When Frederik the 4th built Fredensborg Palace approximately 300 years ago, there was a need for space at the palace for the Royal Danish House’s various livestock. In the 1700s, horses were especially useful for work and an important means of transport, and, at the same time, the royal family had an extensive stud operation with the coveted Frederiksborg horses. The king’s finest horses were kept closest to the palace, and therefore, in the area between Fredensborg Palace Church and the Chancellery House, a riding ground and accompanying stable were built

The ground had been closed down for many years. But, in connection with His Royal Highness The Crown Prince’s 50th birthday on 26 May 2018, the board of the A.P. Møller & Chastine Mc-Kinney Møller Foundation granted a sum for re-establishment of the historic old riding ground. In addition, the foundation granted funds for restoration of parts of the Long Stable at Fredensborg Palace. The project has been carried out by the Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces over the past few years, and the re-establishment was completed in April. 

The re-established historic riding ground and Long Stable will be used from now on by The Royal Mews, the Guard Hussar Regiment and the royal family. A pair of white Kladruber horses from The Royal Mews recently had the first try-out of the riding ground, which according to international standards for a dressage arena measures 20 x 60 meters. With inspiration from old paintings, during the re-establishment phase a low, red-painted wooden fence was built around the riding ground, which is surrounded by a grass border and a beech hedge. The Long Stable was last renovated in 1914 during Christian the 10th’s time and therefore was in need of a makeover, and the whole restoration was carried out as considerately as possible and with respect for the historical geometry and color scheme. As a new element, there are boxes instead of stalls so the horses can be stabled according to current regulations.