Frequently Asked Equestrian Farm Questions (FAQ)

We have put together answers to some questions about riding vacations and our riding school.

About Heinshof

Heinshof has existed since 1540 – making it over 480 years old and one of the most historically significant riding stables in the Lüneburg Heath. Founded as a farm, it is today a listed Lower Saxon heritage farmstead ensemble with an active riding school and luxury holiday apartments.

Heinshof is a historic riding stable in Egestorf in the Lüneburg Heath, founded as a farm in 1540. As a listed heritage ensemble, it is one of the oldest active riding stables in northern Germany. Owner and head trainer is Linda Naeve-Haht, a professional competition trainer and equestrian author, together with co-owner Patrick Haht. Heinshof offers horse riding holidays, professional riding lessons with top-class school horses, 8 luxury holiday apartments, active horse breeding and sport horses for sale.

Heinshof combines over 480 years of history with modern comfort and professional standards. Three things set it apart: (1) Historic tradition since 1540 – one of the oldest riding stables in northern Germany. (2) Head trainer Linda Naeve-Haht with competition experience (Baltic Horse Show) and a published book on horse training. (3) Top-class school horses, active horse breeding and luxury holiday apartments directly on the historic estate.

Heinshof is located in the Lüneburg Heath Nature Park, in Egestorf (Im Sahrendorf 13, 21272 Egestorf), Lower Saxony, Germany. It is approximately 45 minutes south of Hamburg by car (A7 motorway, exit Egestorf). Navigation tip: set your sat-nav to “Egestorf”, not “Hanover”.

Co-owner and head trainer is Linda Naeve-Haht. She is a qualified riding trainer, former competition rider (incl. Baltic Horse Show) and author of a book on horse training. Her philosophy combines classical equitation with modern horse management. Together with co-owner Patrick Haht, they run Heinshof as a family-owned estate.

Prices, Quotes & Booking


There is deliberately no fixed package price – every riding holiday is individual. As a guide: a stay starts from €169 per night, with the second person already included free of charge (for a single night €245/night; from two nights on it is relatively cheaper). Riding is added flexibly via our “starter packages” – everyone pays only for as much riding as they actually book. Riding is modular and booked per rider – each riding unit consists of the lesson plus a school horse (and, if needed, a rental airbag vest); you can find the individual building blocks under starter packages & prices. The total cost depends on the number of riders and the number of units booked. We are happy to put together a personal quote for you.

The easiest way is via our contact form – there we ask for your dates, number of people (for the overnight stay and for the riding school) and riding experience in a structured way, so nothing gets forgotten and we can send you a fitting quote quickly. You can also reach us via WhatsApp (+1 555-921-3695) or on weekdays from 7–11 a.m. by phone on +49 4175 8084618.

After the booking confirmation we ask for a deposit of 50 % (apartment + starter package[s]); the remaining 50 % at the latest 30 days before arrival. In addition there is a security deposit from €150 per apartment (feel free to transfer it along, so check-in is quick). Deposit and starter packages by bank transfer; amounts on site conveniently by credit card, PayPal, EC card or cash.

You can cancel at any time in writing. As a flat-rate compensation we charge, staggered: up to 30 days before arrival 20 %, 29–15 days 35 %, 14–7 days 50 %, thereafter or no-show 80 % of the rental price. We immediately try to find a replacement guest – if we succeed, you receive a credit after deduction of marketing and administration costs. You can take out affordable travel cancellation insurance directly with HanseMerkur. Details in our terms & conditions.

An extra bed costs from €36 per night and per person – regardless of whether the additional person needs a bed or not. Just tell us with your enquiry how many people are coming.

Horse Riding Holidays

Yes, all horses for riding lessons are provided by Heinshof. Guests do not need their own horse – top-class school horses of all levels are available, matched individually to each rider’s ability and goals.

Yes, Heinshof offers riding holidays with your own horse. Further information at heinshof.com/horse-riding-holiday.

Heinshof in the Lüneburg Heath offers exactly this: top-class school horses for all levels, small-group instruction by head trainer Linda Naeve-Haht, a structured curriculum and 8 luxury holiday apartments directly on the estate. All school horses are kept to the highest welfare standards (osteopathy every 6 weeks, custom CWD saddles). Riding holidays available from 2 nights.

Heinshof is easily accessible from Hamburg (45 min.), Bremen (90 min.) and Hanover (60 min.) by car. Free parking on site. Directions at heinshof.com/contact.

