Founded in 1744, Hollandsche Manege is the oldest riding school in the Netherlands, dedicated to preserve the national equine heritage. In response to a society increasingly critical of equestrian sports, the Valk family started to host modern art and music events to secure its future. Will this iconic stable be able to preserve its legacy in our changing society?

Riding lesson – historic arena

Despite resembling a normal residential building in Vondelstraat, nearby Amsterdam’s central park, Hollandsche Manege reveals a majestic historic building, where visitors are greeted by the soft neighing of horses, the scent of hay and hooves’ sounds.

Preserving equestrian heritage 

During the week the stable is full of children and amateurs for riding lessons led by Justus Valk, instructor and one of the four co-owners. On weekends, Vincent Valk, who purchased the stable in 2005, takes care of the Vondel Carousel, a centenary tradition. Dozens of Dutch and international tourists attend the show, astonished by the beauty of white horses galloping in the arena, ridden by women in elegant long skirts. Their legs stand on one side of the horse, a technique far more challenging than modern riding.

If he could bring someone from the past to the modern Manege, Vincent would choose one of its earliest instructors, who witnessed the decline of side-saddle riding. His diary, preserved in the museum, notes how by 1993: ”ladies don’t want to use side-saddle anymore, they only want to race in the Vondelpark with gentle saddles”.

Traditional side-saddle

Passionate and proud, Justus explains: ”We are among the few left doing a lot with side-saddle, our objective is to preserve it in Europe. Tourists see how people used to ride while exploring a historic stable”. He adds: ”Visitors have an unique experience they cannot get anywhere else”.

Cultural legacy

Archives in Rijksmuseum demonstrate that De Manege has long served as a cultural hub, hosting upper-middle class events like Mozart’s concert in 1766. Vincent realized the importance of this legacy, and since 2012 he expanded its role with the Living Horse Museum, carousels, and traditional dinners.

Occasionally, the stable is used by external organizations, as Amsterdam Dance Events and art exhibitions. New cultural events are planned annually, as Vincent says: ”We have one Equine Art Fair yearly, hosting artist works related to horses, either paintings, sculptures, or photography”. The 2024 exhibition hosted artists from 8 different nationalities and around 800 visitors in 4 days.

De Manege’s future

This evolution is necessary to create a secure and future proof-business. Justus explains how the public opinion is shifting, as a result of increasing awareness on animal welfare: ”Maybe in 10 years people would like to see less horses in the middle of Amsterdam. We even question whether we can still ride a horse in the future”. Vincent adds: ”Animal welfare must be good. It is our job to explain what we’re doing and that we are doing it good”.

However, Justus underlines how horses will remain the core business : ”For the moment the government wants these horses in the city because it is important that kids have the possibility to be in touch with animals. Maybe it doesn’t change but I want to be ready for the future, I don’t want to have one option”. Vincent remarks: ‘’I feel totally comfortable with that. Change sometimes makes fear. But I am not afraid”.