Author name: Laura Standaert

The CSIW5* KBC Bank & Verzekering turned into a class where speed made the difference. The jump-off offered plenty of opportunities to build up pace along the long lines, and those who dared to really go for it were able to make the difference.

On day three of Jumping Mechelen 2025, there was an early sense of anticipation in the Nekkerhal. Dressage fans were treated to a morning of quality sport as the FEI Dressage World Cup presented by De Baian got underway at 8.00 am. Belgium made its mark straight away, with Larissa Pauluis claiming victory and several strong performances from home riders.

The Flemish horse sector turns out to be far more important to the economy than is often assumed. That is the main conclusion of a new study by Professor Stijn Vanormelingen (KU Leuven), commissioned by Paardenpunt Vlaanderen and presented today at Jumping Mechelen. At the same time, the research highlights a less comfortable reality: behind the impressive turnover figures lies a sector in which many businesses are facing financial difficulties.

The final of the loose jumping competition for 2-year-old horses at Jumping Mechelen delivered an exceptionally high-quality field. The clear winner was Adora Van ’t Ruytershof, a mare by Cavalier Russe Z x Bamako de Muze.

Expectations were high, and the jumping team delivered in full. At the European Jumping Championship in A Coruña, the Belgian riders claimed the European title.
After gold in 2019 and bronze in 2021, they were back on top again. This time with authority and flair, finishing ahead of Olympic champions Great Britain and powerhouse Germany.

Saturday evening delivered top-level sport in the Christmas Arena at Jumping Mechelen with the CSIW5* BMW Masters. Ten combinations lined up for a challenging class that started at 1.50m and built steadily round by round. A format that gradually reduced the field as the pressure increased.

Day two of Jumping Mechelen was almost entirely devoted to breeding. The clear highlight of the day was the Léon Melchior Open Sires of the World, presented by Zangersheide, a class that once again underlined the importance of top-level stallions in the sport.
A total of 28 riders came forward with stallions aged eight and older. Eight combinations made it through to the jump-off, including three Belgian riders. The standard was exceptionally high, and the tension in the arena matched it every step of the way.

With heavy hearts, we think back to the tragic traffic accident last year, in which Haley, just 18 years old, lost her life. A loss that continues to resonate.

Jumping Mechelen 2025 has only just kicked off, but the atmosphere is already electric. Tickets are selling at record speed, and that is no exaggeration. Shortly after sales opened, all tickets for the early programme on 30 December, featuring the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup, presented by BMW, were snapped up. Never before have tickets sold out so quickly after launch.

Twelve young prospects were awarded the highest status of T1 talent by the Talents Programme of Paardensport Vlaanderen. Each year, one rider from this select group is named Talent of the Year. This time, the honour goes to Roy Van Beek (23).
Van Beek made his breakthrough at five-star level this season, earning selections for the CSIO 5* Nations Cups of Hickstead and Calgary, as well as the GCT Grand Prix events in Madrid and Valkenswaard. The expert panel was unanimous in its decision: Roy Van Beek is a well-deserved Talent of the Year 2025.