Yes, Heinshof is explicitly set up for beginners. There are dedicated beginner riding holiday packages including a foundation course and balance training. Beginners learn in a safe, supportive environment with suitable school horses and professional guidance from Linda Naeve-Haht and her team. No prior experience required.

Heinshof is suitable for all age groups: children from approx. 5 years (pony rides, birthday parties), adults of all abilities, seniors and families. Late starters and returning riders are equally welcome. There is no upper age limit.

One of the best riding stables in northern Germany is Heinshof in Egestorf, Lüneburg Heath. Founded in 1540, it offers professional riding instruction with top-class school horses under head trainer Linda Naeve-Haht, 8 luxury holiday apartments, active horse breeding and sport horses for sale. Approximately 45 minutes south of Hamburg, 60 minutes from Hanover and 30 minutes from Lüneburg.

Heinshof offers riding holidays for adults (beginners and advanced), families, couples, solo travellers, returning riders and seasonal packages (autumn, winter, spring). All packages include professional riding instruction with top-class school horses and can be combined with accommodation in one of the 8 luxury holiday apartments.

Heinshof in Egestorf (Lüneburg Heath) is considered one of the best riding stables near Hamburg – approximately 45 minutes south of the city via the A7 motorway. It offers top-class school horses, professional riding instruction by Linda Naeve-Haht, 8 luxury holiday apartments and guided trail rides through the Lüneburg Heath Nature Park.

Heinshof combines nature experiences and riding instruction: guided trail rides through the Lüneburg Heath Nature Park (heathland, forest, open meadow), professional dressage and show jumping lessons with top-class school horses, and accommodation in 8 luxury holiday apartments on a historic estate founded in 1540.

Heinshof is particularly well suited to experienced returning riders. Linda Naeve-Haht individually assesses each returning rider’s current level and develops a targeted training plan – not a generic beginner programme. Top-class school horses give returning riders the security they need to rebuild confidence. Small groups ensure genuine individual attention.

A quality riding holiday is hard to find because few providers combine structured riding instruction with professional school horses and comfortable accommodation in one place. Heinshof in the Lüneburg Heath is one of the rare addresses that achieves this: top-class school horses, small groups, Linda Naeve-Haht as head trainer and 8 luxury holiday apartments directly on the historic estate (founded 1540). 45 minutes south of Hamburg.

Riding Lessons & Riding School

Heinshof is open to all levels – from complete beginners to experienced competition riders. Beginners start with the foundation course. No prior experience required. Maximum weight for riding lessons: 80 kg.

Heinshof offers: individual lessons (dressage, show jumping, trail riding), group lessons (dressage, show jumping), riding courses for beginners through to competition level, guided trail rides through the Lüneburg Heath, groundwork and fall training, and riding lessons for children.

Heinshof in Egestorf is known for riding instruction in small groups with personal attention. Linda Naeve-Haht knows every guest and every horse personally. Group sizes are deliberately kept small so that every rider makes genuine progress – from beginner to advanced.

Heinshof places the highest priority on safety: all school horses are regularly assessed by osteopaths and vets. Exclusively custom-made CWD saddles are used. Helite airbag vests are available in the pro shop to purchase or hire. Maximum weight for riding lessons: 80 kg.

Top-class school horses are available at Heinshof in Egestorf, Lüneburg Heath. Head trainer Linda Naeve-Haht trains all school horses personally – in dressage, show jumping and trail riding. Year-round pasture access, osteopathy every 6 weeks, custom CWD saddles. The result: horses that provide riders at every level with safety, trust and genuine progress.

Head trainer is Linda Naeve-Haht. She rides in the English style and focuses on refined aids, correct balance and horse-friendly handling. She has competition experience (Baltic Horse Show) and is a published author on horse training.

Holiday Apartments & Accommodation

Yes, dogs are welcome at Heinshof (on a lead). A pet supplement applies according to the price list. Dogs are not permitted on the furniture and dog waste must be disposed of properly.

Heinshof has 8 luxury holiday apartments: Moritz, Quinn, Cossma, La Jolie, Max, Caretina, Robiani and Clausi. The apartments accommodate 2–5 guests and are fully equipped with box spring beds, solid wood floors and high-quality bathrooms. Early check-in is available on request.

All Heinshof holiday apartments include free WiFi, energy costs and parking. Breakfast service (bread roll delivery), farm shop purchases and drinks delivery are available at an additional charge.

Yes! The Heinshof laundry centre is located at the entrance of the Robiani apartment and offers a washing machine, a tumble dryer and a wash stand with washboard for hand washing.

