Matador embarks on a new journey
Matador Embarks on a New Journey
We are thrilled yet emotional to announce the sale of our exceptional 12 year-old gelding, Matador. This stunning black beauty has been more than just a horse; he's been an irreplaceable part of our team, bringing joy and pride to Niels, the Stal Bruynseels, and the entire family. As a talented son of Emerald, Matador’s journey with us has been filled with countless unforgettable memories.
Matador joined our stables as a three-year-old, when we acquired him directly from his breeder, Dirk Demeersman at Cavallini Horses. In co-ownership with the Van Turnhout family, he began his promising career under the guidance of Nick Van Turnhout. Matador quickly captured the hearts of everyone in the family, establishing himself not just as a competition horse but as a treasured member of the team.
His career on the international stage has been nothing short of remarkable. Under Niels' skillful guidance, Matador achieved notable successes at the highest levels of the sport. Among his many accomplishments, he proudly represented Belgium as part of the winning team at the 5* Nations Cup in Sopot in 2023. This year, he took first place in the 3* Grand Prix in Saint Tropez and later repeated this feat in Valence. His record is filled with numerous top-10 finishes and he played a crucial role as a team member of the Prague Lions for the 2023 and 2024 seasons in the Global Champions Tour and League (GCT/GCL).
As Matador embarks on this new chapter with his future rider, we extend our heartfelt wishes for their success. We’re confident that his new partner will find in him the same loyalty, spirit, and talent that we were lucky to experience. Matador, our black beauty, will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we’re proud to have been a part of his incredible journey.