The founder of the Zangersheide Stud has passed away at the age of 88, at home with his family in Lanaken, Belgium.
‘True visionary’
LeonMelchior was considered by many to be a pioneer in equestrian sport as he turned the breeding of showjumpers into a science.
EI President Ingmar de Vos described Leon as a “true visionary and innovator”.
“The world of showjumping and horse breeding, has lost one of its greatest friends and most generous supporters,” he said.
Olympic gold
One of the best-known horses bred byLeonwas the mare Ratina Z, which Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum rode to individual gold at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992.
A former showjumper himself, Leoncompeted on many Nations Cup teams for the Netherlands. He also organised the Belgian CSIO at Zangersheide and hosted the first FEI Nations Cup Final in 1991.
He was also the first promoter to put together the world of sport and breeding with the creation of the FEI World Breeding Championships for Young Horses Jumping at Zangersheide.
Legacy continues
“These prestigious championships identify the best young jumping horses, and the titles have had a very high value from the beginning more than two decades ago,” said Ingram. “With the Sires of the World, he created a global stage for the best stallions to display their talents.”
Leonwas made an Officer in the Order of Leopold, a Belgian national honorary order, he received the Maastricht Medal of Merit, and was a freeman of the town of Lanaken. He was also founder of 53 different companies.
His legacy will continue through his daughter Judy-Ann, who is a member of the Belgian showjumping team.