Quarter Horses Ranch in Cape Verde

Marc Boeykens joined the National Riding Association (Landelijke Rijvereniging) in Belgium at the age of 16.
For the most part, he took part in jumping and cross tournaments with Belgian crossbreds. In addition, he attended the riding school in Oud-Heverlee to become an instructor. At age 32, Marc and his wife Barbara left for Cape Verde. Marc took with him a few horses he could not say goodbye to. It was not long before he became an asset to the local cavalry. He set his mind to the goal of improving the local breed. Since horseracing was the tradition, he was compelled to import English thoroughbreds. He organized several national tournaments in the spirit of Landelijke Rijvereniging.

After two years, he was forbidden to take part in tournaments, as he performed too well.

Marc then shifted his focus to his son Sven Boeykens who rode his first pony at age 3. At age 11, he went to Belgium for his secondary education. During that time, he was afforded the opportunity to stay with very good friends on weekends and to ride a wide range of horses. Soon he was allowed to take part in tournaments. When he turned 14, we bought RIO, the father being JUMBO JET, who was a perfect match for Sven. They made a great team and quickly climbed to jumping category ZZ.

Click on the photo to show an enlargement.

Then it was time to return to Cape Verde, where, together with Marc, he has now set up the QUARTER HORSES Stud Farm. The goal is to breed many good horses of the same quality, so that winning will depend not only on the horse, but also on the care, training and food it receives.