Karel Cox has always had a nose for spotting good horses. And, apparently, for good ideas too. Over the past two and a half years, the Belgian rider has launched a business that is as logical as it is visionary: leasing high-end sport horses. Yes, you read that right. Leasing a show horse the way you would lease a racing car. And success has already followed.
« Ten years ago, I was already lending a few horses for shows like Paris or Monaco, but it wasn’t commercial. ” he says calmly. “ Today, it’s a real business. We offer horses for lease to riders all over the world. »
From the Global Tour to Doha, the “jet-set” horses
The concept is simple: to allow riders from all horizons, America, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Europe, to come and compete without having to transport their own horse.
« In summer, our horses are based in Opglabbeek, at Sentower,” Karel explains. “ they compete on the Global Champions Tour circuits, London, Monaco, Valkenswaard, as well as at shows in Belgium. In winter, they are at the Sunshine Tour or in Oliva. »
On site, Fabienne Daigneux acts as the manager and point of contact for the horses based in Oliva. She supervises the staff and the care on site, their preparation, and accompanies the riders who come to try them before competing.
Each site therefore has a dedicated team, handling logistics, care and support. The rider arrives, warms up for one or two days before the show, gradually steps up in height, and benefits from a horse already ready to perform.
Everything is taken care of: logistics, care and preparation. The rider only needs to bring their personal equipment, helmet, boots, breeches and safety gear, and the rest is organised.
Professional conditions for demanding riders
Today, 35 horses are available for short-term lease, while around a hundred others are waiting in Cox’s stables. The horses on offer are all experienced and reliable: “ hey jump up to 1.30m on short-term leases. Beyond that height, the risks are too great. For higher levels, up to 1.45m, we prefer to work with a longer contract, with a minimum of six months. »
This is not about steering the client towards buying the horse after leasing it. “They really are two different businesses,” Karel Cox explains.
The philosophy is clear: safety, comfort and performance. And the numbers speak for themselves: “ We have a 100% return rate among clients. ” Karel adds, with a quiet smile.
Before each lease, the client sends a video of their rounds. This allows the team to choose the ideal horse, small, big, more or less reactive. “ Every rider is different. Some just want to have fun, others are aiming for competition. We even have children jumping 90cm. »
“90% of riders achieve better results than with their own horse.”
It is one of the statistics that surprises Karel himself the most: “ I’ve noticed that 90% of riders get better results with our horses than with their own. »
Why? Because the horses are managed like top-level athletes: “ We work them, we monitor them, and we have them followed by a team of professionals. Amateurs ride for pleasure, and the management is different. »
The result: fresh, balanced, consistent horses, and riders rediscovering themselves.
Lease Rather Than Own: Showjumping à la Carte
Et côté prix ? Une location courte pour un concours tourne autour de 2 500 €, « Imagine a rider coming from Norway, or elsewhere, to jump in Spain. Leasing the horse is most often cheaper than simply transporting one.”, Karel points out.
For longer-term leases, prices vary depending on the horse’s level and the rider’s programme. But the principle remains the same: simplicity and flexibility.
« It’s an ideal alternative for riders who want to develop, for juniors or children who need to ride good horses without necessarily buying one " he explains.
No transport, no stable rental, no hidden costs: “ People gain experience, without the logistical burden. »
“Maybe I’m a little crazy, but it works”
For now, Karel Cox is the only one offering this service on this scale. “ Maybe I was a little crazy to launch into it, but the feedback has been incredibly positive. »
And he has no intention of stopping there: “ It’s a big investment, but it’s worth it. We can see that the model appeals, that it attracts sponsors and investors. »
Far from threatening the traditional horse trade, Karel sees his project more as a bridge between riders and the top level, a way to democratise major shows while promoting animal welfare and quality.
« I wanted to offer real sport horses, not mid-range rental horses. From the start, I wanted top quality. »
A gamble that seems to have paid off in every respect.
