HORKA celebrates 70 years: From attic room to global player

HORKA International B.V. celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. What started as a small-scale workshop producing hats, caps and outerwear has grown into a leading full-service supplier of equestrian, horse and stable products, active in more than 35 countries worldwide. A milestone that calls for looking back, but above all, looking ahead.

History

On September 1, 1956, Mr. A.E.J. Horst founded HORKA in Groningen. In addition to producing caps, hats and outerwear for women and men, he soon focused on developing riding helmets. The repeated success quickly generated demand from abroad as well, and in 1976 HORKA decided to focus entirely on equestrian fashion.

A historic moment followed in 1986: HORKA introduced the first approved safety helmet to the European market, a pioneering achievement that would permanently shape the company's direction. In the years that followed, the product range continued to expand: in 2005 with the second brand, Red Horse; in 2010 with further expansion into horse products; and in 2015 with an outdoor collection that, goes back to the very first product category HORKA started with in 1956. In 2026, the brand family will be further expanded with EQPRO, a premium brand aimed at the active rider who places quality and performance at the heart of everything they do.

Today, the third generation of the Horst family is at the helm. Production largely takes place abroad, while Zwolle serves as the logistical hub and headquarters.

Product development

Innovation is in HORKA's DNA. From model development and material selection to technological applications in fabrics, the company continues to raise the bar. Several products feature Super-X technology for water and wind resistance, while fabrics are treated with Polygiene to provide long-lasting freshness and odour-free sportswear with an extended lifespan.

>span cache="font-size: 18px;" data-redactor-span="true" data-redactor-style-cache="font-size: 18px;"

>span cache="font-size: 18px;">Service & support

HORKA supports its customers with dedicated service relating to product enquiries and the sales process. Where possible, HORKA also provides support during sales days, promotional campaigns and events.

Equestrian sport & partnerships

>span cache="font-size: 18px;" data-redactor-span="true" data-redactor-style-cache="font-size: 18px;"

>span cache="font-size: 18px;">HORKA works with a select group of sponsored riders who represent the brand across different disciplines: Diederik van Silfhout, Ingeborg Klooster, Jordy Wilken, Tani Joosten and Kristy Snepvangers. They not only share their product experiences, but also strengthen the brand through shared knowledge, contacts and media exposure.

>span cache="font-size: 18px;" data-redactor-span="true" data-redactor-style-cache="font-size: 18px;"

>span cache="font-size: 18px;">Socially responsible entrepreneurship remains at the heart of HORKA International B.V. Reducing waste, extending product lifespans and making conscious choices when it comes to raw materials form the foundation of future-oriented business. But above all, passion is what drives us. Passion for the horse, the sport and the people who believe in it. That passion has guided HORKA along remarkable paths for 70 years, and we are eager to continue that journey.