LOVE FOR HORSES

Bob: "The love for horses really comes from this location. Hotel Apeldoorn de Cantharel is located near De Hoge Veluwe: an extensive natural area with miles of hiking, cycling, and riding trails. When I started here in 1999, I was frequently asked if guests could bring their horses. There was plenty of space here, so I said, 'Just put them in the pasture!' This started happening more and more, so we built two stables. Since 2014, there has been a real horse hotel with twelve boxes and paddocks. With this, we were the first within Van der Valk. I started to see guests more and more often bringing a carriage or wagon to go out with a single, double, or four-in-hand. I was particularly drawn to the four-in-hand; where four horses are harnessed two by two. I immediately enjoyed it and wanted to improve. That's why I took lessons to learn how to drive a four-in-hand well."

TO SENSE

'I almost always sit on the driver's seat with a big smile. What I love the most is the connection with the animals. The combination of rider and horse must be right. These animals understand you well. If my mind is not focused, it doesn't work. You really have to steer well on the sometimes narrow bridle paths to avoid accidents. The animals must be willing to work for you. That team feeling, me together with the four horses, I find beautiful. The comparison with the hotel is quickly made. There too, you want the team to work together smoothly. If someone is not in the mood, your colleagues and guests will notice.'

TOP LOCATION

With a complete hotel featuring multiple restaurants, a swimming pool, wellness garden, and much more, we offer plenty of comfort for our guests here. Additionally, next to the hotel is De Kleine Cantharel, managed by my sister Martine. It is a luxury country house where up to 24 people can stay. This location offers many possibilities, in a prime spot in the Veluwe. This is why I have felt completely at home here for 25 years. It's wonderful to enjoy this place with my family. Martine is also a horse lover. She rides horses a lot and often goes out into nature with a four-in-hand carriage. Her daughters Marlot, aged seven, and Mae, aged three, sometimes join her. These girls love animals and take horse riding lessons. My own daughter Maartje is only two and a half years old, but she can't wait to ride with her cousins.

NEXT GENERATION

Interestingly enough, I never actually ride a horse myself. I don't like it. I prefer to enjoy the four horses in front of me. About once or twice a week, I drive the four-in-hand carriage and sometimes participate in a competition just for fun. I even once participated in the World Championships with a wildcard. We always end up last in every competition, but the judges always say they can see how much I enjoy it. I really have a good time with my horses. The great thing is that you can do this sport for a long time. I can still see myself driving the carriage for many years to come. Until the next generation takes over the reins, just like our hotels are passed down in the family.