In the refined world of elite equestrian sport, where pedigree meets performance and every stride counts, one name continues to shape the future of high-performance horses: Gilbert De Roock. The man behind GDR Sporthorses is not only a seasoned horseman, he’s a visionary trader with an eye for brilliance and a deep respect for quality. From partnering with rising stars to investing in world-class breeding, De Roock’s journey is an ode to exclusivity and excellence.
A Legacy Forged in the Sand
“I didn’t grow up in the sport, I grew up around horses,” says Belgian entrepreneur Gilbert De Roock. “My father, uncle, and grandfather all rode recreationally, and I simply followed their footsteps.” He fondly recalls early rides along the beach with his parents, where a chance encounter with a show jumper changed his life. “One day, I decided to ride my father’s jumping horse instead of my own older trail horse… and I was hooked.”
What started as a childhood curiosity evolved into a structured path: regional competitions, then youth classes, and finally, a leap into professional life after putting his academic career on hold. “That’s when I joined forces with a young Stephan Conter,” he adds.
At first, the partnership was meant to divide responsibilities, Conter would focus on business, while De Roock would train and compete the horses. But soon, both were immersed in every aspect of the sport. “Back then, Stephan wasn’t yet the powerhouse he is today. Like me, he grew into it. Our partnership lasted nearly 20 years, but eventually, it was time to follow my own path.”
From Passion to Profession: Navigating a Changing Industry
De Roock has witnessed the evolution of equestrian sport up close—and he doesn’t romanticize the past. “A top horse today simply doesn’t compare to a top horse from 20 years ago,” he says. “Back then, power was everything. Now, it’s about technique, agility, and precision—from both horse and rider.”
He’s quick to credit the breeders for this shift. “They are the foundation of our sport. Without breeders, there’s no future. And without the sport, there’s no purpose for breeding. It’s a circle.”
Breeding as an Artform
Though commerce fuels his business, breeding remains his true passion. “Each year, I breed around 10 to 12 foals, more if you count embryo transfers, which I outsource to the Liegois family.” His focus? Proven dam lines crossed with standout sires. “I’m not against using young stallions, but I prefer some level of certainty. It’s all about stacking the odds with quality genes, even if there are no guarantees.”
Importantly, all his broodmares have competed in the sport themselves. “They’re not just paper champions,” he adds. “They’ve earned their stripes in the arena.” When asked about ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), De Roock is clear: “I’m not a fan. I believe in exclusivity and ICSI dilutes that. It lowers the value of the mare. That’s just a fact.”
A Philosophy Rooted in Quality, Not Quantity
“Exclusivity? That word could be my middle name,” he says with a smile. “I’m not interested in mass-market horses. I’m only after the best and I believe that should be the goal for the entire industry. Quality must always come first.”
That ethos led him to Equbreeding.auction, where he found not only premium horses but also exceptional service. “There are auctions, and then there are auctions. These young guys—Jody Bosteels and Niels Haese—really impressed me with their professionalism.”
Matching Horses With Visionaries
The connection was instant. “They told me Ninjo van ’t Ameldonk was the perfect horse for my stable—and they were right. I even tried to buy him before the auction, but they were committed to doing it properly.” After a successful trial, De Roock secured the horse at auction. “It was a flawless match, and I haven’t regretted it for a second.”
While at the event, he also made a spontaneous decision to acquire a foal, Cardentino De Will Z. “First, I look at how a foal moves, but the pedigree has to be there too. In this case, both aligned. The 2024 collection was truly impressive.”
The Future of Auctions: Curated Quality
As a veteran of the industry, De Roock sees auctions as a permanent fixture in the modern horse economy. “They’re here to stay, no doubt. But only the ones that lead with quality will truly stand out in the long run.”
For Gilbert De Roock, success in the equestrian world doesn’t come from chasing trends—it comes from recognizing value before others do, nurturing talent with precision, and never compromising on quality. In a world that often settles for good, De Roock quietly pursues greatness.
