History of Hippeia

U.S.R. Hippeia has a rich history of over 85 years in the city of Utrecht. Since its founding in 1936, the association has grown into a close-knit and active student equestrian club. From riding at various stables to major victories and a growing number of members—read below how Hippeia became what it is today.

Timeline of Hippeia

• January 28, 1936 – Founded Hippeia is founded as a sub-association of C.S. Veritas. Founder Mr. Otjens buys a box of riding breeches, boots, and whips at an auction and recruits members via the Veritas noticeboard. With that, the foundation of U.S.R. Hippeia is laid!
• 1950s – Relocation and crisis The first lessons take place at a stable on Gansstraat, but in the 1950s Hippeia moves to the City Riding School Achter Clarenburg. The association faces tough times: membership numbers decline, and the city council considers cutting subsidies to the stable. Together with other Utrecht student equestrian associations, Hippeia manages to save the riding school. As a thank-you, new members are allowed to take trial lessons at a reduced rate, leading to a steady increase in membership.
• 1954 – Poor condition of the stables & relocation Despite saving the City Riding School, conditions remain far from ideal. As described in the 1955 Annuarium: “The ever-increasing number of support beams in the 252-year-old riding school raised justified concern with the city authorities, so Hippeia was forced to relocate to the riding hall of the Veterinary Buildings.” A quick move follows to the newly established Utrecht Riding School in the Voorveldse Polder, where Hippeia continues riding until 1972.
• 1970s – More female members Early membership lists show that Hippeia originally consisted mainly of men, who addressed each other as “most noble gentlemen.” From the 1970s onward, however, female members form the majority—a tradition that continues to this day.
• 1978 – Hippeia becomes independent Hippeia separates from Veritas and becomes an independent student equestrian association. This brings greater freedom in policy-making and further growth for the association.
• 1986 – First edition of the Biks
  In 1986, the first edition of the club magazine de Biks is published, marking the start of a long-standing tradition within the association. To this day, three editions of the magazine are published each academic year.
• 1988 – Move to Manege ‘t Hoogt Hippeia moves to Manege ‘t Hoogt on the outskirts of Utrecht. The association thrives here, enjoying two full lesson evenings per week.
• 2010 – Move to Manege Rijnenburg Due to circumstances at Manege ‘t Hoogt, Hippeia relocates to Manege Rijnenburg in Nieuwegein. Lessons continue here until the end of 2018.
• 2019 – Return to Manege ‘t Hoogt
  In 2018, Hippeia was offered the opportunity to return to Manege ‘t Hoogt after former members Thijs Visscher (also an honorary member) and Lizzy de Koning fulfilled their dream of taking over the riding school. After careful consideration, Hippeia decided to move back on 1 January 2019, where we enjoyed many wonderful years of riding together! 🎠
• 2026 – A New Chapter
  After more than seven years at Manege ‘t Hoogt, Hippeia has decided to begin the search for a new home base. This decision was made after careful consideration and marks the start of a new chapter in the association’s history. Where Hippeia will eventually settle has yet to be determined, but one thing is certain: Hippeia will continue to grow and looks to the future with confidence.

Sporting achievements

• 2001, 2016 & 2023 – Best association 🏆
  Since the start of the Student Equestrian Meetings, Hippeia has won many trophies, with the absolute highlights being the victory of the Best Association award in 2001, 2016 and 2023!

Hippeia continues to grow and evolve, but one thing has always remained the same: the passion for horse riding and the sense of community within the association! 💙🐎