"Following a short report on the VRT news about earnings in equestrian sports, I felt compelled to have my say. Because if there is one figure in this fairy tale who consistently plays the role of the gullible farmer, it is... the breeder.

We, the eternal optimists of the horse world, start over every single time with a dream. We breed a foal — with passion, dedication, and usually in weather conditions where the average person is just happy they only have to take the trash out. Our infrastructure is rarely 'Instagrammable,' but our commitment certainly is.

By the time the foal lets out its first whinny, we’ve already invested half a national loan. Then comes the birth, which is always a bit tense, because it doesn’t just come with a price tag, but also a risk to both the mare and the foal. But alright—it ends well, and there stands our masterpiece. Ready to be sold at six months... for an amount that, with a bit of luck, just covers our costs. And if not? Then we get to add some money on top of it—probably as a token of appreciation.

'Just go to an auction,' people say. Of course. As if everyone has oceans of time to visit every sales gala in the wider area. And then you have to give up a percentage too. But anyway, that’s not the point right now—though my eyebrows do occasionally perform gymnastic feats at certain hammer prices.

So, we keep the foal. Until it’s four years old. Four years of feeding, caring, ignoring invoices, and hoping everything stays in one piece. Then comes the famous and dreaded X-ray session. Because nowadays, a horse isn’t just an athlete; it’s a fashion model. And if that one left front hoof looks 'a bit strange' on the photo, the price can be slashed in half—purely on artistic grounds.

Are the photos good? The X-rays clear? Then a saddle can go on. After that, our now-not-so-baby-like horse moves to a rider. They charge €800 to €900 a month—completely justified, because feed, trucks, and insurance don’t grow on trees either.

And then it turns out our horse is well-behaved and jumps beautifully, but... isn't a Grand Prix wonder. A great partner for national competitions. Only: a bit strong and a little difficult in the mouth. Just too much for an amateur, just too little for a professional. And there you stand as a proud breeder, with a shiny new leather halter and a sales plan.

'€15,000, sir. And you should be happy with that, because it’s a difficult horse after all.'

Do the math. Selling the foal too young is a loss. Keeping the horse until it’s six... is usually an even more expensive loss.

And yet?

Yet we carry on. Time and time again. Not because it’s financially attractive (it isn’t). But because there is nothing more beautiful than new life in the pasture, than those first jumps, than seeing an animal you raised yourself grow up.

We don’t breed with our wallets. We breed with our hearts. And yes—that is probably the least profitable option. But it is the most beautiful one.

Good luck to all the breeders!!"