Horse & Country TV will launch to cable TV viewers in the Netherlands on June 14.
The channel, which brings a mix of international sport, personality-led programming and documentary to the audience for equestrian sports and lifestyle, will launch on four cable networks: Caiway, Kabel Noord, CAI Harderwijk and Kabeltex and FTTH provider Glashart Media.
It is planned that the channel will be available on other systems in the Netherlands in the near future.
The Benelux version of H&C TV will include locally produced programming on equestrian events and country life right from launch, and will be subtitled in Dutch. The representation of local programming on the channel will increase over time, according to Wayne Dunsford, director of international distribution of H&C TV.
“Horse & Country TV has established itself as a strong brand with a clear proposition that is distinct from any other channel in the market. The Benelux represents the beginning of a multi-territory roll-out for H&C TV,” said Dunsford.
Heather Killen, executive chairman of H&C TV, said: “Equestrian sports and the lifestyle that goes with them are enjoyed by millions of people around the world, and the sector has an economic footprint in excess of $50 billion a year. H&C TV aims to providing the key broadcast and digital outlets for the programming and personalities that chime with this attractive, upscale audience.”
While prospecting carriage in other markets, H&C TV has also been expanding its finished programming licensing efforts, and has recently licensed packages of shows to Discovery Channel UK, Dubai Racing Channel, Sky Sports UK, Country 99 in New Zealand, Equidia in France and Class Horse TV in Italy.
