Knocke Arabians was founded in 2004 by Mr. and Mrs. Paul Gheysens (photo left with QR Marc). In 10 years, it has expanded to one of the largest stud farms of Arabian horses in Europe with a unique collection of horses, including the Arabian stallion QR Marc (World Champion in 2012 – Salon du Cheval, Paris). To optimize the reproductive performance of his horses, Mr. Gheysens insisted on becoming an EU recognized semen center and a well-equipped embryo transfer lab with approximately 150, mainly Arabian, recipient mares. The ET lab also works in close collaboration with Keros nv, one of the largest ET centers in Europe.
To further improve their standards, Knocke Arabians became an SBS affiliated lab as well. As such, the semen cryopreserved at Knocke Arabians meets the highest standard of semen freezing currently available and guarantees the post thaw quality for the mare owner buying frozen semen breedings.
Dr. Maarten Hoogewijs (photo right) has been the head veterinarian at Knocke Arabians since 2013. In 2002 he graduated with his degree in veterinary medicine from Ghent University. While completing his internship at the University Clinic of Large Animals his interest in equine reproduction grew. During his 10 years at the university he defended his PhD and became a board certified specialist of the European College of Animal Reproduction. He is assisted at Knocke Arabians by the stable manager, Walter Franco and the office assistant, Kathy Wynant.
Knocke Arabians is a private stud farm in which all the horses are owned or leased by Mr. and Mrs. Gheysens. Besides the distribution of cooled and frozen semen from the stallions of Knocke Arabians, no other services are offered to third parties.
Log in to join the conversation.