The Academy is a prominent equestrian enterprise, with its own clear vision and angle: education. The origin of Academy Bartels goes back to the sixties, when Joep Bartels started publishing a new horse magazine, 'Paard en Pony' and organised the "Kempische Ruiterdagen" in Hooge Mierde.

Shortly after Joep and Tineke got married in 1972, they moved to their current house in Hooge Mierde, where they started their own equestrian enterprise. In 1975 Joep founded the publishing house BCM, while Tineke kept developing herself in the eventing sport. Joep acted as Tineke's trainer, coach and manager. Joep left BCM in 1997 and realised the further developing of Academy Bartels. In 1998 Academy Bartels opened the doors for the first training arrangement guests. These arrangements turned out to be a success straight away. Gijs and Imke joined their parents in the company. Imke focused on top sport and Gijs developed his own sector, equestrian events.

Several years ago the foundation Equestrian Innovative Projects (HIP) was established by Academy Bartels. This foundation works closely together with HAS Den Bosch and NHB Deurne to develop new projects in the equestrian sector.

When the new constructions and the nature development were finished in 1998 and 2003 respectively, the 10 hectares Academy Bartels complex had been expanded with a excellent accommodation and a beautiful estate called 'Culitsrode'. The facility can accommodate about 30 horses and employs 20 people (staff, trainees and students).