From December 26th to December 30th, it’s time for the High Mass of the Belgian equestrian sport in Mechelen. Traditionally, Jumping Mechelen closes a season of indoor and outdoor competitions. Of course, the Philippaerts family is represented at Jumping Mechelen. Twins Nicola and Olivier compete in the FEI World Cup. Thibault rides the GP for the first time and Anthony shows the best of himself in the youth classes. There’s something for everyone, at each level and all with the intention to perform one last time.
It’s a little early to conclude 2019 already, but we can say that luck has not always been on our side this season. Just on his way to the European Championships of 2019, Nicola got a shoulder injury and had to be on the sideline for week. Step by step he gets back at work. “I’m not back were I ended, but that’s normal after a long and intensive rehabilitation. Except for some shooting pains now and then, I can practice my sport in a normal way. If that’s enough to perform against the strong competition in Mechelen, well that’s hard to predict. Anyway, Mechelen is a show I don’t want to miss out on. A home game, with the public close to the arena, in a Christmas atmosphere, magic! I compete in the World Cup with Katanga van het Dingeshof. I give H&M Chilli Willi a little more rest. But I take him to Oliva in January. 2020 is an important Olympic year. Let's build up slowly.”.
Olivier had some great performances the past few weeks. However, the results didn’t follow. “There were a little too much rounds with 4 points, so you can’t be really satisfied. The horses jump really good, they work hard and the motivation is there, but the results just don’t come. Let’s say that I hope to escape the negative spiral in Mechelen. I’m taking H&M Legend of Love (World Cup), H&M Extra (GP) and Blue Diamond."
