Time flies... One challenge after another comes our way, life rushes by. But no challenge, no race, no ride is the same. It has been two years since we had to say goodbye to our superstar, our loyal friend, the legendary stallion Chilli Willi. A real hit, which still affects us. Sometimes it is still hard to realize, especially for Nicola. Luckily, Nicola can draw on the many beautiful memories the two of them made together.
2015, Chilli Will's hoof steps are first heard at our stables. Six years old, very big, and still a lot to learn. He immediately gives us the impression that he will be a unique and remarkable horse. And nothing could be further from the truth in the end.
Every training with Chilli Willi was a pleasure, he is always in a good mood and eager to learn. He gave his best every day. And so did he at competitions. Always in top form, careful, and enthusiastic in the arena. He was given time to grow before starting the bigger work, and it paid off.
By the end of 2016, Chilli Willi lives with us for almost two years and is now running under Nicola's saddle. A top team in the making, all ready for the major breakthrough...
In his first five-star competitions, he amazed everyone with double clear rounds and places of honor. He flies over every obstacle in his path. One of the many special moments that year are the Masters in Mechelen. He jumps the high obstacles with ease.
2017, the year of truth for Chilli Willi. Many good results and double clear rounds in several Nations Cups soon followed. "Chilli Willi was such a reliable and consistent horse. That gives you a lot of confidence as a rider," said Nicola. And confidence in that top combination is certainly not a bad bet. Because in autumn 2017, the duo captured the Belgian title.
In 2018, the duo's success spins ahead and they will go for victory in the Longines Global Champions Tour in Chantilly. "The joy radiated off us. An unforgettable competition that will always stay with us. Undoubtedly also our finest moment together," Nicola looks back. Moreover, the duo, together with their London Knights teammates, won the Global Champions League that year.
And in 2019 too, he stayed in the top 10 with Nicola and took several places of honor. Whatever he did, he always gave his best. "He was always so calm and relaxed. Even when we rode in the bigger classes, you never had to worry about the height or difficulty," Nicola continued ahead.
"Simply a fantastic horse with a super character and a winner's mentality. A real athlete. Whenever he came into the arena, he immediately got into focus mode. He has been one of the most fantastic horses of my career. I want to thank him for the fantastic horse he was. He will always be close to my heart. I owe so much to Chilli Willi," Nicola concluded.
Ludo also looks back at Chilli Willi with a smile and a tear: "He was one of our best horses. He achieved great results and in recent years became a figurehead, the mascot of Team Philippaerts. For us, it felt like we lost a member of our family. Chilli Willi was a great horse, always in a good mood, had an exemplary mentality and was a hard worker."
Chili Willi can be seen in his offspring. They all have the same mentality and quality.
Thank you Chilli Willi, you were a horse of a lifetime, a best friend, an overachiever, great company, and a very inspiring horse.
Keep galloping happily in the evergreen meadows.
Thanks again, Chilli Willi, we miss you.