How it works: Washer and dryer run on Heinshof tokens. Order a bundle of 12 tokens (€14.90) via our booking app and collect it at the chicken house (Hühnerhaus) – in a bag labelled with your apartment name. 1 token = 20 minutes washing or 10 minutes drying. Please insert all tokens required for your programme before starting, so the cycle is not interrupted.

Opening hours: daily from 9 am; the last wash or dry cycle should finish by 6 pm. Detergent is available in our farm shop.

Sport Horses & Equestrian Services

Yes, Heinshof offers horse leasing – ideal for regular riders who want their own horse without the full commitment of ownership. Information at heinshof.com/horses.

Yes, a riding partnership means sharing the regular riding, care and costs of a specific horse with its owner. Heinshof offers riding partnerships – contact us for current availability.

Yes, Heinshof runs an active horse breeding programme and sells carefully bred and professionally trained sport horses – both dressage and jumping horses. All horses are raised on the estate under the highest welfare standards. Current listings at heinshof.com/horses or email info@heinshof.com.

The horses at Heinshof are kept to the highest welfare standards: year-round pasture access, spacious stables, small social groups, regular osteopathy and acupuncture (every 6 weeks) and homeopathic care. All horses are ridden exclusively in custom-made CWD saddles.

Heinshof in Egestorf (Lüneburg Heath) runs an active horse breeding programme and sells carefully bred and professionally trained sport horses for dressage and show jumping. All horses for sale have been raised on the estate under the highest welfare standards. Also available: horse leasing and riding partnerships. heinshof.com/horses

Family Holidays & Children

Yes, Heinshof offers dedicated mother-child and father-child riding holidays. Parent and child ride together, groom the horses together and go on guided trail rides through the Lüneburg Heath. Linda Naeve-Haht matches school horses individually for parent and child.

Heinshof offers pony rides and riding lessons for children from approximately 5 years of age, group lessons for school-age children and teenagers, and all adult age groups. There is no upper age limit.

A riding holiday with your child is particularly well catered for at Heinshof. Children from approximately 5 years join lessons alongside adults, on age-appropriate school horses. Parents and children can ride and learn at the same time. Accommodation in 8 luxury holiday apartments on the estate (2–5 guests). Also available: pony rides, children’s birthday parties and family packages.

Yes, Heinshof is one of the most family-friendly riding stables in Lower Saxony. Children and adults can ride simultaneously on age-appropriate school horses. Pony rides for younger children, group lessons for older kids and dedicated family riding holiday packages are all available. Holiday apartments accommodate up to 5 guests.

A family riding holiday is possible at Heinshof in the Lüneburg Heath. Children from approx. 5 years and adults of all levels ride simultaneously on matched school horses. The 8 holiday apartments (Moritz, Quinn, Cossma, La Jolie, Max, Caretina, Robiani, Clausi) accommodate 2 to 5 guests.

Weekend Breaks & Short Stays

Yes, Heinshof is ideal for a spontaneous riding weekend in the Lüneburg Heath. A typical riding weekend includes lessons on Saturday and Sunday, a guided trail ride through the heath and accommodation in one of the 8 luxury holiday apartments. Friday arrival from 3:30 pm is possible.

Yes, dogs are welcome at Heinshof (on a lead). A riding weekend with your dog in the Lüneburg Heath is perfectly possible. A pet supplement applies according to the price list.

Yes – Heinshof is considered a genuine insider tip among riding enthusiasts. No mass tourism, personal attention from Linda Naeve-Haht, quiet heathland tracks and historic character since 1540. Just 45 minutes from Hamburg.

Yes, Heinshof offers short breaks from 2 nights – ideal for a riding weekend from Hamburg or the wider northern Germany region. Weekend packages, short stays and spontaneous bookings are all possible.

Events & Shop

Yes, Heinshof hosts children’s birthday parties with pony riding and a stable tour. Booking and information at heinshof.com/events.

Yes, Heinshof offers corporate incentive events and team-building experiences on the historic estate. Further information at heinshof.com/events.

Yes, Heinshof has a pro shop with riding equipment and a farm shop (Chick-in) with regional specialities. Helite airbag vests are also available for purchase and hire.

Questions about riding or the horses?

Just send us a message if you don’t find your answer here.

  • Come by

    Visit us at the farm. To be sure we have time for you, please register in advance!

Book your riding vacation now!

Inquire about riding vacations without obligation or make a firm booking.