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The Future of Belgian Show Jumping Shines at Jumping Mechelen
This week, sports, show, and horse enthusiasts come together at Jumping Mechelen to celebrate the end of the year. With over 40 years of history, Vlaanderens Kerstjumping – Memorial Eric Wauters has grown into much more than a prestigious competition. It is a place where generations of amateur and top riders have honed their skills and continue to return year after year.
From the very beginning, Jumping Mechelen has been dedicated to inspiring and creating opportunities for young talent. This year, that vision takes center stage once again, with six Belgian U25 riders competing at the 5* level—the pinnacle of show jumping. Among them, Thibeau Spits, at just 23 years old, will be participating in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup for the third time. The other young talents, Jules Van Hoydonck (22), Evelyne Putters (20), Mathieu Bourdeaud’hui (21), Thibault Philippaerts (23), and Maverick Van Lent (25), won’t compete in the World Cup but will have the opportunity to shine in other top events such as the Sires of the World, the BMW Masters, the CSIW5* KBC Bank & Verzekering, and the Grote Prijs Sport Vlaanderen.
We spoke with Thibeau Spits, Jules Van Hoydonck, and Evelyne Putters about their ambitions and what it means to them to compete at the highest level during the event where they’ve spent so many of their year-end holidays.
Thibeau Spits (23, Sint-Katelijne-Waver): “This year, for the first time, I feel like I can win the World Cup.”
Thibeau Spits has had a truly remarkable year. Riding Impress-K van ‘t Kattenheye, he claimed his first 5* Grand Prix victory at the LGCT Grand Prix in Riesenbeck. During the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup presented by BMW, Thibeau will once again partner up with Impress. “I look back on a very consistent competition season,” says Thibeau. “Honestly, I couldn’t ask for more. But like all Belgian riders, Jumping Mechelen is the ultimate dream for me. Having had such a strong year, I feel confident about my chances and I approach the World Cup with ambition.”
Thibeau is a perfect example of a top rider who has literally grown up at Vlaanderens Kerstjumping. “The JM Indoor Masters, the KBC Gouden Teugel, even the mini steeplechase with Shetland ponies—there aren’t many classes at Jumping Mechelen that I haven’t competed in. My favorite memory is my third place in the CSIW5* KBC Bank & Verzekering in 2019. I was 18, had no expectations, and was thrilled to compete against idols like Kevin Staut and Grégory Wathelet. Experiences like that have certainly helped me get to where I am today.”
Looking ahead, Thibeau is excited to perform his best in Mechelen, where he’ll have the support of friends and family. “My grandfather, Jos Ceulemans, will be there too. He’s one of my biggest supporters but rarely gets to travel abroad. The breeders of Impress will also be cheering us on, which means a lot to me.”
Jules Van Hoydonck (22, Merksplas): “My performances at Jumping Mechelen opened new doors for me.”
Jumping Mechelen 2023, the jump-off of the CSIW5 KBC Bank & Verzekering*: a then 21-year-old Jules Van Hoydonck races through the course, with the Mechelen crowd collectively on the edge of their seats. Unfortunately, the rail falls on the very last fence, and Jules has to settle for third place—though he earns the deep respect of Flemish show jumping fans in the process.
“I was a bit disappointed,” Jules admits. “I could almost taste victory. But that performance in Mechelen turned out to be a game-changer for me. It helped me make important new connections and brought me onto the radar of the Young Riders Academy, of which I’m now a part. The academy supports Europe’s top-performing young riders and even secured me a spot at the FEI Jumping World Cup in Leipzig.”
A few weeks ago, Jules claimed victory in the U25 Grand Prix at CHI Geneva, adding to a previous win at Saut Hermès in Paris. “The win in Geneva was the highlight of my career so far. This year, I’m competing in the same classes at Mechelen as I did in 2023, but I’m bringing a lot more experience with me. I hope to show that in the Nekkerhal.”
Evelyne Putters (20, Schilde): Debutant and Youngest Competitor at 5* Level
After outstanding performances at the European and Belgian Youth Championships, 20-year-old Evelyne Putters is making her 5* debut at Jumping Mechelen. She is also the youngest competitor at this level this year. Evelyne shared, “It’s my dream to become a professional top rider. That’s why I chose a field of study that I can combine perfectly with my sport. Jumping Mechelen will be an incredible learning experience for me. I hope to deliver a few good rounds, but I must admit, I’m quite nervous. I’ve been coming to this event since I was a child and have often competed in the smaller classes. But this year, it’s the real deal. I’ll finally ride in front of that huge audience and alongside my biggest idols, like Niels Bruynseels. I hope to leave a good impression.”
Evelyne, like all other Flemish U25 riders participating in the 5* competition at Jumping Mechelen, is part of PaardenSport Vlaanderen’s Talentenplan. This program aims to identify and support future top riders early in their careers.
