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Posted:
September 17, 2025, 11:36 PM

Allspan Pony Cup: fun, talent and a wonderful place in the program

The Indoor Friesland Allspan Pony Cup made a dream debut in 2024. Pony riders not only rode for their own success, but were also coached in teams by the greats Willem Greve, Jur Vrieling, Vincent Voorn, Maikel van der Vleuten, and Jeroen Dubbeldam. It resulted in beaming faces and an unforgettable final. We look back with Danielle Luders of Allspan and look ahead to the 2025 edition.

jeroen dubbeldam
Jeroen Dubbeldam's Allspan Horse Heroes Team won the team component of the Allspan Cup last year. The photo shows the team, consisting of Lys van Delden, Liv Hoorn, Tineke Siegrid Bouma, Minke van Houten, and Liandrie Peek, being interviewed by presenter Wesley Mulder.

How do you look back on the first edition?
"With great enthusiasm," says Danielle. "The wonderful collaboration with the coaches, the beaming faces of the coaches, participants, and organizers, and everyone's enjoyment made it an unforgettable experience. We also remembered the enormous drive of the pony riders. That made the competition special."

What was the best moment for you?
The highlight was undoubtedly the moment all the finalists proudly rode through the arena with their winning blankets on their ponies. That image really sums it all up: fun, pride, and sportsmanship.

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Lieke van der Linde won the Allspan Pony Cup last year with her pony Nena O'Hessein. Pictured here at the awards ceremony with Waling Haytema, chairman of Indoor Friesland, Yvonne van Bergen, Sports Director of Indoor Friesland, and Daniëlle Luders of Allspan.

How did the public react to this concept?
We received a lot of enthusiastic responses. Many thought it was special that the youngsters were able to compete in such a beautiful and professional setting. For the participants themselves, it was, of course, incredibly exciting to be able to compete in the main arena at Indoor Friesland.

What will 2025 bring?
Little will change for our followers, except that we're already eagerly anticipating the finals. The event has been scheduled for an even better time this time: in the middle of the autumn break and between two important international competitions. That means a larger audience and therefore an even better experience for young riders. How wonderful is it that young riders, in particular, get to experience this? Who knows, we might even see some new talent emerge.
The competition has also been expanded, giving participants more time to prepare and look forward to the big moment. "That increases the excitement and anticipation," says Danielle.

Allspan and Indoor Friesland
For over 40 years, Allspan Haulerwijk has been supplying sustainable bedding for animals, and by sponsoring the Allspan Pony Cup, the company aims to give regional pony show jumping a platform. "Indoor Friesland shows that top-level sport and a focus on youth can go hand in hand. We're very happy to contribute to that."

Allspan sawdust

Photos: Digishots