T
anja Cremers and Kevin Lathouwers
have always been passionate about
horses. Tanja’s grandfather worked
with big Belgian draft horses in the forests.
On the weekends they would visit the race
circuits where her uncles were employed
as jockeys. It wasn’t long before she asked
Santa Claus for her own little pony. She loved
going on long trail walks together with her
father.
K evin started to ride horses when he was
6 years old. His time off from school and
holidays were spent at pony camps. Later his
family purchased their first Irish Thorough-
bred stallion and Kevin fell in love with the
charismatic and powerful horses.
As wife and husband these two are very
grateful that they’ve been able to share the
same passion for horses. When the opportu-
nity came along to buy a house that included
1 acre of land, owning a horse quickly fol-
lowed. A documentary about miniature ani-
mals caused the couple to search a bit more
about the American Miniature horse and
they soon discovered not only the beauty
and character of the small equines, but also
the opportunity to participate in horse show
competitions. They were amazed at the ver-
satility of the breed: from the beauty in hal-
ter, to the graciousness in driving, from the
athletic ability in hunter to the control in re-
insmanship. In 2011 they decided to look
for three of these wonderful companions to
come into their lives and Farm Little Creek
was established; the fairytale could start.
Farm Little Creek or FLC is also short
for Family Lathouwers-Cremers, aptly
named for the little creek that meanders in
front of their house and reminds them of an-
other fairytale story that is near and dear to
them. The touching story of “Spirit – Stal-
lion of the Cimarron” is a Disney animated
30 Miniature Horse World
SUMMER 2017
file that depicts an Indian man (named Little
Creek), who has a soul for animals and an
understanding of their language, who be-
comes best friends with the wild stallion. The
similar bond between Miniature horses and
humans is the same today, only enhanced in
the show ring because of the rapport they
have with people. It seems appropriate for
this to become the slogan of Little Creek
Farm as well.
A ranch – a new life
“You can’t have just one,” applied to
Tanja and Kevin and they were soon looking
for a new place for themselves and all the ani-
mals. Farm Little Creek moved to a remote
oasis of tranquility, northeast of Belgium. On
10 acres they created 15 large pastures where
the horses can live outside all year long in
the best conditions available. There is room
to stable 45 horses in tailor-made barns built
just for 34” and 38” horses. Two sand pad-
docks and a walker are provided so that train-
ing can continue all year long. Following
workouts the horses enjoy a hot shower and
solarium to let them relax and build muscle
after their training sessions. Every horse gets
turn out daily to stay in good condition and
have a happy mindset. This element of train-
ing is very important. Playing with their
friends and being part of the herd is the ul-
timate goal. And as a bonus is the horses get
to also enjoy the juicy, green grass.
In 2016 major renovating took place and
family and friends helped Tanja and Kevin
build everything from scratch. Each element
designed to be as horse-friendly as possible
and they are very proud of the results so far.
The housing for the horses is now totally fin-
ished, but the living area for the humans on
the other hand is still in ruins. Good thing
these two don’t really mind. Both Kevin and
Tanja spend the majority of their time out-