New board

op 18.04.2026.

The Museum of the Belgian Draft Horse non-profit organization in Vollezele has appointed a new chairperson. Werner Godfroid succeeds Hilde van Dixhoorn, who led the museum for sixteen years. She remains active on the board and has been awarded the title of honorary chairperson.

Werner Godfroid from Bever was appointed as the new chairman during the most recent general meeting of the non-profit association 'Het Museum van het Belgisch Trekpaard' (The Belgian Draft Horse Museum). He takes over the role from Hilde van Dixhoorn. Together with a dedicated team of board members and volunteers, he aims to steer the museum’s future course. Werner Godfroid has been a board member for years and is also an experienced museum guide.

Outgoing chairwoman Hilde van Dixhoorn will remain active on the board; she is responsible for handling reservations and scheduling guided tours. The general meeting also insisted on appointing her honorary chairwoman, a decision met with thunderous applause.

Philippe van Dixhoorn

The museum opened on August 12, 2000, founded by Philippe van Dixhoorn (born in Vollezele on July 28, 1928; died in Vollezele on July 12, 2008), the son of Leendert van Dixhoorn, who owned a former stallion breeding farm. Following Philippe van Dixhoorn's death, the museum's chairmanship was taken over by his daughter, Hilde van Dixhoorn. The museum was originally located in a room within the building that housed the old "De Roos" banquet hall in the town center.

A statue of Brillant, the flagship stallion of the breed, was also unveiled at the opening. In 2005, the museum moved into the former town hall, a building that also came to house the municipal library.

Restyled

The museum temporarily closed its doors at the end of 2011 for a makeover. It reopened on March 28, 2012, thanks in part to a partnership agreement between the non-profit organization Toerisme Vlaams-Brabant and the municipality of Galmaarden. In 2018, the museum's cinema room was expanded to accommodate larger groups of visitors. Modern, accessible sanitary facilities were also installed, and the heating system was upgraded. Earlier this year, audio QR codes were installed in the various galleries, allowing individual visitors to enjoy a guided experience at their own pace in a choice of four languages (Dutch, French, German, and English). The 'Brillant Walk' was also enhanced with Points of Interest (POI) using GPS signals. The museum also houses the archives of the Royal Society of the Belgian Draught Horse.