Lessons - Bart Hartogsveld

Become the rider your horse can trust.

Take your first step towards lightness.

If you’ve ever dreamed of riding classical dressage bridleless, or longed for that same lightness in your everyday riding, I can help you make it a reality. Often, the hardest part isn’t the riding itself, it’s knowing where to begin. In my lessons, you’ll follow a clear, logical system that always puts the horse first, and works effectively no matter what tack you use.

What my students are saying:

Thank you for your patient, kind, human, friendly and at the same time highly professional approach, where you’re attentive to and give space not only to the rider, but also to the horse, and to their current physical (and even mental) capabilities. If only all trainers and horse people were like this. It was absolutely fantastic and I highly recommend it to all riders and horses!

Martina

Czechia

Two years ago, I started taking lessons with Bart with my then just 5-year-old Spanish gelding. We’ve made great progress in terms of lightness in the aids and riding from the seat. Through the lessons, my horse has become straighter, more muscular, and calmer in his mind. My own posture has improved, I have more control over my horse’s movement and posture, and I’ve really learned to ride from the seat. That has helped tremendously when riding on the neckrope!

Rebecca

Netherlands

I have come to know Bart as a very talented instructor. Bart is very capable at explaining difficult theoretical concepts in practice. Always calm and positive, Bart really focusses his attention on biomechanics for rider as well as for the horse. It is about feeling, cooperation, and working together in harmony. I have learned so much during Bart's lessons, my horse has gotten more straight and better to able to use his whole body. I would wholeheartedly recommend Bart as a trainer to everyone who wants to learn more about true classical dressage!

Janine

Netherlands

I had a great training session with Bart today. Today it finally clicked for me again, I love that feeling when you take a step forward! He taught me a lot about loosening my seat and leg. At first, I was always a bit afraid, but Bart helped me through it. Thank you again, Bart, it helps me a lot!

Ina

Dubai

A method that puts the horse first.

Every lesson is tailored to you and your horse, with a focus on harmony, balance, and long-term soundness. Whether you are just starting out or exploring more advanced work, I will help you to truly understand the core principles of classical dressage and bridleless riding.

I also believe that both horse and rider should be satisfied after one of my lessons. Therefore, I offer a full refund if you are not happy with your first lesson, no questions asked.

What we will work on

In-hand work and groundwork
Neckrope fundamentals
Ridden work: neckrope, bitless, or with bit
Seat and posture of the rider, seat aids
Transitions, relaxation, collection
Side-movements and lateral work (shoulder-in, travers, renvers)
Advanced classical exercises (piaffe, passage, terre-à-terre, mézair)

Lesson pricing

€50 for a lesson of 45 minutes
Existing routes available (e.g. Utrecht, The Hague, Germany, Czech Republic), contact me for more details
Without an existing route, travel costs are €0.23 per km from Maastricht
Not satisfied? Full refund guaranteed

A modern approach to classical riding.

Lightness with any tack

It shouldn’t matter whether you ride with a neckrope, bitless bridle, or bit: aids should stay light.

I teach my students to explain to their horse what we are looking for, instead of demanding it by always increasing the pressure. Many find it difficult to start riding bitless or bridleless, because of dullness to the aids. In my lessons you will learn a logical system to achieve lightness in any exercise.

Classical dressage ...

The most important things I take from riding masters in the past is their exercises, but also how things should look like. We don’t only need light and invisible aids, but also correct use of the seat.

If we move in harmony with the movement of the horse, stiffness, rhythm problems, and bucking will be a thing of the past. We can achieve a high degree of collection, whilst everything looks (and is) easy.

... with a modern twist

I believe we don’t need to emulate everything from the past, but we can choose our own path. That’s why I decided to ride my horse only on a neckrope and not to use spurs.

Modern science has shown us much about welfare and learning theory in horses. With our modern knowledge we can achieve the same level of riding while staying true to our horses.

Kindness for rider and horse

Riding should be fun and enjoyable for both horse and rider. This means that the horse should not just obey the rider, but that they get an active say in what and how.

For the rider this means more responsibility in listening to your horse. And for trainers this means to listen to the rider, to take their concerns seriously, and to treat them with respect, kindness, and professionalism.

Ready to become the rider you always wanted to be?

I’m here for you if you have any questions or want to book a try-out lesson. I regularly travel around Europe, so even if you live abroad we could make something work. You can send me a message at info@barthartogsveld.nl or use the contact form below.