Guldenboom: A Story of Exceptional Horses and Family Passion

Behind every great horse, there is a story. Behind Otello de Guldenboom, fresh winner of the FEI World Cup Grand Prix in Verona, during Fieracavalli, there is the story of a breeding farm that for over sixty-five years has been raising top-level horses: Guldenboom, run by the Philips family, Belgian by origin, with deep roots in Italy.

The story is told by Ignace Philips, who today co-manages the farm with his sister Caroline, continuing the work started by their father, Leon Philips.

Tradition, Study, and Passion

“My father founded Guldenboom 65 years ago,” Ignace explains, “back when there was no internet. He personally traveled to France, Germany, and the Netherlands to select stallions and bloodlines, studying books and documents, observing horses and approvals. Everything had to be checked with his own eyes.”

The breeding program started with top French lines such as Almé, Furioso II, Ukase, Rantzau, which were later crossed with German bloodlines, always following three guiding principles: health, conformation, and temperament.

“My father was not a professional rider,” adds Ignace, “so we always entrusted our foals to high-level riders to give them the chance to fully express their potential. This was fundamental to achieve long-term results.”

An International Network and Successful Horses

Over the decades, Guldenboom has collaborated with friends and top international riders, including:

• John Whitaker (Hurricane de Guldenboom)
• Ludo Philippaerts
• Kathy Monahan Prudent
• Philippe Lejeune
• Michel Robert
• Gianni Govoni
• Massimo and Alessandro Grossato
• Jane Richard
• Valentina Isoardi
• Connor Swail
• Ian Millar

“These are just a few of the riders who have competed on horses born or raised at our farm. Every horse has its story, and every story is important,” says Ignace.

From this philosophy, exceptional horses have emerged, such as Otello de Guldenboom and his full sister, Paletta de Guldenboom, who have distinguished themselves in international competitions.

Breeding and Collaboration with Avantea

“For us, breeding is fundamental,” emphasizes Ignace. “We always work with healthy horses, with balanced temperaments and excellent conformation, because only then can we produce foals destined for a high-level sporting career.”

Guldenboom has collaborated for years with Avantea, Italy’s reference center for equine reproduction, to ensure safe and innovative procedures from conception to foaling. “Avantea allows us to monitor every aspect of reproduction, selecting the best pairings and following the highest standards of health and welfare,” adds Ignace.

This attention to breeding has allowed the birth of horses like Otello and many other top-level subjects, ready to show their potential under the saddle of the best riders.

Nutrition and Wellbeing: The Foundation of Long-Lived Horses

“For over 25 years, we have relied on the Italian company Il Palazzetto, which provides natural feed of the highest quality,” explains Ignace. “Hay and proper nutrition are essential to raise healthy horses, capable of competing at high levels even at 16–17 years old.”

For Guldenboom, health comes first, and only healthy horses are used as breeding stock.

The Present and the Future

Despite decades of experience, Leon Philips continues to look ahead, motivated to produce new champions.
“And who knows,” adds Ignace, “one of these horses could one day accompany my son Nosh, who in 2025 has already won two medals at the European Children’s Championships. It’s an immense source of pride for the whole family.”

Otello de Guldenboom: A Story of Success

Among the farm’s most recent horses, Otello has become the symbol of the Guldenboom philosophy. Brought up to 1.45/1.50 levels by Andrea Calabro, he developed the technique and character needed for top-level competition.

His international breakthrough came under the saddle of German rider Daniel Deusser, with whom he won the FEI World Cup Grand Prix in Verona, during Fieracavalli, confirming the years of work, dedication, and vision of the Philips family.

“Behind every successful horse is work, study, and passion,” concludes Ignace. “Otello is extraordinary, but we must remember that Guldenboom has always produced top-level horses, each with its own story and talent.”

Valentina Sozzi

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