The so-called "Paardenmonitor" (Horse Monitor) maps out the true scale of the sector in Flanders on a large scale for the first time. Flanders is estimated to have approximately 200,000 horses. About 75,000 of those are kept at professional establishments such as breeding farms, riding schools, and livery stables. The remaining 125,000 are in the hands of private individuals.

In terms of employment, the sector is more than just a niche. A total of over 6,000 people are active in the Flemish horse sector, both directly and indirectly. This includes not only employees at equine businesses but also veterinarians, farriers, transporters, and other specialized services.

Economically, this adds up significantly. The total turnover of the sector amounts to approximately €1.43 billion. Furthermore, more than €200 million worth of horses are exported annually, with the United States being a particularly important market. Belgium and Flanders have clearly built an international reputation as a "horse country."

For Passion or For Profit?

The Horse Monitor also examined the economic impact of the sector. While the total turnover is €1.43 billion and exports exceed €200 million, there is a clear divide in profitability. "A large portion of riding schools, breeding farms, and livery stables struggle to turn a profit," says Stijn Vanormelingen on the Radio 1 program De Ochtend. He is a professor at KU Leuven and co-authored the study.

"Just over half of these companies make a profit. That is fairly low compared to other sectors." However, Vanormelingen has a logical explanation for this: "Businesses that aren't making a profit likely have a different reason for being involved with horses. They do it largely out of passion rather than with the pure intention of making a profit."

Exports Driven by Top Breeding Farms

This does not mean no one is doing well. On the contrary, the larger and more professional breeding farms are performing significantly better. In that group, about 80 percent are profitable. They are also responsible for the bulk of international sales.

Exports primarily revolve around high-quality sport horses. On average, these horses sell for approximately €50,000 each. "These are obviously not the horses you see in every pasture," it is noted. It is precisely these top-tier horses that ensure the export of live horses far outweighs the imports.

A Substantial Sector, But Cause for Concern

This came as a surprise to Vanormelingen. "Before I conducted this study, I didn't know much about the sector. I was personally surprised by how strong Flanders and Belgium are in exporting horses and how powerful Belgium's international position is."

Yet, alongside the strong export figures, there is cause for concern. "The main conclusion is that it is a substantial sector with significant employment and high turnover. But apparently, a fair number of businesses are struggling to keep their heads above water."