Our History
Emmers Equestrian is more than a retailer, we are a trusted partner to passionate riders around the world. As a third-generation family business, our journey has always been rooted in authenticity, continuity, and a shared love for horses. From a small feed shop to a leading equestrian destination, our growth is driven by dedication to quality and a long-standing commitment to the sport and its people.
Who We Are
We are a down-to-earth team with a deep connection to equestrian sport. Our shared passion shines through in every product we choose, every conversation we have, and every service we deliver.
Trust, expertise, and authenticity define how we work, and they’re the reason riders continue to rely on us, season after season, for the long haul.
What We Do
We offer everything ambitious riders need to care for their horses and perform at their best. From premium gear and trusted horse care essentials to expert guidance and dependable aftersales support.
Our extensive product range is available both in-stores and online, supported by a customer experience that truly goes the extra mile.
Who We Serve
We serve a committed group of competition riders, including semi-professionals and professionals, who are deeply involved in the fast-paced and demanding world of showjumping and dressage.
These riders are passionate, focused on performance, and rely on us for trusted expertise and top-quality equestrian brands.
Our Journey So Far
1983Chris joins the team
Chris Emmers, just eighteen years old, joins her parents Jos and Liza in their agricultural feed shop on Molenstraat in Hamont-Achel. Her energy and dedication lay the groundwork for what Emmers Equestrian would one day become.
A true family business
Dirk, Chris’s husband from an equally entrepreneurial background, joins the growing business full-time. Together they guide the company as a tightly knit family team, bringing in renewed ambition and a shared long-term vision.
New focus: Equestrian
With growing local interest in equestrian sports, the business expands into a full pet, garden, and aquatic center—yet keeps a special eye on riding supplies, unknowingly laying the foundation for a much larger equestrian identity.
Move to a larger location
The pet and garden department is sold, and Emmers Equestrian officially moves into a new, larger store focused entirely on equestrian gear—signaling a bold shift from general retail to specialist excellence in horse sport retail.
Sentower Park store
As demand from professionals increases, Emmers Equestrian opens a second store at Sentower Park in Opglabbeek. It's right at one of Belgium’s elite equestrian centers, making high-quality gear more accessible at top competition grounds.
Next generation steps in
Although not a rider herself, Lisa, daughter of Chris and Dirk joins the family business. With degrees in China Studies and Management, she brings a fresh, analytical mindset to operations and helps lead digital modernization projects.
Third store at Peelbergen
Continuing its expansion, a third store opens next to Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in Kronenberg, the Netherlands. This strategic step strengthens Emmers Equestrians presence across borders and boosts international visibility.
Digital transformation
Driven partly by the pandemic, Emmers Equestrian invests heavily in a seamless online store and inventory system. A new depot is acquired across the road in Hamont to handle growing web orders and streamline logistics.
Beginning of a new era
A new chapter begins as Lisa becomes CEO and majority shareholder, with her parents stepping back from daily operations. Sophie joins as shareholder, and a collaboration with Akiles marks a fresh strategic direction. Meanwhile, the e-commerce warehouse relocates to a larger site in Hamont to support growth, with automation on the horizon.
Digital growth & scale
We launch a major digital upgrade by migrating to Shopify, uniting point-of-sale and online systems for faster service and real-time inventory sync. Focus shifts to structure, team performance, and exploring acquisitions. Meanwhile, our Sentower Park location doubles in size, elevating the in-store experience.