Mark Raubenheimer | Van Loon | Racing Pigeons | Mount Moreland Lofts

Van Loon racing pigeons' master, Louis, has taken off into the Heavens, this is not to be mourned but perhaps celebrated as masters today may still use the strain in their pigeons' bloodline.

Born in Poppel, Belgium in 1921, Van Loon racing pigeons were perched in Louis's heart as a scholar, due to his father and uncles sharing this same interest.

It just goes to show that birds of a feather flock together.

While Van Loon racing pigeons were being developed and preened, Louis flew the nest at a young age to marry and get started on his own brood, which would consist of two daughters and a son. This was not due to financial surplus, as Louis was a working class truck driver who worked hard and long hours.

Louis would work beak and talon daily to ensure his pigeons earned their wings.

How does this make Van Loon racing pigeons so remarkable? In comparison, other masters of Louis's caliber had enough financial backing to hire managers and erect special lofts for breeding.

Van Loon racing pigeons were fed on a mix of his creation, as he did not believe in using special products. In the same way, he did not utilize medication for every ailment, but would rather treat what he could naturally, and seek advice from his vet if necessary.

With a mere stock of 20, Van Loon racing pigeons won many middle distance races. Competitors began to fear him, as to have any chance against Van Loon, it would require they make use of Van Loon's strain.

Van Loon was asked to sign that he would never pool again or else he could not participate.He agreed to the conditions.

Prior to Louis passing away, his Van Loon racing pigeons were used only in Old Bird races, as his interest kept there.

Due to selective quality breeding Van Loon racing pigeon strains may be found in other master bloodlines, like the brothers Janssen.

Van Loon racing pigeons are kept by exclusive pigeon fancier Mark Raubenheimer at Mount Moreland Lofts, seen in the picture visiting Louis at his home and loft in Belgium.

The Van Loon racing pigeons have ascended, leaving offspring, and making history.

Contact Mark on +27837901708 or raubenheimerl.m@telkomsa.net