About
A Life in Breeding - From Barbria to Breeder of the Year
Isabel van Gisbergen’s name is synonymous with excellence in dressage breeding. Her journey began with the mare Barbria (Doruto x Amor), purchased as a young horse. Under the guidance of Tineke Bartels, Barbria went on to win Olympic team silver at the 1996 Atlanta Games, a defining moment for Isabel’s program.
From this strong foundation, Isabel built an enduring legacy. She bred Voice (De Niro x Rohdiamant), a KWPN-approved stallion and Grand Prix competitor, as well as OO Seven, whose offspring continue to shape dressage sport worldwide.
In recognition of their achievements, Isabel and her husband Wil were named KWPN Dressage Breeders of the Year in 2018. Her breeding philosophy, focused on soundness, talent and rideability, has proven timeless, producing horses admired and trusted by riders and trainers at the highest levels.
Breeding the future
Van Bria proudly continues to work with Isabel van Giesbergen as breeding advisor. Her knowledge of bloodlines, her eye for movement and her understanding of temperament guide every step of our program.
Anchored in her proven mare lines and paired with carefully chosen stallions, we blend tradition with innovation. With Isabel’s guidance, van Bria proudly preserves a celebrated legacy while producing horses ready to succeed from young horse classes to the world’s top arenas.
Our Breeding Philosophy
At van Bria, breeding is never left to chance. Each pairing is guided by careful study of pedigree, conformation, movement and character.
Our program builds on the renowned mare lines of Isabel van Gisbergen, combined with stallions chosen for their complementary strengths and rideability.
We believe a great dressage horse must offer more than athletic talent. It should be intelligent, willing and a joy to work with every day.
That is why we place as much value on temperament and trainability as on scope and movement.
Our goal is to produce horses that excel in sport, remain sound in body and mind and build lasting partnerships with their riders, from the first steps under saddle to the highest levels of competition.
