Who we are
My name is Susanna Cremaschi.
I started breeding in Italy in 2005 as the manager of the “Setteborghi stud farm”, owned by the “Fondazione Adolescere”. After many trips abroad and in-depth study of genealogies and crosses from some of Europe’s top stud farms, the idea immediately was to work with a limited number of high-quality broodmares, both for their athletic performance (international showjumpers) and their important maternal lines.
In September 2018 I was selected as part of the European Union project “Erasmus for Young Entrepreneur”(VIDEO). I moved to Belgium to further develop my knowledge of breeding techniques. Upon completion of the project, I founded SC BREEDING HORSES.
After extensive research, in September 2023, one of my greatest dreams came true: I became the owner of a beautiful farm in the Belgian Polders, just five minutes from the sea and the charming city of Bruges. Here I started my breeding project, “Stoeterij de Walhoeve.” The farm structure dates back to 1552 and is currently undergoing renovation, but the horses from my stud farm have already been able to “live” there since March 2024. My vision is always to put the well-being of the horses at the center: approximately 6 hectares of pasture are available for the spring and summer months, during which the horses are divided into small groups. For the winter, big-boxes will be available to provide each horse with adequate space, even in the coldest months. The mild climate of this area also allows for the production of excellent hay, which will form the basis of our diet, along with the grass from the lush pastures. This will always be combined with the daily training of the foals, which has always been my strength.
I have always tried to carefully select crossbreeds, keeping in mind the mares’ strengths and weaknesses. By studying their production, I seek the most suitable stallion: important information comes from the opportunity to ride both the mares and their foals, from conversations with riders who have worked with my products or who are currently riding horses with the genetics I am pursuing, and from participation in numerous breeding events abroad where stallion production and various crossbreeds can be observed.
Working method
Since the first foal was born in 2006, I’ve believed it was essential to lay the foundation for a relationship of mutual trust between the foals and their owners. This way, the horses grow up happy, eager to learn and ready to work with their rider. From the first hours after birth, the foal are accustomed to human contact. They are taken care of with grat attention, getting them used to the usual “daily grooming” routines (halter, grooming, hoof trimming, showering, transport, etc.). At the same time, the foals grow as herd animals, sharing space and activities with the other horses on the farm.
After years, this working method has brought me enormous satisfaction: both in terms of the results achieved by the horses I breed and in terms of customer feedback, and it remains a solid foundation for my breeding here in Belgium. I also consider the process of “saddle-breaking” essential for the future sporting development of young horses: an activity I have personally carried out since the beginning of my professional career in breeding.
“A healthy mind in a healthy body” is the motto, with primary use of naturopathy (homeopathic products, phytotherapic remedies, Bach flower remedies, etc.). Nutrition is balanced according to the growth stage and needs of each individual horse. Only phytotherapic products are used as supplements.