Thanks to Jumping Mechelen, the final week of the year is a highlight for equestrians and horse enthusiasts, culminating in the World Cup competition on the closing day. Olivier and his nine-year-old mare, Precious Dwerse Hagen, delivered an outstanding performance, finishing sixth with two faultless rounds. Nicola and Katanga v/h Dingeshof, unfortunately, knocked down two fences. Nicola’s best result of the competition was third place with the eight-year-old Qnokke de Muze in the BMW Masters. Thibault rode an impressive show, finishing sixth with Qosito van de Koekoek in the GP Sport Vlaanderen. In that same Grand Prix, Olivier had an emotional moment as he rode Legend of Love for the final time.
Team brought several young horses to Jumping Mechelen, including Precious Dwerse Hagen. Reflecting on her performance, Olivier said: “I’ve been preparing her for this event over the past two months, and she proved herself to be a horse of real quality. It was her first time competing at this level, and yet she delivered two faultless rounds. I’ve been working with her since she was seven, and today she showed her potential. She’s ready for top-level competition, and I hope we’ll achieve great things together next year. Her clear round in the first course was a reward for all our hard work. While a fifth-place finish might have been possible in the jump-off, she still lacks experience at this level. That’s okay, it was a great start.”
Olivier also reflected on his year: “Winning my first-ever Global Tour and taking home the Super Cup Final in Riyadh were definite highlights.”
Nicola and Katanga v/h Dingeshof ended their Jumping Mechelen journey with two faults in the World Cup round. “Last year, we managed to stay clear, but this time it wasn’t meant to be,” said Nicola. “Of course, you’re disappointed, but we gave it everything we had. Looking back on 2024, I’ll cherish moments like our double-clear round in Aachen, winning with H&M Luna van’t Ruytershof Z in the Longines Global Tour of Mexico, and the victory with the Stockholm Hearts in Riyadh’s Super Cup Final.”
Thibault rode an impressive show, with a sixth-place finish in the GP Sport Vlaanderen with Qosito van de Koekoek. “That result on Sunday meant so much to me,” he said. “It was the highlight of my year. Qosito is only eight years old and has limited experience at this level, but he performed great and enjoyed every moment in the ring. We worked hard in the past month to prepare for this, and it all came together perfectly. I predict a bright future for Qosito. He’s careful, powerful, and easy to ride, a truly exceptional horse who makes everything easier for me. Without a doubt, he’s the best horse I’ve ever ridden.”
Jumping Mechelen also marked a significant moment for Anthony as he competed in his final youth events. “I only brought one horse, Quite Cool van Dorperheide, and my results in the Grand Prix were a bit below expectations,” he admitted. “Next year, I’ll move up to senior competitions. I’m excited for this new step in my career.”
Jumping Mechelen also signified the retirement of the legendary mare, Legend of Love. “She’ll turn 19 next week, and it’s time for her to rest,” said Olivier. “She’s given me so much over the past ten years. Even on her final day in competition, she was still performing at the five-star level. That’s remarkable. In 2015, we won the Grand Prix here in Mechelen. We were also second in the Rolex GP of Geneva and twice finished fifth in the World Cup Final. She was an incredible horse, and the bond we shared was truly special. From now on, she can simply enjoy life, and she’s earned every moment of it.”
