DSHS_2021_Yumpu

the next generation
THE NEXT GENERATION
Michel Hendrix
Text: Jenneke Smit | Photography: Digishots
In the summer of 2020, Michel Hendrix and
his partner Kim Huige moved to their new
facility in Kessel. With the welfare of the
horses in mind, they designed an extraordinary
accommodation which offers the very best
training facilities. Michel was involved in
creating this dream from the first draft and
enjoys the result day in, day out. At this new
department of Stal Hendrix, the focus is on
training showjumpers up to Grand Prix level.
One team
Michel (34) comes from a family that has revolved around
horses for generations and at the age of 21, after completing
his study, he decided to gain valuable experiences at other
renowned stables. “First I went to Emil Spadone in the
United States for a few months, where I have learned a
lot about the American sport, their way of working and
trading. At that time, the States were already one of the
most prominent markets for Stal Hendrix, which made it
extra valuable for me to experience everything up close.”
From one to two locations
After returning to work at home for a while, Michel then
moved to the stables of Ludger Beerbaum. “You can learn a
lot there and I could really focus on riding and management.
You already learn a lot just by participating in their
system. After that period, I returned home and in the same
moment my cousin Timothy also returned to Baarlo, after
he had gained experiences elsewhere. At that time we were
all together at Stal Hendrix Baarlo. After Timothy and I
indicated that we would really like to continue with our
family business, my father and uncle decided to continue
at two locations. Because of that decision we have all
been able to grow. I have always mainly concentrated on
the sport, had a successful Young Riders period and then
progressed to the highest level with horses like my former
top mount Baileys.
At the same time, the breeding part of Stal Hendrix also
grew steadily, which had consequences for my father’s
stable in Kessel.” A stallion stud has been realized at this
Stal Hendrix location, and at the same place the foals are
born and young horses are raised. “That takes up a lot of
space and there is always a lot going on. And because I really
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