Riding school De Rekkendonken

Riding school De Rekkendonken, located on Vleutstraat in Liempde, presents itself as much more than just an equestrian center. It's a versatile family business that has offered a unique combination of equestrian sports, recreation, and overnight accommodations since 1973. For potential visitors looking for a specific experience, it's worth taking a closer look at the various facets of this business, including its strengths and weaknesses.

The Equestrian Heart: Wellbeing and Facilities

The core business of De Rekkendonken is and will remain the riding school. Reviews from visitors and clients emphasize one very positive point: the horses' welfare truly comes first here. This is a crucial factor for riders looking for a place to take lessons or board. The facility is described as beautiful, with friendly and helpful staff, even for those who aren't regular lesson clients. This focus on animal welfare is a significant plus in the equestrian world.

The facilities support this claim. De Rekkendonken boasts impressive equestrian facilities, including a 20x60-meter indoor competition arena, a 20x40-meter indoor loose riding arena, and two outdoor competition arenas. All arenas are equipped with professional Geopad surfaces, which improves the quality and safety of both horse and rider. Forty stalls are available for the horses' housing . A 2015 renovation created a stable corridor that meets modern requirements for space, light, and fresh air. Details such as open hatches for social interaction and outdoor hatches, along with 25 paddocks and 13 pastures for daily exercise, demonstrate a well-thought-out approach to horse housing.

Overnight Stay Above the Stables: A Unique Alojamiento

A distinguishing feature of De Rekkendonken is the option to stay overnight. This isn't a standard hotel , but a Bed & Breakfast that offers a truly special experience. Visitors rave about a "fantastic B&B with a delicious breakfast served in the room." This type of accommodation is ideal for horse lovers or travelers looking for something a little different than the usual accommodations.

The B&B offers various accommodations in the form of luxurious, charming studios. Each room features a private bathroom, comfortable beds, a TV, Wi-Fi, and coffee and tea making facilities. Two of the studios even have a fully equipped kitchen, making them suitable for longer stays and giving them the functionality of small vacation homes . The rooms' unique location overlooks a beautiful garden, the surrounding forests, and the horses' enclosures. This creates an atmosphere not easily found in a typical hostería or posada , and certainly not in larger chains. While the terms villas or cabañas are not applicable, the design offers an intimate and rural feel comparable to a stay in a rural albergue .

A Critical Look at Recreation

In addition to equestrian sports, De Rekkendonken offered miniature golf for a long time. Visitors described the 18-hole course as beautifully situated in nature. However, a recurring criticism was that the course was "somewhat dated," although the price-quality ratio was considered excellent. The friendly staff and the peaceful terrace were often cited as positives. Important for future visitors: the website states that the miniature golf course will be demolished after the 2023 season to make way for a new, as-yet-undisclosed outdoor activity for all ages. This is a crucial update that will transform the recreational value of the location in the near future.

For children there is a renovated wooden outdoor playground, which was expanded in 2022 with a water play equipment, making it an attractive stop for families.

The Pros and Cons in a Row

Strengths

• Horse Welfare: Demonstrably high priority for animal welfare, which inspires confidence among horse lovers.
• Unique B&B: The opportunity to stay overnight in a comfortable setting with a view of the horses is a unique selling point. This is not your average resort , but a specialized and charming place to stay.
• Friendly Staff: In several reviews, the friendliness of the staff is seen as a big plus.
• Extensive Facilities: The facilities are spacious and well-maintained, suitable for both equestrian sports and parties.

Points of interest

• Confusing Opening Hours: The opening hours listed on Google (open only on Wednesdays) are very limited and don't match the information on their website, which also mentions Saturdays for the canteen. The website indicates that groups of 10 or more can be accommodated by appointment for parties. This discrepancy can cause confusion. Potential visitors are advised to always call to confirm current availability.
• Limited Culinary Offerings: While snacks and drinks are available, it's not a full-fledged restaurant. For a more elaborate meal, guests will likely have to look outside the property.
• Disappearance of Minigolf: The loss of the minigolf course means the disappearance of one of the accessible recreational activities. The value of the replacement activity remains to be seen.

In summary, Manege De Rekkendonken is an excellent choice for a specific target group. For the serious rider looking for stables or lessons, it seems to be a top location due to its focus on horse welfare and high-quality facilities. For travelers seeking a unique alojamiento and appreciating the proximity of horses and nature, the B&B offers an unforgettable experience that stands out from standard hotels or hostals . It's a place that exudes authenticity and a passion for the outdoors. However, please be aware of the uncertainty surrounding opening hours and changes in recreational offerings.