For Jan and Thea van Veldhuizen, life without animals is hardly imaginable. For years, they not only had cattle, pigs and sheep to support themselves, but horses and dogs also played an important role in their free time. Daughter Jacqueline was the first to catch the horse virus, and that virus has spread considerably over the years. Friends came to visit who also wanted to ride; it was decided to approach it more professionally.
In 1982, they decided to hire an instructor to give lessons. With four riding horses and ponies, riding school Le Cheval was established. Lessons were given in an outdoor arena. However, the neighborhood was not happy with all that hoof tramping and almost wanted to stop all activities. At that moment, two riders from the early days came up with suggestions and it was agreed with Jan to try for another year.
Membership of the association became mandatory and stable rules were introduced. The image was improved by visiting schools with ponies and holding open days. Internal competitions were also organized. This was successful and the association took increasingly more shape. The outdoor arena was drained and lighting was installed, allowing riding during the winter months and in the evenings. A growing association naturally includes a canteen with toilet and a cozy bar. Permission was requested from the municipality of Bodegraven for the construction of an indoor arena. This was not entirely without difficulty, but by demonstrating that the riding school fits in a municipality that wants to expand, permission was eventually granted.
In 1993, the indoor riding school was opened and the name was changed to: Hippisch Centrum Bodegraven. The large indoor arena, no less than 20 x 67 meters, naturally offers possibilities for more than just internal competitions. The association received permission from the NBVR to organize official competitions.
Initially, the association started organizing NBVR dressage competitions. These were a great success so that NBVR show jumping competitions were soon added.
And still the growth of the riding school has not stopped. The outdoor arena had to make way for a roundabout a few years later and was subsequently placed next to the indoor arena. A second indoor arena of 20 x 40 meters was also built. And of course, the lunge arena and the walker should not be missing from this development.
The riding school is also affiliated with the Federation of Dutch Riding Schools (FNRS) and has been awarded four stars. In short: a facility where you can operate well as an active association.
Given all the positive developments in the past, we are very curious what the future will bring us.
