Nothing beats enjoying the sport from the Master Club Lounge

The skybox in the Grandstand, with its beautiful balcony overlooking the arena, makes the Master Club Lounge arrangement a truly unforgettable VIP experience. Here, you can enjoy top-level international show jumping and dressage while relaxing with a premium drinks package, refined snacks, and a tasteful lunch or dinner, depending on the time of day.

Albert

Albert is 46 years old and lives with his partner Agnes in Zwijndrecht, in the province of South Holland. Together they run their own small dressage and training stable, Square A Dressage, where they keep four of their own horses and have space for two or three training horses.

Albert teaches extensively in the region and is affiliated with the riding club RSV de Hoge Devel, also based in Zwijndrecht. This is where he met his partner. Alongside his equestrian life, he works full-time as a manager for the Municipality of Dordrecht. For Albert, horses are very much a way of life.

Spectator and competitor

Albert:
“I’ve been coming to CHIO since I was a child. I started riding when I was eight, and my parents used to take me to the event. It’s practically in our backyard – I’ve never known anything else. For years, I even bought tickets just to watch the warm-up arena. I would quietly stand near Nicole Werner just to listen to her.

At RSV de Hoge Devel, we try every year to compete with a team in the 2FitHorses CHIO Zuid-Holland Cup. For many years I was the driving force behind that, and now I still often ride as part of the team. Each year we aim to reach the semi-finals and earn the chance to compete at CHIO. We’ve come close many times, and last year we finally made it. This year, we’ll be back again.”

A great initiative

“In recent years, you’ve introduced the Master Club Lounge, and I think it’s a great initiative. On Sundays, I usually go to watch the jumping with a group of friends, but for the dressage I go with my partner, and that’s when we treat ourselves to the Master Club Lounge to enjoy the sport in a more relaxed way.

The catering, the comfort compared to a regular seat, not having to queue for food or drinks, and being able to eat and drink whenever you want while never missing any of the action – it makes a big difference. With regular tickets, if you don’t want to miss anything, you have to grab food during the breaks. But everyone does that, so it gets very busy. I think the Master Club Lounge is ideal. Last year we had regular tickets again, but we really missed the convenience, so this year I made sure to book early.”

Justin Verboomen

“I’m a fan of equestrian sport in general, but I would absolutely love to see Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus compete. That combination is getting so much attention right now – they have incredible quality together. Even people who aren’t into horses appreciate what they do. Just like everyone once admired Anky and Bonfire, now you have Justin and Zonik Plus."

Table, seat, food and drinks

“Back to the Master Club Lounge – I don’t go there to network, but purely for the sport. A table, a comfortable seat, a great view of the arena, food and drinks – it doesn’t get much better than that. Personally, I wouldn’t even mind if the catering were even more luxurious; I’d be happy to pay a bit extra for that. The more, the better, in my opinion.

Of course, before and after the classes we walk around the grounds and catch up with people we know, but during the programme we’re really focused on the sport.”

Enjoying the moment

“My dream, by the way, is to compete at CHIO myself one day. This year there is a national Small Tour class on the programme, and I do have a horse for that level – so who knows. That class takes place in the Dura Vermeer Arena, but until then, I’ll simply enjoy the international dressage from the Master Club Lounge.”