Hippeia’s Dictionary
At Hippeia, we use certain terms that may be familiar to long-standing members but may be new to beginners. Below are the key terms you should know.
1. Hippeia
1.1 KB – Candidate Board
Before the current board leaves, the new board is selected. Once the group is confirmed, they are called the Candidate Board (KB).
1.2 ALV – General Members’ Meeting
This meeting happens twice a year—around the end of September and the end of February. The board change takes place during the September ALV.
1.3 BLV – Special Members’ Meeting
BLVs can be called at any time during the year, usually for voting on a proposal or explaining plans.
1.4 Dies
This is Hippeia’s birthday on January 28. Every year, we celebrate it with a fun event.
1.5 Infomail
For general questions, you can email info@hippeia.nl.
1.6 Fiscusmail
For financial questions, email the treasurer at fiscus@hippeia.nl.
1.7 Slobber
This is the monthly newsletter from the board. It keeps members informed about what’s happening.
1.8 Biks
This is Hippeia’s magazine, published about four times a year. It includes stories, member updates, and fun facts.
2. Utrecht
2.1 U.S.S. Mesa Cosa
This is the Utrecht Student Sports Foundation. It promotes student sports and manages the Olympos sports center. The foundation has a five-person board, with two members chosen by the Sports Council.
2.2 Olympos
Olympos is the sports center at the Uithof. Around 20 student sports clubs (SSVs), including Hippeia, are connected to it. Members buy a sports card there, and Hippeia gets funding based on that. This helps us offer discounted riding lessons at Manege ‘t Hoogt.
2.3 Sportraad Utrecht
The Sports Council is the umbrella organization for Utrecht student sports. It advocates for SSVs at Mesa Cosa and Olympos.
2.4 Team Utrecht
All SSVs are part of Team Utrecht, but each decides how much they participate. Team Utrecht unites all student sports clubs under one brand to help us achieve more together—within the city and the university.
3. National
3.1 KNHS – Royal Dutch Equestrian Sports Federation
The KNHS is the national horse sport federation. It promotes safe, responsible, and enjoyable horse riding for everyone.
3.2 VNS – Association of Dutch Student Riders
The VNS is part of KNHS and represents student riding clubs across the Netherlands. It supports student riders nationally. Hippeia members can join national student competitions (Stedenontmoetingen) through VNS.
3.3 SO – Stedenontmoeting (City Meeting)
This is a national competition where student clubs compete over a long weekend in dressage and show jumping. Saturday evening has a theme party! Dressage levels include Ba, Bb, La, Lb, and M. Jumping levels are B and L. The event starts around 2 p.m. on Saturday with a random draw. It’s a knockout format: three riders per horse, and the top rider moves on. Saturday ends with finals on Sunday by 5 p.m., including awarding the best team. Learn more under the “Steden Ontmoetingen” section on our website.
3.4 VNSK – National Student Rider Championships
This is the national championship for student riders. To qualify, you need to participate in at least two SOs and earn VNSK points. Rankings are kept per category, and the top three riders in each category qualify for the championships.
3.5 FNRS – Federation of Dutch Riding Centres
The FNRS is a trade organization that monitors quality, expertise, and business practices of registered riding schools. They rate stables with a star system. Riders at FNRS-certified centers get a riding passport for courses and shows. FNRS competitions are called FNRS diploma rides (F-level tests), from F1 (easiest) to F15 (hardest).