BY JEAN LLEWELLYN / PRESS RELEASE
PHOTOGRAPHY:
On September 9, 2026, simultaneous statements were released in Belgium and the United States announcing an historic translantic partnership between the Equine Care Group (ECG) founded by Belgian equine surgeon Dr. Tom Mariën and international sport horse veterinarian Dr. Frederik Bruyninx, and Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital (RREH).
Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital is internationally recognized as one of the world’s largest and most renowned equine hospitals, with campuses in Lexington, Kentucky; Saratoga Springs, New York; and Wellington, Florida. This partnership between Equine Care Group and RREH launches a truly global reference in equine medicine.
Founded in Belgium in 2021, Equine Care Group has rapidly developed into one of the world’s leading international networks of equine veterinarians and healthcare professionals, dedicated exclusively to equine health. Today, ECG brings together more than 300 veterinarians across Europe and the United States, combining expertise in equine hospitals and clinical care, fertility, diagnostics, nutrition, research and education. Local veterinary leadership, collaboration, medical excellence and clinical autonomy are at the heart of its partnership model. ECG is built around one clear goal: advancing equine medicine through collaboration and innovation, with the horse always at the center.
This unique transatlantic partnership was carefully considered, with both ECG and RREH sharing a vision to keep the future of equine medicine in the hands of veterinarians. Remarkably, Dr. Tom Mariën first visited Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital nearly 30 years ago, where he found inspiration to establish Equitom and today, three decades later, is bringing both organizations together within the Equine Care Group.
Together, ECG and RREH share the ambition to combine the strengths and expertise of Europe and the United States in order to take patient care, scientific research, veterinary education and innovation in equine medicine to an unprecedented international level.
According to Dr. Tom Mariën, “This partnership marks a significant milestone for international equine medicine. Equitom, Europe’s largest and most innovative equine hospital, joining forces with Rood & Riddle, America’s largest and most iconic equine hospital, within Equine Care Group is a historic step for our profession. This partnership will have a positive impact on equine medicine worldwide and on the future of equine veterinarians. Together with the Rood & Riddle team, we will further develop our veterinarian-led ECG model in the United States and build a strong network where like-minded equine practices can join forces while maintaining their clinical identity and independence.”...
CLICK HERE TO READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE IN THE ONLINE EDITION OF BREEDING NEWS
