ensuring that every client receives not just a horse, but a well-developed athlete.

Discover more at www.vandenheuveldressage.com

-- press release