About Us
Get to know our Family-Owned Business
When your Passion becomes your Profession
Our entrepreneurial story began over 45 years ago with Guido Poels, a man with a deep-rooted passion for sand reclamation. What started off as a modest sand quarry evolved quickly once his son Bart Poels became an ardent pony rider. Guido discovered a way to merge both these worlds by creating his first horse arena footing, a development that has proven to be the foundation of our current company.
As the years went by, our company kept growing and became a respected name in the equine industry. We started not only delivering high-quality horse arenas but also building arenas for a variety of events, top riders and premium stables. Our expertise quickly gathered recognition and we were commissioned to deliver our services in numerous equestrian sports competitions across the world.
Today, our company is an established world player with projects in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the United States. At the wheel is Bart Poels and with the addition of his own children, Thibo and Zara Poels, our company remains a true family business. Notwithstanding the expansion of our team and our global development, we managed to maintain our accessibility by staying small enough to give our customers the personal attention they deserve, yet large enough in our professionalism to comply with the highest standards.
FEI Footing Expert
Bart Poels is a certified FEI Footing Expert. He is often asked by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) in numerous equine events for his expertise concerning the construction and maintenance of sand arenas.
FEI Footing Experts inspect and analyse the footings in competition and training facilities to make sure they comply with FEI standards. Based on their observations, they provide recommendations for improvement. Furthermore, they help design and construct new beddings and they develop maintenance strategies to safeguard the quality and performance level of the horse arenas.
Experts like Bart play a vital role in guaranteeing the safety and performances of horses during training sessions and competitions.
Our Method
We value your needs and your budget. Therefore, we will first discuss the possibilities to realise the best custom-built horse arena possible. That way, we can create a solution that matches your needs and wants perfectly.
Your Needs
We will discuss what it is you are looking for and how we can be of service to you.
Your Budget
A decent arena is vital, but costs can add up quickly. That is why we will never skip the question “What is it you really need and what does it cost?”.
The Possibilities
What you need, what we can offer and the budget that goes with it is merged into a non-binding quote that you can first look over and discuss.
Our Team
Bart Poels
Guido Poels
Tibo Poels
+32 (0)471 78 46 75
Zara Poels
+32 (0)473 40 99 59
Company History
Poels is an authentic family-owned business that goes back three generations. Even today, the passion for sand and horses is still deeply rooted into our family history.
Seventies: The Foundation of Sand Quarry Poels
In the seventies, Guido Poels founds the ‘Zandgroeve Poels’ (Sand Quarry Poels), specialising in sand reclamation. His work then has proven to be the foundation of our expertise and our thorough knowledge and understanding of the different types of sand mixtures today.
SeventiesPassion for Horses evolve
In the early eighties, Bart Poels enters the equine industry, initially as a pony rider and later as a horse rider. At the same time, Guido Poels starts constructing his very first equestrian sports footings.
EightiesChange of Course
Due to the growing demand for high-quality equestrian sports surfaces, in 1991 Guido Poels decides to sell his sand reclamation company. This change of course opens the doors to new possibilities for the family business. 
Foundation of Poels G. co
Later that same year, Guido Poels and his sons Bart Poels and Geert Poels decide to bundle their skills and they collectively found the company 'Poels G. co'. This enterprise quickly becomes synonymous with high-quality equestrian sports surfaces, continuing the family tradition focusing primarily on quality. 
Enter the Third Generation
In 2016, Thibo Poels – son of Bart Poels – reinforces the team, securing the future of Poels with the entry of this third generation.
2016Poels G. co becomes Poels B. Equestrian
In the fall of 2017, Geert Poels decides to leave the business, resulting in a company name change to Poels B. Equestrian.
2017Family Business now complete
In October 2022, Zara Poels – daughter of Bart Poels – also decides to join the company, which means that now the entire family is involved in the family business. Besides her passion for and active involvement in equestrian sports, she is mainly in charge of the company administration.
2022