Equine Africa was born from the shared passion of Willem Nels and Tim Lagrous—two visionaries brought together by their love for horses, travel, and adventure. What began as Willem’s dream to showcase Africa’s majestic equine heritage has grown into a thriving enterprise, fueled by Tim’s professional qualifications and deep expertise in the equestrian world. Together, they’ve transformed their passion into a platform that celebrates African landscapes, cultures, and horse-riding experiences. From humble beginnings, Equine Africa has expanded its reach, connecting riders from around the world with unforgettable equestrian journeys across the continent.
MEET THE TEAM
Meet Willem Nel – a passionate advocate for Africa’s wild beauty, a dedicated horseman, and the visionary behind Equine Africa. Raised on a farm in the heart of Zimbabwe, Willem's love for the land and its animals was nurtured from a young age. Surrounded by vast landscapes and a life deeply connected to nature, he developed a profound appreciation for Africa’s raw, untamed spirit. This early connection led him to pursue a degree in Zoology, equipping him with a scientific understanding of the natural world that now complements his deep, intuitive bond with horses.
Willem’s lifelong passion for horses is rooted in both tradition and adventure. Over the years, he has sought to combine his love for Africa and equestrianism to create a truly immersive experience – a horseman’s dream holiday that allows riders to explore the continent in the most authentic and exhilarating way possible. His vision for Equine Africa goes far beyond the saddle; it’s about connecting people to place, to animals, and to a more grounded way of life.
A devoted advocate for thoroughbreds, Willem has a particular interest in the world of racing and, more importantly, in the retraining and rehoming of off-the-track thoroughbreds (OTTBs). He is passionate about changing the narrative around these incredible athletes, challenging the misconceptions and highlighting their intelligence, versatility, and sensitivity. Through his work, Willem is not only offering unforgettable adventures but also driving positive change in the equestrian world by giving these misunderstood horses a second chance to shine.
Meet Tim Lagrou – a lifelong equestrian whose journey began in Belgium, often considered the horse capital of the world. Growing up surrounded by a rich equestrian heritage and world-class facilities, Tim was immersed in the sport from an early age, competing at a high level in showjumping throughout his youth. These formative years not only refined his riding ability but also deepened his curiosity about all aspects of equine care and performance.
His love for horses quickly evolved beyond competition, sparking a strong interest in their health and wellbeing—ultimately leading him to pursue a career in equine dentistry.
Driven by a desire to provide the best care possible, Tim completed his professional dentistry training in the United Kingdom under the guidance of renowned specialist Chris Warren. His education was grounded in practical, hands-on experience, and he has continued to work alongside Warren and other esteemed professionals in the field, such as Griet Eylenbosch.
Alongside his dental work, Tim has a strong passion for backing and producing young horses, finding joy in developing their potential with patience and precision. He is equally enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge, dedicating time to teaching and inspiring others to build a strong, respectful connection with horses. Whether he's working in the dental-field or in the arena, Tim brings a rare combination of technical expertise and heartfelt horsemanship to the Equine Africa team.
MEET OUR HORSES
INEFFABLE
OVER-SHARING
HAGA-HAGA
