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Gilles Thomas, Thibeau Spits, Nicola Philippaerts and Pieter Devos swap horses in a one-of-a-kind challenge at the Nekkerhal

From December 26 to 30, the Nekkerhal will once again be the heart of Belgian equestrian sport. For five days, Jumping Mechelen will bring together world-class competition and unforgettable moments. A brand-new highlight is set for Friday, December 26 at 9:30 p.m., when the Final Four makes its Jumping Mechelen debut. This unique class promises edge-of-your-seat excitement as Belgium’s European Championship gold medallists, Gilles Thomas, Thibeau Spits, Nicola Philippaerts and Pieter Devos, first ride their own horses before switching onto each other’s.

One course, four champions, endless surprises. How quickly will they connect with a new horse? How much trust can they build in just a few jumps?
It’s a rare opportunity for the crowd to witness pure horsemanship at the very highest level.

What is the Final Four?

“De paardenwissel was vroeger dé grote finale van de wereldkampioenschappen,” vertelt medeorganisator Wendy Wauters. “En dit jaar brengen we die legendarische proef voor het eerst naar Mechelen. Het publiek krijgt dus een stukje topsportgeschiedenis voorgeschoteld, maar dan live in de Nekkerhal.”

En de deelnemers? Dat zijn niet de minsten. “Onze Belgische EK-kampioenen die dit jaar goud pakten op het EK 2025, staan straks aan de start,” zegt Wendy. “Ze hebben elk hun eigen stijl, maar moeten plots op een ander paard springen en in enkele minuten de juiste klik vinden. Voor het publiek is dat geweldig: je ziet van dichtbij hoe ze het aanpakken en hoe snel ze zich aanpassen. Dat maakt het van begin tot einde razend spannend.”

How does it work? “Each rider first completes a round of nine or ten jumps on their own horse. Then they move on to another rider’s horse. They bring their own saddle, take two warm-up jumps, and then go straight into the full course. Everything takes place in the main arena, so spectators can follow every detail, even those very first jumps on a horse they’ve never ridden before. In the end, everyone rides all four horses. If there’s still a tie, a jump-off will decide the winner.”

“Het parcours staat op 1m45,” vult Wendy aan. “En als je dan bedenkt dat ze dat moeten rijden met paarden waar ze nog nooit eerder mee hebben gereden, besef je pas hoe groot de uitdaging is. Voor het publiek is het tegelijk een unieke kans om te zien hoe topruiters zich bliksemsnel aanpassen.” Ze zijn er ontzettend enthousiast over, maar ook benieuwd: hoe gaat dit aflopen?

Wendy also highlights Jumping Mechelen’s tradition of surprises. “Every year we want to bring something new. Think of the Old Masters with Stephan Conter and Ludo Philippaerts, or the Battle of the Disciplines and the Battle of the Champions. This year it’s all about the Final Four. Without a doubt, it will be one of the absolute highlights of Jumping Mechelen.”

Champions on the Final Four

Onze gouden EK-ruiters laten alvast hun enthousiasme horen over de paardenwissel in Mechelen.

For Gilles Thomas, it is a unique opportunity. “I always enjoyed watching the Final Four at the World Championships. It’s unfortunate that the class no longer exists, so being able to ride it now at Jumping Mechelen makes it even more special.” He is keeping quiet about which horse he will bring. “I already have an idea, but I’ll keep that to myself so the others can’t prepare too much,” he says with a smile. One horse he is curious about is Impress K van ’t Kattenheye, ridden by Thibeau Spits. “I once rode him on the flat and immediately liked the feeling. I’d love to try a full course with him.”

Nicola Philippaerts kijkt vooral naar de beleving. “Voor ons is dit een heel toffe proef, maar vooral voor het publiek wordt het bijzonder. Het is uniek om een andere ruiter op je paard te zien. Dat zorgt altijd voor spanning en sfeer.” Zijn keuze van paard maakt hij pas vlak voor de wedstrijd. “En wie er gaat winnen? Misschien Gilles, omdat hij zich altijd snel kan aanpassen, maar eigenlijk hebben we allemaal veel ervaring met verschillende paarden.”

Thibeau Spits points to the challenge. “It’s a very interesting competition. We are used to changing horses, so I’m looking forward to riding the others’ horses this time.” He has not yet chosen which of his own horses to bring. “It could be one of my top horses, or maybe one that’s a bit more sensitive, just to make it harder for the others. I haven’t decided yet.” If he could pick one himself, his choice is clear: “Everyone would want to ride Ermitage Kalone. That horse always leaves an impression.”

Ook Pieter Devos kijkt erg uit naar het moment. “Ik denk dat het vooral voor het publiek heel interessant wordt om verschillende ruiters met verschillende paarden aan het werk te zien. Dat zie je bijna nooit. En tegelijk is het voor ons, als collega’s en vrienden, een unieke ervaring om die oefening samen te doen. Dat maakt het enorm boeiend.”

One thing is certain: this will be an evening both riders and spectators will remember for a long time.

Jumping Mechelen inspires the champions of tomorrow

Gilles Thomas, Nicola Philippaerts, Thibeau Spits and Pieter Devos are the European gold medalists today. But years ago, they were children chasing their first dreams in the arena of Jumping Mechelen.

For Gilles Thomas, the memories are still very vivid. “As a young rider, Jumping Mechelen was always the highlight of my year. I came to support my uncle Marc Van Dijck, while riding the mini steeple and the youth classes myself. My very first five-star start was here, after being named talent of the year. It gave me the chance to experience the sport at the highest level for the first time.”

For Nicola Philippaerts, the show is forever linked with family. “I was still riding my first pony style classes when I saw my father win the FEI Jumping World Cup in Mechelen. That is something I will never forget. Later, I got to ride the style final in the main arena myself, with the crowd, the pressure, the atmosphere. Those are things you cannot learn in training; you only experience them at Jumping Mechelen, and they stay with you throughout your career.”

Thibeau Spits explains how the show continues to drive him forward. “I’ve competed in almost every class here, from the mini steeple and B-ponies right up to five-star level. Jumping Mechelen has always been, and still is, a goal for me, something to work towards each season. It motivates me to keep improving, while also reminding me to enjoy the sport.”

Pieter Devos recalls his own path step by step. “I was always here, first as a child in the stands, later in the pony classes. I started in the B-arena, then the A-arena, and when I was eighteen or nineteen I rode my first FEI Jumping World Cup here. Those moments stay with you for life.”

Together, their stories show what Jumping Mechelen has represented for decades: inspiring young riders, creating opportunities and giving them a stage to grow. Today, Gilles, Nicola, Thibeau and Pieter are European champions, but once they stood in the Nekkerhal with the same dream as every child in the audience today.

Don’t wait!

Want to experience the Final Four at Jumping Mechelen? Act quickly. This new class with Belgium’s European champions is certain to be one of the highlights of the week. Ticket sales are moving faster than ever: Business Seats are already sold out and the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup, presented by BMW, is almost full. The Final Four is expected to be one of the most in-demand sessions of the entire edition.

And that’s only the beginning. The opening night on Friday, December 26 has always combined top sport with celebration. At 9:30 p.m., the Final Four will make its Jumping Mechelen debut, a class that promises tension from the very first jump and sets the stage for an evening full of energy. After three successful editions in the Christmas Arena, JM Feest returns in a new format. The village square will come alive with live music, food stands and a lively atmosphere, while the main arena showcases sport at the very highest level.

Don’t miss it, secure your tickets now!