Eleven times Ap Peters pigeons ended up in the National top 10.

Ap Peters, Zelhem lives and has his pigeon loft on the east side of the Netherlands.
Nearby the German border more or less between the cities Arnhem and Kleve.
Barcelona distance +1.225km.

Eleven times Ap Peters pigeons ended up in the National top 10. 
Ap’s nickname is ‘the flying forest ranger’.
And people know him also from his specific ‘hunting dog’ training.
More than 40 years and still (going strong)  click here for the dog training website.

The Flying Forest Ranger: Ap Peters’ Legendary Pigeons

Ap Peters, also known as “The Flying Forest Ranger,” is a name that resonates in the world of pigeon racing. With a background as a forest ranger and a specialized dog trainer, it’s no surprise that his pigeons embody the same qualities that made him successful in his other pursuits: toughness, discipline, and precision.

For over 40 years, Ap has been a force in the pigeon racing world, and his methods are as unique as his nickname.

Eleven times, his pigeons have landed in the National top 10—a testament to the results of his distinct approach to breeding and training.

At the heart of Ap’s success are his top breeding pigeons, the “very, very tough ones.”

Pigeon fanciers often comment on how Ap’s breeders are among the toughest in the game, thanks to his strict health-focused selection process.

Health is Ap’s top priority—he hasn’t needed to see a vet for advice in decades.

While he does administer medicine when necessary, his main focus is raising the healthiest pigeons possible.

Ap’s selection process is simple but effective: for the first two years, only the healthiest pigeons survive. After that, competition results become the second selection criterion. Finally, only those who meet these health and performance standards are crossed with his prized Aarden pigeon stock, a breed known for its durability and stamina.

This three-step approach results in a loft of super-healthy pigeons, with minimal losses during young pigeon flights and consistent top results.

Despite having a small loft, Ap doesn’t need a large number of pigeons to compete at the highest level.

His focus on marathon flights has earned him a reputation as a specialist in long-distance races, but many say he’s more than just a marathon expert—he’s a master breeder of top pigeons.

Ap combines his own stock of super-healthy breeding pigeons, mostly his old Aarden pigeons, with top racers from other fanciers each year, always aiming for the extreme long-distance flights.

This strategy keeps him competitive and continually surprises the pigeon world with his results.

Among Ap’s greatest successes is his “Rode Barcelona,” a pigeon that ranked 57th in the PIPA rankings over three years (2018-2020).

Additionally, a grandchild of “El Gallo,” another one of Ap’s renowned pigeons, flew to 4th National Barcelona in 2021, cementing Ap’s place as a top-tier breeder.

“El Gallo” himself had an impressive career, winning 17th National Barcelona at age six and placing nine times in ZLU races.

The legacy of Ap Peters is built on a foundation of pure health, tough selection, and a deep understanding of what makes a champion.

His pigeons not only perform on the racecourse but embody the same resilience and drive that Ap has cultivated throughout his life.

This is the story of Ap Peters—forever the flying forest ranger, and forever a champion.

A grandchild from ‘El Gallo’ Barcelona another great winner from Ap Peters won in 2021 the 4th Nat. Barcelona.

The ‘El Gallo’ flew 9 times prize on the ZLU flights, at 6 years old ‘El Gallo’ won the 17th Nat. Barcelona.

See the video with the proud owner of the 4th Nat. Barcelona NL18-5162073 ‘de Joker’ Frans Hummelink, Vorden and Ap Peters, Zelhem