De Jockey Club is one of the oldest associations in the Netherlands and one with very special and unique traditions. The colourful history of the club has contributed to the wide variance of equestrian offerings which are currently being practiced. Some of these are: lessons for beginners, medium and advanced riders in dressage (from start up to ZZ-level), show jumping and driving (there is a possibility to apply for the official driver license).
These courses are available 7 days a week with diverse day and evening programs. Our lessons are in Dutch, but instructions will also be given in English to non-Dutch speakers. It is preferred to have a basic level of Dutch understanding, but it is mandatory to speak and understand English due to safety reasons. We have qualified instructors for each discipline and every level. Private lessons are also available.
Social aspects are of great importance
Our facilities for riders and horses are unique and highly ranked (5*). But our club is also well known for the atmosphere with enjoyable social interaction, which makes it really stands out from other riding schools. At the Jockey Club we’re not only focusing on horse riding but also on social activities and volunteering in one of the many committees and clubs. We expect all members to become active members in our club as this will give you the most enjoyable experience. You will find nowhere else many horse lovers riding together and also enjoying a lot of other fun activities.
Facilities
In the heart of the Kralingse Bos you have the possibility to ride in two indoor arenas as well as making use throughout the year of the enormous CHIO arena with the fabulous All-Weather footing. From the riding school you can directly find yourself on the horse riding tracks in the Kralingse Bos where you could almost forget that you’re in the middle of a large city, watching pheasants and rabbits cavorting in their natural habitat.
The club is exclusive to members who are able to use the riding and stable facilities where qualified staff takes excellent care of the horses and ponies. There is a special area for long reining, an automated walker, a horse washstand and paddocks for training and care. For the riders there is a changing room with lockers.
Becoming member
Every Saturday afternoon at 12.30pm (sharp!) one of the Jockey Club members is present to welcome potential new members. Information is given regarding all aspects of a membership of the Jockey Club. You will be shown the accommodation and given full explanation regarding tariffs, schedules, choice of memberships (Junior, Senior, non-riding) balloting procedures, etc. Because of safety reasons we allow a maximum of 12 participants during the tour, so we allow only 1 additional participant next to the person interested in riding at our manège.
You must register in advance here
All information on tariffs you can find here
Horse Welfare – Rider Weight
At the Rotterdamsche Manège, horse welfare is of major importance, and that’s why pay close attention to the load capacity of our horses and ponies. Important factors in load capacity are the characteristics of the rider (weight, height, level, riding experience, etc.). In addition, we look at the maximum load capacity per horse and pony determined based on their age, medical history and weekly use. We follow the advice of our trade association FNRS and the equestrian sports federation KNHS.
We think it is important that a horse or pony fits the rider in terms of size and fitness and vice versa and that is why we work with a weight limit for the rider (excluding riding gear).
- Novice riders – not heavier than 85 kg
- Riders with riding experience (masters walk, trot and canter) – not heavier than 95 kg.
For riders with riding experience who are taller than average (male >1.90 / female >1.80) we make an exception by looking at the BMI. Here we use a maximum of 27.
In case of doubt about weight and/or riding experience, the instructor will look at the riding level and whether the horse is sufficiently involved in the movement. A horse may not be hindered by the rider. The instructor’s judgment in this first lesson is binding.
Equitatus for young riders
Within the Jockey Club we have our young riders association Equitatus, which organizes diverse activities for children from 7 years old and young people up to the age of 18. For the very young we help in a playful manner to familiarize them with the movements and behavior of the ponies. For the teenagers there is the choice of pony or horse-riding lessons. Activities and competitions are organized throughout the year and in the school holidays special activities are organised.
Students
The Rotterdam Student Horseback Riding Association ‘Marcroix‘ is a sub-association of the Rotterdam Student Corps (RSC) and the Rotterdam Female Student Association (RVSV). Every student that is interested in horseback riding is welcome to join us.
Every Wednesday they come together to ride at the Rotterdamsche Manège from 19:00 till 20:00 o’clock. Afterwards we eat dinner together in the clubhouse ‘De Jockey Club’ and we usually round off the evening with a couple of drinks. The lesson can be joined by every student that is a member of Marcroix, regardless of his or her riding experience. If the weather allows it, they ride outside on one of the outside fields and sometimes they ride into the woods. Next to the lessons Marcroix organizes many enjoyable activities such as rides at the beach, monthly drinks in one (or two) of Rotterdam’s pubs, and once a year they have their ‘Marcroix weekend’ that takes them somewhere in the Netherlands to enjoy 2 days full of horseback riding and other activities. There is also the possibility to compete in national student riding competitions and competitions among members of the Rotterdamsche Manège.
If you are interested, you’re more than welcome to just stop by on Wednesday evening, watch the lesson and join them for a drink afterwards. In case you want to ride with Marcroix or you would like to receive more information about what Marcroix is all about you can check the website www.marcroix.nl or send an email to info@marcroix.nl .
Marcroix hopes to see you soon!