Equestrian Centre Lichtenvoorde (PSC Lichtenvoorde) is the most famous equestrian centre in the east of the Netherlands. The PSC is not only the largest equestrian complex in the Achterhoek region, but also among the largest in the whole Netherlands. Equestrian sport is practised here up to the highest level, with even an international show jumping competition “Jumping de Achterhoek” in the autumn. This, of course, requires a beautiful landscape and atmospheric ambience.
The equestrian complex, which consists of a magnificent indoor hall with Agterberg tracks and surfaces, received an expansion in autumn 2016. On the large outdoor area of no less than 7 hectares, the owner has the desire to make an expansion to build an outdoor arena. PSC Lichtenvoorde engaged Hendriks Landscape to help think about the design of this outdoor accommodation. The assignment for the landscape designers of Hendriks Landscape was to integrate a main arena of 60 x 100 metres and a riding arena of 30 x 60 metres.
The PSC is located in the village of Vragender near Lichtenvoorde, the Netherlands. This unique location of this equestrian centre is partly because it is tucked away in the Achterhoek's coulisse landscape. This semi-open landscape with elevated ash trees, meadows, wooded hedgerows and vistas gives horse lovers the ultimate idyllic feeling that equestrian sport entails. The landscape architect of Hendriks Hoveniers has therefore positioned the new outdoor riding arenas in the landscape in such a way that the height differences also create an atmospheric ambiance.
With the implementation of this plan, Hendriks Hoveniers cooperated with the firm Agterberg, one of the specialists in the field of special horse surfaces. Agterberg constructed the so-called tidal surfaces according to the design proposed by Hendriks Hoveniers. In addition, Hendriks Omheiningen installed the fencing and gates.
Situated between the two tracks is an embankment that can be used as a terrace, providing a magnificent view of both outdoor tracks. The outdoor space is further adorned with evergreen cloud hedges of laurel and large lawns. A new wooded hedge and various trees completely dress up the outdoor space without detracting from the surrounding landscape.
The entire layout has been designed with future maintenance in mind. Everything is arranged and designed for easy mowing and good accessibility for machinery. The entrances to the tracks for riders are also spacious, providing sufficient passage for any horse trailers.
Would you like to come and take a look at the end result at Paardensportcentrum Lichtenvoorde? Or would you like to know more about what Hendriks Landscape can do for landscaping in the equestrian sector? If so, please contact Hendriks Landscape.
Garden area: 7 hectares
Paving type: Brick paving and a semi-paved surface made of 'Achterhoeks Padvast'
Maintenance level: Low (mowing and trimming the cloud hedges twice a year)
Planting type: Several stately trees with stunning autumn colours, a row of flowering currant trees and various evergreen cloud hedges of laurel
In collaboration with: Hendriks Omheiningen from Didam, Agterberg companies from Groenekan
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