A Mindset Built on Performance

From the beginning, Koopman made it clear: “My goal has always been to improve the breed and win races—not to sell pigeons.” That sentence alone gives us deep insight into how he operates. For Koopman, everything starts with performance. He doesn’t breed for beauty or bloodlines alone. He breeds for results.

He often reminds fanciers that pigeon racing is about selection—and that means tough decisions. “Good pigeons are bred from good pigeons, and results don’t lie,” he says. This laser focus on performance, year after year, is what helped him rise to the top of the sport.

Selection Is the Foundation of Success

One of Koopman’s core beliefs is that selection is the ultimate secret. Not just choosing birds based on pedigree, but selecting based on what they do in the basket.

Koopman once said, “A pedigree is nothing without results. The eye can deceive, the basket does not.” He encourages fanciers to be ruthless in their evaluations. If a bird doesn’t perform, it doesn’t stay. Simple as that.

This philosophy is reflected in the structure of his breeding loft. Only the best racers become breeders, and even then, only after consistent top performance. That’s how the Koopman line became known around the world for speed, endurance, and reliability.

Breeding with Purpose

Another key philosophy Gerard Koopman swears by is intentional breeding. He doesn’t just pair birds randomly and hope for the best. Every breeding decision is made with a clear goal in mind.

“I breed with a goal—not just to multiply pigeons, but to create champions.” Koopman’s breeding methods rely on a mix of performance-based selection and genetic understanding. He looks at traits like muscle structure, wing shape, and mental toughness, but always ties them back to race results.

This calculated approach is what gave rise to legendary Koopman pigeons like “Kleine Dirk,” “Ermerveen’s Hope,” and “Gentil.” These birds didn’t happen by chance—they were the result of a system.

Keep It Simple, But Be Consistent

While Koopman is known for his precision, he’s also a big believer in keeping things simple. He doesn’t rely on exotic supplements or complicated systems. Instead, he focuses on a clean, consistent routine.

“Clean water, good feed, and a healthy loft. These are the basics. Master them.” That’s his advice to newcomers and experienced fanciers alike. He believes that simplicity leads to clarity—and in turn, better results.

He keeps his systems easy to manage, which allows him to spend more time observing his birds. Koopman says, “The pigeon will tell you everything if you just watch.”

The Power of the Mind

Finally, one of the lesser-known but most important philosophies of Gerard Koopman is the role of mindset. He treats racing like a mental game—not just for the pigeon, but for the fancier too.

“Winning starts in your mind. If you don’t believe you can win, you’ve already lost.” Koopman views each race as a mental challenge. He prepares his birds not just physically, but emotionally. He builds their confidence through training, care, and consistency.

He teaches that fanciers must also train their minds, staying patient, focused, and always willing to learn. “If you stop learning, you stop winning.” That’s why Koopman continues to innovate, even after decades of success.

Final Thoughts

There’s no doubt that Gerard Koopman changed the face of pigeon racing forever. His philosophies aren’t just tips or tricks—they’re deep-rooted beliefs that have produced one of the most dominant lofts in history.

Whether you’re a new fancier or a seasoned racer, applying the philosophies of Gerard Koopman to your own loft could be the key to unlocking your birds’ full potential. From strict selection to simple systems, and from mental toughness to intentional breeding, Koopman’s wisdom is both timeless and powerful.

As he puts it, “You don’t need a loft full of pigeons. You just need a few very good ones.”

Take that to heart—and let it guide your own journey in the sport.

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