Success stories

From Shadows to Clarity: Why This Horse Stable Upgraded to FORTIS Lighting

Written by Kiril Stoimenov | Feb 26, 2025 10:29:02 AM

In Landgraaf, Netherlands, Katinka Vliegen has dedicated her life to working with horses. Her family’s equestrian business dates back to 1960, and over the years, she has seen first-hand how the right environment impacts both riders and animals. As someone deeply invested in equestrian training, visibility is critical - both for the rider’s technique and the horse’s response. 

However, like many stables, her existing lighting system was aging, creating challenges in her daily work. 

The Challenge: Deteriorating Lighting, Increasing Risks (Why This Stable Needed FORTIS) 

As her stable's lighting aged, Katinka faced growing difficulties: 

  • Reduced visibility made it harder to observe subtle cues in body language—both in riders and horses. 
  • Shadows on the ground and walls startled the horses, making them more reactive and less confident in their movements. 
  • Safety concerns increased, as quick interventions became more difficult due to poor lighting conditions. 

For a stable that prides itself on high-quality training, this wasn’t just an inconvenience, but a real barrier to effective coaching and safe riding. 

The Solution: Upgrading to HATO’s FORTIS Lighting 

After receiving a strong recommendation, Katinka chose FORTIS - HATO’s durable, high-performance lighting solution. The results were immediate: 

  • Clear, even illumination allowed her to see every movement precisely, improving training quality. 
  • Reduced shadows led to calmer, more focused horses, enhancing their confidence in the arena. 
  • A cost-effective investment - FORTIS proved to be affordable and efficient, making it a practical solution for small businesses like hers.
     

 

"We are not multimillionaires, so it must also be financially feasible for us. And that’s exactly what it turned out to be. I am super happy with it!"Katinka Vliegen 

 

A Bright Future with HATO Lighting 

Beyond the technical benefits, Katinka was also impressed with the HATO team’s support. From clear guidance to smooth installation, the experience was seamless. 

"Everything was explained very clearly from the start - perfect! You won’t hear me complain." 

 

With FORTIS lighting in place, Katinka can now focus on what she does best: training riders and ensuring the well-being of her horses in a well-lit, safe, and professional environment. 

Want to transform your stable with lighting that works as hard as you do? 
Check out FORTIS and see how better lighting can improve training, safety, and animal well-being or get in touch with our sales team. They are happy to help you! out.