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An evening filled with music, teamwork between riders and audience, and a proud heritage breed taking center stage once again.

On Sunday, December 28, once the CSIW5 KBC Bank & Insurance class wraps up, the Nekkerhal will shift into full party mode. The legendary “Fancy Dress” show class has become a real crowd favourite at Jumping Mechelen, and this year’s edition comes with a playful “Swingpaleis” twist, featuring a surprising appearance by the Belgian draft horse. The audience will be split into two sides, each cheering for their own team, filling the arena with energy, music and laughter.

The story behind this year’s theme

Co-organiser Wendy Wauters shares how the idea came to life:
“After the five-star class, there’s always a certain tension in the air at the Nekkerhal. The Fancy Dress show changes that instantly, it brings a fun, light-hearted energy that the audience loves. We wanted a concept that matched that moment yet still felt connected to the sport. The “Swingpaleis” theme does exactly that, and by including the Belgian draft horse, we’re giving a well-deserved spotlight to one of our most iconic native breeds.”

Riders in two teams, led by national coaches

As always, a group of top international riders will headline this entertaining class. They’ll compete in two teams of five, each guided by a national coach who leads them through a mix of playful challenges. The theme? Music, from recognising short clips to quick-fire games and fun tasks that keep the energy high. Every round brings points to the scoreboard, so both teams will have to stay sharp until the very end.

The audience becomes part of the action

The crowd will be split into two sides, each cheering and competing along with their team. Their reactions and participation help decide which team comes out on top. This new format adds tension, laughter and a real sense of involvement, making the 2025 Fancy Dress show more interactive than ever.

The Belgian draft horse in the spotlight: heritage that deserves to be seen

Between the musical challenges, the Belgian draft horses will take centre stage. Two riders will go head-to-head in short races, earning extra points for their teams. For the Royal Society and the Flemish breeders of the Belgian draft horse, this participation carries special meaning.

The Belgian draft horse has been recognised as part of Belgium’s living heritage. It is a breed known worldwide and one that deserves renewed attention today. Many Belgian breeders who later turned to sport horses started out with draft horses, so their presence in the Nekkerhal is a fitting tribute to the roots of Belgian equestrian sport.

Chairman Jan De Boitselier explains: “The Belgian draft horse is part of who we are, it shaped our history and our breeding culture. Showing them here isn’t just symbolic, it reminds people how valuable they still are. We’re bringing some of our best horses, including the Flemish Champion. Our breeders are genuinely looking forward to sharing their pride and passion at Jumping Mechelen.”

A familiar tradition with a new color

Every year, the Fancy Dress class turns the usual competition routine upside down. Riders swap focus for fun, show off their creative side, and share a laugh with the crowd, without ever losing that true equestrian spirit.
This edition takes it up a notch, bringing even more interaction and crowd energy to the arena. It’s the kind of evening you really have to experience live in the Nekkerhal.
De Fancy Dress-competitie blijft een moment waarop het ritme van de topsport even losser mag, zonder dat de paardensport zelf uit beeld verdwijnt. Ruiters tonen een andere kant van zichzelf en het publiek zit dichter bij de actie dan ooit.

Every year, the Fancy Dress class turns the usual competition routine upside down. Riders swap focus for fun, show off their creative side, and share a laugh with the crowd, without ever losing that true equestrian spirit.
This edition takes it up a notch, bringing even more interaction and crowd energy to the arena. It’s the kind of evening you really have to experience live in the Nekkerhal.
De Fancy Dress-competitie is en blijft het moment waarop ruiters en publiek elkaar op een lossere manier ontmoeten. Deze editie bouwt daar verder op, met meer interactie en meer betrokkenheid vanuit de tribunes. Het is een avond die je het best live voelt in de Nekkerhal.