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Belgian Horse Hub Launched During Jumping Mechelen 2024
Today, on the second day of Jumping Mechelen, the official launch of the Belgian Horse Hub took place. This day, traditionally dedicated to breeding, provided the ideal platform to unveil this ambitious initiative by PaardenPunt Vlaanderen and the Vlaamse Overheid – Agentschap Landbouw en Zeevisserij. Not only does Jumping Mechelen serve as the traditional end-of-year celebration for equestrian enthusiasts in Flanders, but it also perfectly embodies the core values of the Belgian Horse Hub: a central hub where the Flemish and Belgian equestrian sectors find support for their international profile.
Mission and Vision of the Belgian Horse Hub
The event commenced with an inspiring presentation by Emely Feys, General Director of PaardenPunt Vlaanderen, explaining the vision and approach of the Belgian Horse Hub. The platform is designed to bridge the gap between breeders, riders, businesses, and organizations, contributing to a stronger and more visible equestrian sector on the international stage. The focus is on fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing. With the Belgian Horse Hub, the aim is to provide a platform that elevates the sector both nationally and internationally.
As the umbrella organization for the Flemish equestrian sector, PaardenPunt Vlaanderen has always played a key role. The Belgian Horse Hub extends this role to an international dimension, with a unified and widely supported communication strategy as a cornerstone.
Belgian Breeders Bonus: The Foundation of Success
The Belgian Horse Hub builds on the success of a previous initiative, the Belgian Breeders Bonus, launched three years ago. This program financially rewards breeders for the achievements of their world-class horses and serves as a strong example of how the Belgian equestrian sector can advance. The annual highlight of the Breeders Bonus takes place during the Equigala in late January, where breeders of the top-performing Belgian-bred show jumpers from the past year are celebrated.
During the launch, Wim Impens, breeder of the world-renowned gelding King Edward and winner of the 2023 Belgian Breeders Bonus, emphasized the importance of this initiative. He illustrated how small-scale breeders, through knowledge, luck, and collaboration, can reach the global top. Earlier this month, Impens had his first conversation with the rider who propelled his small gelding to world fame. His inspiring discussion with Henrik von Eckermann underscored the potential of the Belgian sector. Impens highlighted that in Flanders, where the most horses per capita are kept, breeding serves as the driving force of the entire equestrian industry. He urged studbooks to continue strengthening cooperation and emphasized how generations of accumulated knowledge and innovation have made Belgian breeding products shine on the global stage. “It is often the small breeders who produce champions, and initiatives like the Belgian Breeders Bonus play a crucial role in supporting and encouraging this group,” Impens said. The success of such programs proves how Belgium can continually establish itself on the map.
Information and Support via the Hub
The Belgian Horse Hub will act as a central point for gathering all information about the sector. This includes breeders, veterinarians, transporters, trainers, and other businesses. Through a new lead form on the website’s landing page, interested parties can easily access information and support. Collaborations with experts like European Horse Services (EHS) and tools like HippoMundo provide practical solutions and enhance the international visibility of Belgian horses.
Filip Vande Capelle, founder of EHS, shared his insights as the second speaker of the day on the challenges and progress in international equine transport. He emphasized that the Belgian Horse Hub can play a crucial role in guiding businesses and breeders through the complexities of international transport, including logistics, animal welfare, and export procedures. The rising demand for Belgian-bred horses brings opportunities but also challenges, which the Hub seeks to address through knowledge sharing and collective support.
Toekomstige Acties en Initiatieven
The Belgian Horse Hub is committed to the future with an ambitious program, including four networking events per year, and a strong focus on branding and promoting Belgian horses and the broader sector. The 2025 budget will again focus on supporting the sector and addressing challenges related to animal welfare, legislation, and international collaboration. Informal networking, such as during the launch, will become a hallmark of the Hub’s operations, with valuable connections and knowledge sharing at its core.
With the launch of the Belgian Horse Hub, a significant step has been taken in the further professionalization of the Belgian equestrian sector. The platform will continue to invest in collaboration, innovation, and a shared passion for horses, contributing to a sustainable and thriving future for the industry.
