The Philippaerts Family: Where Passion Meets Down-to-Earth Realism
But when you talk to Ludo and Veronique, you don’t hear a story about trophies. You hear a story about family.
A Life Dedicated to Equestrian Sports
“My whole life revolves around equestrian sports,” says Ludo. From a young age, he knew he wanted to be a rider. That dream came true, and with his sons by his side, it became bigger than he’d ever dared to hope.
And who’s the boss at home? Ludo doesn’t have to think long. “At home, I don’t decide anything at all. In the stable, maybe a little more.” Veronique laughs. Everyone’s the boss in their own domain, and that’s how it’s been for years.
Celebrating together, falling together
Picking the best moment? Impossible, says Ludo. There are his sons’ championship medals, and those two victories in the World Cup in Mechelen. “Winning in front of our home crowd. It doesn’t get any better than that.”
Yet there’s also that one moment that never quite fades away. Rio, the Olympic Games. Nicola, young and competing in his very first Games, comes off the course with a horse that has suffered a minor injury. What follows is a storm of hateful messages. “They called us horse killers,” Ludo says quietly. “Even though our horses mean everything to us. That really hurt us deeply.” Those were tough weeks—even months. Veronique nods.
“That sticks with you.” That’s exactly where you see what makes this family strong. Because after every fall, they get back up together. “You lose more than you win,” says Ludo. “Then you start back at the basics. That’s where it all begins.”
The Heart of the Family
While Ludo sets the athletic direction, Veronique is the driving force behind the scenes. She keeps the family together, celebrates every victory, and is there through every setback. And sometimes she acts as a mediator between father, coach, and sons. “That’s not always easy,” she admits.
During competitions, she’s on the edge of her seat, and that anxiety grows with each passing year. “Only when everything has gone well and nothing has gone wrong am I at ease.” After every round, she tells her sons the same thing: “You did your best. That’s all you can do.” Because rider and horse are a team, and sometimes things just don’t click. “It’s important,” she says, “but there are other values in life that are even more important.”
Stay true to yourself
In a world full of glitz, this family consciously chooses simplicity. Honesty. Staying true to yourself. “It’s a fast-paced environment,” says Ludo. “That’s why it’s so important for the children to keep their feet on the ground.” They learn this mainly by example: thinking things through calmly, not making hasty decisions. The motto comes from Ludo’s own father: stick to what you know.
Those values are now also being passed on in the family business that Ludo built from the ground up. “Handing that responsibility over to your children—that’s a very difficult step,” he admits honestly. But the boys are finding their footing, and the roles are gradually falling into place.
When Thomas and Claudia described their sons as boys who’d received a superb upbringing, it really touched them. “That makes you proud,” says Veronique. “It confirms that we’ve done a good job.”
Valuing Each Other
Perhaps that’s also why the bond with Kentucky feels so natural. It began years ago, small and simple, and grew step by step. Today, the family relies on Kentucky products every day to care for their horses.
“With Thomas, you know where you stand,” says Veronique. “He stands his ground. But so do we.” Ludo sums it up: “He’s built something wonderful from the ground up, just like we have. We’re a perfect match.”
A passion for horses. Hard work. Staying true to ourselves. Together. That’s the Philippaerts family. That’s Kentucky.
Get to know the Philippaerts Family
The Philippaerts x Kentucky story continues
In the next chapter, the spotlight shifts to the next generation. We sit down with Nicola, Olivier, Anthony and Thibault to discover what it’s really like growing up as four brothers in a family shaped by horses, competition and ambition — and how each of them has found his own path while remaining part of something bigger.
Next: The Philippaerts Brothers — four brothers, one shared passion.
Discover the Story So Far & More
The Philippaerts x Kentucky is a campaign celebrating a shared passion for horses, family and the values passed from one generation to the next. Through the Philippaerts family, we explore a life shaped by horses and a shared belief in creating for every generation, every level and every equestrian family.
Two childhoods spent surrounded by horses. A shared conviction: the horse always comes first. That is the family story behind Kentucky Horsewear and the reason why we have always regarded you as part of it.
Some stories in the equestrian world are measured in medals and milestones....