The Belgian showjumping team with Nicola (riding Katanga van het Dingeshof), Gilles Thomas (Ermitage Kalone), Thibeau Spits (Impress-K Van 'T Kattenheye Z), and Pieter Devos (Casual DV Z) claimed the gold medal on Friday evening in La Coruna at the European Championship for Nations. Katanga van het Dingeshof and Nicola jumped clear for the third day in a row and are now in fifth place in the individual rankings. Sunday marks the final day of the European Championship.
This is the second time in history that Team Belgium has become European Champion in the Nations competition. After winning gold in Rotterdam 2019 and bronze in Riesenbeck 2021, the Belgian team now takes home the gold in La Coruna. Gilles Thomas, Nicola, and Thibeau Spits all jumped clear on all three days. On Friday, Spits received one time penalty. For Nicola, this is his first gold medal as part of a team.
“It’s hard to put into words how I feel and what we’ve achieved here today. It’s fantastic, really the cherry on a beautiful cake. We came here with a strong but also young team. The high level we’ve all shown has earned us the European title,” said Nicola.
After the American tour, Nicola chose to compete Katanga only at selected shows. Long rest periods were alternated with top events like La Baule, Aachen, and now the Europeans. At 15 years old, Katanga van het Dingeshof is in top form.
“Katanga is absolutely at her best. In the biggest moments, she’s jumped clear so many times. It’s unbelievable what she does and how she does it. This gold medal is a huge reward for her too. I’m happy for myself, but even more for her. I’m also very grateful. Thanks to the support of the Lens and Adriaenssens families and my father, we were able to keep Katanga and build this amazing sport career together. This European medal is the most beautiful thing I could give her. She’s worked so hard for it. Being able to experience this moment with her is incredibly special,” said Nicola.
There is no competition on Saturday, so the horses will rest. On Sunday, the top 25 riders, including four Belgians, will compete for the individual European title. After three intense days, 16 combinations are still clear, showing just how high the level is at this championship.
“We’ll start Sunday with a lot of motivation but no pressure,” said Nicola. “The level is incredibly high, and with two tough rounds ahead, anything can still happen. The confidence we already had got another big boost today. We’ll give it our all, together.”
A special thank you goes to Tiffany, Nicola’s dedicated groom, who is always by his side and takes incredible care of the horses. Her commitment, attention to detail, and tireless work behind the scenes are essential to the team’s success. Day in, day out, she gives her all to make sure the horses are happy, healthy, and ready to shine in the ring. This gold medal is also hers.
In 2021, Olivier and Nicola were part of the Belgian team that won bronze in Riesenbeck. This Sunday, Nicola and Katanga van het Dingeshof will ride in the final individual competition. Form on the day, a bit of luck, and nerves of steel will decide who becomes the new European Champion. In 2001, father Ludo won individual silver at the Europeans in Arnhem.
