Our Story
Dear visitor,
For over 20 years, my husband and I have dedicated ourselves to the well-being of horses. During this time, we have built Equitom into the largest equine clinic in Europe. Known worldwide as “the clinic of last hope,” Equitom owes its reputation to our unwavering passion and determination to go to great lengths for every horse in need.
But Equitom is much more than a clinic. It is a source of inspiration for veterinarians and horse lovers around the globe—a place where passion, innovation, and dedication come together to transform lives.
Today, I am incredibly proud that we can also extend our help to animals in need, those who have nowhere else to turn.
Through the Equitom Foundation, we provide medical care to forgotten and mistreated horses—animals that, without this help,
would not get a second chance.
Today, I am incredibly proud that we can also extend
our help to animals in need,
those who have nowhere else to turn.
— Kadidja EssaheliPresident of the Equitom Foundation
The Equitom Foundation offers not only hope to such neglected and abused horses but also access to care and the prospect of a new, happy life where their well-being takes center stage.
Our volunteers devote themselves wholeheartedly every day to providing advanced medical care to these animals—those who, without our help, would have no hope left.
In addition, the Equitom Foundation supports organizations that fight for animal welfare and invests in scientific research and education. By addressing the root causes, we aim to build a better future for horses.
I warmly invite you to join this movement. Together, we can push boundaries and create a world where no horse has to suffer unnecessarily. Your support — whether through time, expertise, or financial contributions—has a direct and tangible impact on these animals who have nowhere else to turn.
Thank you for placing your trust in our mission.
With sincere gratitude,
Kadidja Essaheli
President of the Equitom Foundation
Our origins and story
Tom Mariën, founder of Equitom
"From a young age, I felt a deep passion for animals. At just eight years old, I knew with certainty that I wanted to become a veterinarian. After completing my studies, I traveled to the United States to specialize in equine surgery—a discipline that would dominate my life."
Haven of hope
Today, Equitom is a “haven of hope” for horses. Animals from 68 countries find their way to our clinic, recognized globally as “the clinic of last hope.” This recognition fills me with immense pride and gratitude.
It reflects years of hard work and dedication to providing the best possible care to horses in need, especially those who have been abandoned elsewhere.
Equitom Namur
In 2023, we expanded our reach with the opening of a second clinic in Wallonia: Equitom Namur.
This new center represents a significant advancement in our expertise and increases our capacity to meet the needs of horses wherever they are.
Foundation of the Equine Care Group
In February 2021, I founded the Equine Care Group (ECG). A collective of veterinarians, equine clinics, and scientists united to improve equine welfare worldwide through collaboration, knowledge-sharing and innovation.
This group is transforming the future of veterinary medicine and elevating equine welfare to unprecedented heights.
Founding Equitom
In 2001, I founded Equitom with one clear goal: to save as many horses as possible. What began as a vocation evolved into pure devotion.
Over the past 30 years, I have worked tirelessly to push the boundaries of equine surgery. Guided by this vision, Equitom has grown into the largest and most innovative equine clinic in Europe.
Creating the foundation
Beyond my work as a surgeon, I feel a profound compassion for neglected and mistreated horses. Many of them, often after traveling thousands of kilometers, have found their way to Equitom in search of hope and healing. Together with my team, I have spent countless hours in the operating room, determined to give these vulnerable animals a dignified life filled with possibilities. Offering them hope is much more than a profession to me; it is a calling.
With this same passion, we founded the Equitom Foundation—a global initiative to amplify our impact and mobilize support for neglected and abused horses. The foundation aims to make advanced medical care accessible, even for those animals who need it most and have nowhere else to turn. We also strive to support individuals and organizations lacking the resources to save horses. Together, we can give the most vulnerable horses hope and a new lease on life.
This is the work of my life, my mission, and my promise to the horses that need our help.
— Tom Mariën, Founder of Equitom
Kadidja Essaheli, Manager of Equitom
Since meeting Tom in 2010, I have been deeply moved by the injustice faced by owners who cannot afford to have their animals treated due to financial constraints. Too often, we have seen horses euthanized despite solutions being available to save them. We have witnessed touching sacrifices from owners determined to give their animals a second chance—launching crowdfunding campaigns, seeking help from associations, forgoing vacations, and even taking out loans to cover veterinary costs.
Their passion, their unwavering love for their horses, and their dedication left a lasting impression on me and our entire team.
Tom took the time after every surgery to create a detailed report of all procedures and resources used. He ensured that bills were reasonable and often reduced them at his own initiative, even before the owner requested it. He understood that, while justified, these costs could be unaffordable for some owners.
With the same admiration and respect, we observed the efforts of small organizations that, despite minimal resources, did everything in their power to help horses and other animals. Together with Tom, we decided to support these organizations wherever possible, knowing how painful it is to lose an animal due to a lack of resources. Time and again, we realized it didn’t have to be this way—so much more could be done with the right means.
In 2017, we knew it was time to act.
— Kadidja Essaheli, Manager of Equitom
In 2017, we knew it was time to act. The idea for the Equitom Foundation was born: a foundation dedicated to supporting horses and their owners while also aiding organizations struggling with limited resources.
Establishing the Equitom Foundation felt like a natural step in our life’s work. Today, thanks to your support, we can rescue horses, ponies, donkeys, and many other animals, giving them a new chance at a healthy and happy life.
For Tom and me, it is our mission in life to give back and contribute wholeheartedly to a higher purpose. Our unconditional love and commitment to horses and animals in need are at the heart of everything we do. There is nothing more fulfilling than selflessly dedicating ourselves to these vulnerable, often forgotten creatures. They deserve our very best, and we will continue to fight to provide them with the care, protection, and love they need.