WILLEMSTAD - ASPAFIKO continues to move forward with determination to enhance and expand the horse sports sector in Curaçao. Yesterday afternoon, an important meeting took place at the Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN), where ASPAFIKO, GMN, and the island’s Veterinary Services came together to establish a cooperative framework aimed at improving the management of horse import and export procedures.

This significant step marks the beginning of a structured plan that the parties will jointly develop to support ASPAFIKO’s ambitious agenda to elevate the standard of equestrian sports on the island.

ASPAFIKO, a long-standing institution dedicated to promoting horse sports for both youth and adults, continues to play a leading role in strengthening this beloved local discipline.

Key discussion points during the meeting included:

Exploring ways to streamline and reduce the duration of the current quarantine process for horses.

Reviewing existing protocols to create a more flexible yet well-regulated system that safeguards the health of all animals.

Establishing new procedures and possibilities to enable Curaçaoan horses to travel abroad — particularly to the Dominican Republic — for international equestrian competitions, where young riders will proudly represent Curaçao.

The meeting was described as highly productive. Both Mr. S. Melfor, Secretary-General of GMN, and Mr. Alfonso Zinhagel, President of ASPAFIKO, emphasized that this collaboration represents an important step forward for the development of horse sports on the island.

Special thanks were extended to all participants who contributed to this positive and constructive dialogue, helping pave the way for necessary improvements and a brighter future for Curaçao’s equestrian community.

Unity creates strength — and ASPAFIKO’s team continues to ride forward with purpose and passion.