Family traditions. Nothing like keeping them alive and passing them on. Every family has its own and for the Philippaerts family one of theirs is Jumping Indoor Maastricht.
Ever since the very first edition, in 1988, Ludo has been present. An unforgettable very first participation that almost didn't happen. Ludo, unknown at the time, was in fact on the reserve list. He did not settle for that. He had to and would participate and, as they say, the perseverer wins. On the morning of the competition, he received the long-awaited phone call that he could participate after the cancellation of another rider. He loaded up his horses and left for Maastricht where he made a spectacular debut by winning the opening class.
Since then, the show has been a tradition he looks forward to every year. And one he has since passed on to his sons. JIM is a special place for the family thanks to the victories they have already managed to achieve there. In 2016, for instance, Nicola won the Grand Prix with H&M Zilverstar T and Olivier won it the following year with H&M Legend of Love. Thibault has triumphed on more than one occasion, including in the CSI 4*, but Anthony also won gold and silver in the Big Tour Final.
This year, Olivier is again in contention for the title win. Nicola will skip the family tradition this year as he will ride in Verona. Anthony and Thibeau are on winter training in Oliva, Spain to prepare fully for the upcoming competitions.
