52°26′45″N 4°52′21″E / 52.445966°N 4.872437°E
The Hollandsche Manege in Amsterdam is the oldest riding school in the Netherlands, dating back to 1744.[1] The current building, inspired by the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, was constructed in 1882.
The building has been declared a rijksmonument (national monument) and is owned by Stadsherstel Amsterdam, a non-profit organisation focused on restoring deteriorated monuments. In 2018, the organisation attracted subsidies from local government entities, including province North Holland, and started crowdfunding for the renovation of the building.[2]
As of today, the building serves several purposes. Part of the building is utilised by charitable foundation ‘Het Levend Paardenmuseum’ to promote the general public’s interest in the Hollandsche Manege and its cultural heritage. The other part is rented out by Stadsherstel Amsterdam to a commercial tenant for the continuation of the riding school's activities, including riding classes, stable renting and horse leasing. The building also offers venues that can be rented for events.
Both the location and the riding school's management have been criticised by animal protection organisation Dier & Recht for the conditions horses are kept in.[3]