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European Dressage Program in the Netherlands at
“MERLIN STABLES”
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“Merlin Stables” is located in the very east of the Netherlands,
close to the German border in the village Radewijk.
In this area
you'll find many breeders of the world famous dutch Warmblood horse.
These sport horses find their way all over the world to perform at
top level. |
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“Merlin Stables” is a family-run
business, owned by top trainer, coach and judge Caroline van Veen. |
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Caroline is a very dedicated trainer when it comes to getting the very
best performance from horses and riders. Her experience as a judge gives
her the capability to train for specific competition standards.
Caroline has a
very thorough knowledge of the biomechanics foundations of riding
through all her top level education. Her didactic skills enable her to
make you understand not only the "how" but also the "why" of dressage.
This understanding will help you to ride to the best of your and your
horses ability with effectiveness resulting in lightness.
She has the
ability to teach you the bio-mechanics of effortless and effective
riding.
Many of our
clients are very successful competitors, both at national and
international level. Not only dressage riders but also endurance riders
and show jumpers profit from Caroline's instruction to improve their
performance every time.
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Caroline riding Goldfinger, sire Cartusch
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Our program:
We can offer you
a tailor-made program, fitted to your specific needs and wishes so you
can get the most out of your stay here.
With our
connections throughout the horse-world in both Holland and Germany means
we can be of great assistance to you in your quest for your perfect
dressage horse. Many of our clients now form happy and successful
combinations with horses we've helped them find.
Before taking
your horse back home with you, what better than to spend some time
getting to know him under the guidance of an expert trainer? This way,
you´ll make a smooth start once home.
If you choose to
come here without your own horse, we can offer you the benefits of
riding a true schoolmaster.
We have very
well-schooled dressage horses to make you experience that all-important
"feel" of performing movements correctly, and will imprint on you an
understanding of what classical dressage is all about.
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KWPN Elite dressage mare
by Kennedy
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To make our grogram as
effective as possible, we will upon arrival make an assessment of your riding
(15 minutes). Based on this assessment we will make a program together with you
with goals we think can be achieved during your training period with us. At the
end of your time with us we will conclude our program with a final recorded
ride, so you have a clear insight in your improvements. Of course a copy
of the tape will be yours to take home to serve as a reminder and a great tool
to assist you in your continuing training.
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Insulated indoor arena, to keep you comfortable both summer and winter
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There will
be theoretical classes as well, in order to make sure you understand as
much as possible about the horse, the principles of training and
building condition, or any subject we feel will assist you in your
riding, or indeed any subject you´d like to clarified. These subjects
will supported by relevant video material where necessary.
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View of the outdoor arena
from our stable apartments
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Accommodation:
There is a
possibility to stay as close to the horses as possible: in one of our
apartments above the stables.
Other
possibilities are:
"bungalow park
Het Hooge Holt" in the village of Gramsbergen. Only minutes away from
Merlin Stables, they offer fully equipped, centrally heated chalets.
Or you may
choose to stay at hotel-restaurant
“De
Bokkepruik”. This comfortable and cosy hotel has a Michelin-rated
gourmet restaurant to spoil your palate after an intensive day of riding
and learning. |
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We offer three different programs throughout the year.
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Program
A |
Is the
dressage training mentioned before.
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Program
B |
Is a
tour to find your ideal dressage horse.
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Program
C |
A
combination of program A and B, to meet your individual or group
requirements. |
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It is generally understood, and supported by FEI
rankings, that the best European dressage horses are bred in the Netherlands
and in Germany. We stand in close contact with dressage horse specialists
and breeders of top blood lines in these countries. So we can truly assist
you in getting "horse from the source”. Our program is tailored to get you
in touch with top breeder and owners that may just have that special horse
you're looking for. We organize your personal meetings, test-rides and can,
if so wished, offer expert advised as to the suitability of your prospect.
Of course our service doesn't end here.
We can also organize vetting to American standard, with all the necessary
high quality digital x-rays. We can also organize the best shipping
arrangements.
You may choose to leave your newly
acquired horse with us for a period to be trained before shipping, or just
to be pampered by us before making it long journey.
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Photo gallery
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FEI Prospect |
Level IV |
Youngster |
FEI performing pony |
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Pricing and Dates
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Meeting point |
Netherlands
: Amsterdam Airport (Schiphol) at 165 km (105 miles) |
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Germany
: Münster Airport at 125 km (80 miles)
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Riding ability |
Intermediate
: A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces. |
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Strong Intermediate
: An intermediate rider who is currently
riding regularly and is competing dressage at local events. |
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Advanced :
All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft
hands, and capable of handling a fine tuned dressage horse.
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Riding per day |
1 hour private lesson
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Horses |
Dutch and German warm blood starting at level IV competition horses
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Weight limit |
85 kilo (190 lbs)
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Group size |
On request
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2006 dates |
Year round
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2006 price |
5-day price inclusive of 1 hour private lesson $ 500.00 per person |
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Additional lessons $ 90.00 per hour / per person
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Price includes |
Horses, tack, private lesson. Price does not include accommodation,
meals and transportation.
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Accommodations
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a. Luxury
apartment above the stable. 5-day price $ 500.00 inclusive breakfast and
lunch. |
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b. Bungalow park “t Hooge Holt” at 3 miles $ 155.00 per night (max 6
persons) self-catering. A very nice grocery store
within 1 mile. We can arrange daily transportation.
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c. Hotel “De Bokkepruik” at 6 miles $ 675.00 5-nights including
breakfast and luxury dinner per person. We can arrange daily
transportation.
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