Jur Vrieling: From Breaking in Young Horses to Championship Success

For more than three decades, Jur Vrieling has been closely connected with VDL Stud. What began as a job breaking in young horses at just 18 years old grew into one of the longest standing partnerships in international show jumping. Along the way, Vrieling developed into one of the Netherlands’ most successful riders, collecting Olympic and World Championship medals while helping produce generations of top horses.

Speaking as part of the Scandinavian Vikings, Vrieling reflected on the horses that defined his career, the partnership that has shaped his journey, and the young talents he believes have a bright future.

The Horse That Changed Everything

When asked which VDL horse had the greatest impact on his career, Vrieling doesn’t hesitate.

“It started with Indorado, but VDL Bubalu was the horse with whom I had the most success and from whom I learned the most.”

VDL Bubalu became the horse that carried Vrieling onto the biggest stages in the sport. Together they enjoyed years of success at the highest level, earning numerous Grand Prix placings and representing the Netherlands at major championships.

Among their career highlights were team silver at the 2012 Summer Olympics and team gold at the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games. They also helped the Dutch team achieve strong results in Nations Cup competitions and established themselves as one of the country’s most consistent partnerships.

“I think those are achievements to be proud of,” Vrieling says.

Looking Ahead

Although Bubalu remains the benchmark, Vrieling is enthusiastic about the horses coming through his stable today.

“At the moment, I have a few really nice young ones. VDL Boston is one of them. I think he’s an amazing horse. He’s still young and has to develop.”

Another horse catching his eye is VDL Mattias.

“VDL Mattias is now reaching the age where he can jump in the Global Champions Tour. He’s already producing very good results, and I hope he can become a horse for future championships.”

Known for producing horses patiently, Vrieling is happy to give young talent the time it needs before stepping onto the biggest stages.

A Partnership That Became Family

Looking back, Vrieling says his relationship with VDL has always been about more than horses.

“Wiepke van de Lageweg, the founder of VDL, is like a father to me. When I was eighteen, I started breaking in young horses for them.”

More than 30 years later, that connection remains as strong as ever.

“The cooperation is still there, and I can say that his sons are good friends of mine.”

It is a partnership that has grown alongside Vrieling’s career, from a young rider starting out to one of the Netherlands’ most decorated show jumpers.

Stallions Worth Watching

Asked which VDL stallion breeders should keep an eye on, Vrieling laughs at the difficulty of choosing just one.

“It’s difficult to say one because they have so many good ones. Sambuchi is a really good horse, Mattias, Mindset, Night Life… they have a lot of good ones.”

For Vrieling, that depth is what stands out most. After working with VDL horses for most of his career, he has seen generations of talented stallions and sport horses emerge, and he believes the next generation is already on its way.

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