Top-class European stud farm

The Blu Horse stud farm and equestrian facility is located in open countryside just to the southeast of Billund in southern Jutland. From afar, the impressive riding hall stands out as a shining horizontal line in the otherwise green landscape. The beautiful grazing horses in the fields are the only indication that something very special happens here.

The large complex covers more than 20,000 square metres, yet blends in perfectly with its flat surroundings.

The original Blue Hors Dressage was founded by Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen and Poul Erik Fugmann and inaugurated in April 1993. The purpose of the stud farm was to refine the breeding of Danish Warmblood horses through the purchase of stallions at the top end of European dressage horse breeding. In addition to giving the breed a boost, the founders were also keen to raise the standard of Danish dressage.

Architectural gem

After 15 years, the existing facilities were no longer in tune with the ambition of being a significant player in Europe. Therefore, a strong advisory group was appointed, which included E+N Arkitektur and Søren Jensen consulting engineers, and the group’s work resulted in an incredibly striking and well-integrated new centre, which was ready in 2014.  

Today, Blue Hors comprises an optimised riding hall, stables with 180 boxes, a loose housing system with space for more than 80 horses and a large performance hall with a 30 x 70-metre arena and seating for 1,000 spectators. The complex also includes conference and VIP facilities.

The complex is an architectural gem. The materials are low-key, but the design idiom and the level of detailing are second-to-none. One could almost say that the complex is more beautiful than many Danish homes, but then of course the horses are some of Europe’s most valuable animals. They even have their own wellness department, where they are given the best possible care and grooming. Here, Troldtekt acoustic panels in the colour natural wood have been used on the ceilings. This ensures wonderfully short reverberation times everywhere, and thus peace and quiet for the rituals involved in the daily work with the horses.