Beekbergen, 26 June 2025 – At the invitation of initiators Mieke van Tergouw and Marjan Greveling – van Tergouw, Alderman Anja Prins (Events, Municipality of Apeldoorn) paid a working visit yesterday to the Riant Equestrian Centre in Beekbergen. The visit focused on the newly installed all-weather arena, made possible in part by a municipal grant. This improvement prepares the venue to host the World Championship for Driving Pairs, which takes place from 20 to 24 August in Beekbergen.
During her visit, the alderman spoke with the Van Tergouw sisters and John Berends, chairman of the World Championship, about the significance of the investment. Prins emphasized the broader value of such initiatives:
“We want Apeldoorn to remain a city full of life and activity, for both residents and visitors. With this subsidy, we help organizations prepare their venues for popular and vibrant events. This is a perfect example: thanks to the improved grounds, even more activities will be possible here in the future.”
The Van Tergouw family expressed their heartfelt gratitude. “When we received the call about the subsidy approval, it truly moved us. This footing is essential for organizing a World Championship at this level,” said Mieke van Tergouw. “It ensures equal conditions for all competitors and is a major step forward in terms of horse welfare.”
The new ebb-and-flow footing – described by the family as “the Bentley of surfaces” – was installed by Agterberg, the specialist in equestrian sports grounds. The surface allows events to continue in all weather conditions. This not only makes the upcoming World Championship future-proof, but also creates year-round opportunities for other events and training.
Chairman John Berends added: “This footing makes it possible to bring world-class sport to the eastern Netherlands. It’s a fantastic addition to regional facilities like Omnisport. What’s been achieved here is of both regional and national importance.”
The Riant grounds will temporarily transform into an international equestrian event venue, but it remains, at its core, private pastureland. The Van Tergouw sisters are organizing the championship with a small team, driven by family heritage and a passion for the sport. “Our father started all of this, out of love for driving. He always believed the events should remain accessible to everyone – from the working man to the elite. That’s why admission is free,” says Mieke.
The championship draws visitors from across the country and abroad and has become a fixture on the global equestrian calendar. The municipality’s investment ensures the tradition can continue sustainably, while also boosting the local economy, tourism, and events strategy. Not only is the World Championship free and open to the public, but there is also an exciting program surrounding the sport. With a spectacular opening ceremony, a foal auction, live shows, a performance by Crazy Pianos On Tour, daily live music, and activities for children, the “Paardenspektakel Beekbergen” – of which the World Championship is a highlight – offers something for everyone.
👉 More information: www.caibeekbergen.nl