Spotting True Talent in Young Horses with Van den Heuvel Dressage

In today’s global dressage market, the number of young horses on offer can be overwhelming, making it difficult to see true potential. That is why Van den Heuvel Dressage, led by Roy van den Heuvel in the Netherlands, takes a highly selective and transparent approach.

Each horse is carefully evaluated, and only those with the qualities for a promising future are presented. This uncommon expertise has earned the stable an international reputation for recognizing what others might overlook, the subtle traits that can transform a promising young horse into a future star.

A crowded market

The international market for young dressage horses has never been larger. But more choice does not always mean more clarity. For buyers, the real challenge lies in finding genuine potential, a task that demands more than videos or pedigrees. It requires experience, intuition, and a network that opens doors to the right horses at the right time.

The eye for potential

This is where Van den Heuvel Dressage distinguishes itself. Roy’s expertise goes beyond first impressions. He looks at balance, natural rhythm, willingness to work, and the mental strength of a horse, qualities that must be present from the very beginning. Years spent riding, training, and selecting horses in both the Netherlands and Germany have sharpened these instincts. Today, this ability makes his guidance highly valuable to both riders searching for their next partner and breeders who want their horses placed in the right hands.

An exclusive network

Exclusivity is not just about the horses, but also about relationships. Van den Heuvel Dressage has built a network that stretches across continents. Horses sourced or sold through the stable have found their way to some of the sport’s most respected riders, including international Grand Prix competitors. For breeders, entrusting a young horse to Van den Heuvel Dressage means access to a market that is otherwise difficult to reach. For buyers, it means the reassurance that every horse shown has already passed an uncompromising internal selection. If a horse is not based at his own stable, no sale will be finalized before Roy has personally visited — often more than once — to see and ride the horse himself.

Beyond the sale

What makes the work of Van den Heuvel Dressage distinctive is the long-term vision. Roy and his partner Bianca Koenen do not view their role as ending with the sale of a horse. They continue to support new owners and riders, ensuring that the match between horse and rider truly flourishes. In an industry that often feels transactional, this aftercare sets them apart as partners rather than intermediaries.

Rare but possible

In a world where the young horse market grows louder and flashier each year, the quiet confidence of Van den Heuvel Dressage speaks volumes. Working with them is not about browsing through endless horses, it is about gaining access to a carefully curated

selection shaped by years of expertise and international trust. True talent may be rare, but with the right guidance it becomes visible.

To learn more, visit www.vandenheuveldressage.com

-- press release