Bert Romp

In the 1970s, Bert chose for a future as a show jumping rider and was asked to ride for Henk Nooren. After three years of working at Henk’s stable and gaining new knowledge, Bert decided, in 1983, to pursue a career as rider at Stal Opstalan. During this period, he won many international prizes with the stallion, Renville. He was also asked to act as Chef d’equipe for the junior show jumping riders: Jeroen Dubbeldam, Leopold van Asten, Ben and Wim Schröder.

In 1990, Bert started his own stable and then, in 1992, he achieved Olympic success in Barcelona with Waldo E. In 1994, Bert moved to Stal Burg in Hoogeloon and bought the talented (eventually world-famous) stallion, Mr. Blue. This combination would win many international prizes, including the Volvo World Cup in Berlin and Paris, the German Masters in Stuttgart, and Team Silver at the European Championships in Manheim in 1997.

Bert also rose to success with Burg’s Samantha. The pair was placed 2nd in the Derby in Hamburg, won the Derby in La Baule, and made the 1996 Olympic team in Atlanta. Following these accomplishments, Bert made it into the top 10 on the FEI world ranking list. In 2000, he became Chef d’equipe of the Dutch senior show jumping team and led them to a 4th place finish at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Then, Bert decided to focus more on the individual show jumping rider and acquired his Master Coach in Sports certificate at the NOC*NSF.

Throughout the years, Bert rode many horses and taught many riders. The most well-known horses are: Mr. Blue, Burg’s Samantha, Renville, Nimmerdor, Jus de Pommes, Waldo E, Big Ben (and the list goes on). Some of the many riders he trained include: Derin Demirsoy (TUR), Ibrahim Bisharat (JOR), José Maria Larocca (ARG), Gerardo Mendez Pasquel (MEX), Yuri Mansur (BRA), Katharina Offel (UKR), Giuseppe Rolli (ITA).

Remon (‘88), Ruben (‘90), and Jesper (‘94) are Bert’s sons. Remon was successful as a junior rider at the 1.40m level with the mare, Praline K. In 2006, he was selected to go to the European Championships in Athens for the Juniors and Young Riders. (Bert later bred 5 foals out of Praline, including two by Mr. Blue). Remon later decided, after his junior years, to stop riding and to put his focus into studying. Ruben and Jesper are both still active in show jumping. Ruben has his own company called Romp Equestrian. Jesper also has his own company called Jesper Romp Stables/Service, as well as a second venture called V&R Equestrian Footings BV.

On October 3rd 2018, Bert was seriously injured while loading a horse onto a truck. This accident unfortunately led to his passing the following day on October 4th 2018. Bert passed away on “World Animal Day.”

Bert was a true horseman in his entire heart and soul. He was passionate about his expertise in the proper schooling of a show jumper. With respect for his ideals, along with the knowledge inherited from him, Stal Romp will continue to operate under the ownership of his three sons.

Bert Romp

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