You’ll still find me ringside early in the morning with a coffee in hand, watching the warm-up and listening to the horses breathe and do what they do best. That’s where I feel most at home.

From Indoor Friesland to the Dutch Masters, I bring creative structure and deep experience to the art of event design. My goal is always the same: elevate the sport, center the horse, and make the entire experience seamless for everyone involved—riders, grooms, organizers, spectators, and the horses themselves.

And if you’ve heard a bark in the background, that’s Flynn—my loyal sidekick, professional cuddler, and uncredited co-director behind the scenes.

First as a pony-obsessed kid, then as a groom, a federation secretary, a show office manager, and now as a sport director for some of the most respected events in Europe.

I’ve spent a lifetime inside the equestrian world—

meet yvonne van bergen

what i can help with

Guiding federations, organizing committees, and event teams through scheduling, structure, and sport integrity decisions.

Strategic Consulting

Creating atmosphere, flow, and feeling—from arena layout to award ceremonies—with a focus on the horse and the sport.

Equestrian Event Design

Overseeing every detail of your event from a top-down perspective, while working side-by-side with organizers and teams.

Sport Direction

My story isn’t just mine—it belongs to the horses I’ve groomed, the teams I’ve led, and the events I’ve helped shape. I’ve always believed in starting from the beginning. That’s why I left home at 19 to groom in the U.S. before working with Dutch Olympic riders. It’s why I said yes to a job at the Dutch Federation, and why I eventually stepped out on my own in 2007—to build events that reflect care, not copy other formats.

How a groom, a secretary, and a deep love for horses turned into a career shaping some of Europe’s most iconic events.

My Story

Since then, I’ve worked on Olympic qualifiers, European championships, national finals, and everything in between. But my values haven’t changed: the horses come first, and good sport is built from behind the scenes.

And the best is still yet to come... stay tuned!

Collaboration with HorseGrooms launches to support grooms more intentionally.

2023

Indoor Friesland thrives as a unique event with its own rhythm and style. 

2022

Started Yvonne van Bergen – Hippisch Management & Events and began consulting for top-tier shows.

2007

Worked at the Dutch Federation as secretary and show office lead, gaining years of deep expertise in FEI-level sport and logistics.

1995 — 2006

Groomed for elite riders, lived in the U.S., and learned what it takes to support excellence from the ground up.

early 1990s

This wasn’t a plan. It was a path that revealed itself one show at a time. I didn’t set out to become a sport director. I set out to be around horses.

Through the years

TIMELINE of YvB

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