Design preview for Marten Luiten Dressage. Forms do not send anything.
From backing to Grand Prix
Young horses, competition horses and horses being prepared for sale: Marten and Romy ride them in Baars with a clear goal, supported by dependable care, a team of specialists and plenty of turnout in the paddocks and fields.
Training with us
When your horse comes into training with us, it lives at our yard in Baars and is ridden by Marten Luiten or Romy Schaftenaar. We train horses from backing to Grand Prix with one clear aim: success in competition, right up to the top, or a good sale.
Every horse gets a plan that suits its age, its talent and your ambitions. Schooling in the arena alternates with turnout in the paddocks and fields; we see that as essential to a horse’s wellbeing and development.
Head rider
With Fynona, 13 European Championship medals, five of them gold. In 2026, with Johnny, Dutch U25 champion and European U25 freestyle champion.
Stable rider since 2025
Several Dutch pony titles. Recently Gelderland provincial champion at Z2 and ZZ-Licht (advanced Dutch levels), with placings at the Dutch Championships and The Dutch Masters.
For every horse
A four-year-old needs something different from a horse working towards Small Tour. The basics stay the same: calm, routine and a horse that enjoys its work.
Backing to first tests
Backing, the first year under saddle and the first shows. Brought on calmly, so your horse goes into the arena with confidence.
Through to Grand Prix level
Up through the Dutch levels to Small Tour and Grand Prix. We build the movements step by step and choose the shows together with you.
At any level
A horse sells better when it is well ridden and shown honestly. We prepare your horse with the sale in mind and present it to interested buyers.
What your horse gets
Your horse lives with us and is looked after by a regular team. This is what you can count on.
Focused work in the 20 × 40 indoor arena or the 20 × 60 outdoor arena, varied with lunging.
Beside and behind the outdoor arena are paddocks and fields where the horses are turned out to graze together.
Lieke, Astrid and Hilda care for the horses and keep the yard running. A small, regular team, so your horse sees the same faces.
At shows your horse is ridden by the same person who trains it at home, with a groom alongside. Riding yourself? Ask us about support in the warm-up.
We regularly send you videos and a short message, so you can see how your horse is progressing.
One of our sixteen stables, a tack room and three wash bays where the horses in training are groomed and tacked up. The lounge looks out over the outdoor arena.
Hoefsmederij Hans Dollen
Farrier. Every horse is trimmed or shod on a regular schedule.
Paardenfysiotherapie Marleen Noordhof
Physiotherapy. Preventive treatment for every horse.
Dierenkliniek Wolvega
Veterinary clinic.
Equinoord Paard en Gebit
Equine dental checks.
How it works
You know what we plan before we start, and how it is going along the way.
Visit us in Baars by appointment. See the stables, the arenas and the paddocks, and tell us about your horse and your goals.
In the first weeks we get to know your horse: under saddle, on the lunge and in the stable. Then we tell you honestly what we see.
Together we put the goals in writing: which level, which shows, or when your horse will be ready for sale. With a realistic timeline.
You get regular videos and we review the plan together. When your horse is ready, it starts competing.
Owners abroad
Based outside the Netherlands? Your horse can still come into training with us. This is how we keep it simple.
Calls, arrangements and updates in whichever language suits you best.
Videos and messages show you how your horse is doing. And whenever you can visit, you are welcome by appointment.
We help arrange transport to and from Baars, across the border too.
Baars is in the province of Overijssel. Zwolle, Meppel, Steenwijk and Heerenveen are within half an hour by car.
Frequently asked questions
Question not answered here? Just message or call us.
That depends on your horse and your goal. Backing and laying the foundations takes months; bringing a competition horse up the levels is a longer journey. After the first few weeks we give you an honest assessment.
You are welcome to come and watch by appointment. Would you like to keep riding your horse alongside the training? We are happy to talk that through, for example with lessons on your own horse.
If it fits the plan, yes. We choose the shows together; Marten or Romy rides your horse in the test and a groom comes along. Entry fees and transport are agreed with you in advance.
Prices are on request and depend on what your horse needs. Before we start, we put in writing what is and isn’t included, such as the farrier, the vet or shows, so you know exactly where you stand.
Dierenkliniek Wolvega is our regular vet, and Marleen Noordhof gives every horse preventive physiotherapy. If anything is wrong with your horse, you hear it from us straight away. We are happy to go through insurance and liability when we meet.
Certainly. We speak English and German, keep you up to date with videos and help arrange transport to Baars. We can also meet on a video call first.
Ask about a place
Age, pedigree, level and what you would like to achieve. We reply within two working days and then arrange a visit.
Tell us about your horse or your plans. We will call or message you back and arrange a visit to the stable.
