A win in the CSIO5* Longines Grand Prix of Hickstead, a win in the CSIO5* Longines Nations Cup Final in Barcelona, a third place in the CSIO5* Rolex Grand Prix of Calgary and a fourth place finish in the CSI5* Rolex Grand Prix of Geneva – check, check, check and check for Gilles, all in a year’s time. Photo © Jenny Abrahamsson for World of Showjumping.
Text © World of Showjumping
Looking back at 2022, World of Showjumping sat down with Belgium’s shooting star Gilles Thomas – who has had an incredible year. A win in the CSIO5* Longines Grand Prix of Hickstead, a win in the CSIO5* Longines Nations Cup Final in Barcelona, a third place in the CSIO5* Rolex Grand Prix of Calgary and a fourth place finish in the CSI5* Rolex Grand Prix of Geneva – check, check, check and check for Gilles, all in a year’s time.
A really good year
“I had a really good year, so there are several highlights for me,” Gilles smiles. “My first five-star win at Hickstead was one of the highlights for sure, as was placing third in Calgary and winning the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona. Those three results I will remember for a long time. And then on top came Geneva!”
“At Hickstead, I was actually there as a reserve rider for the Belgian team,” Gilles recalls. “I was not riding in the Nations Cup, so it was a long weekend for me. I felt like I was waiting for the Grand Prix all week and then at the end that maybe was my luck; that I did not have to ride the Nations Cup and therefore my horse was still fresh for the Grand Prix.”
All about the team
“This year I did many five-star shows all over the world, gained a lot of experience as a rider, and my horses also learned a lot. I did more five-star shows than two-star shows, which was nice. What I enjoy the most are the Nations Cups, because I really like to ride for a team. I think I am a good team player, already from my years in the youth classes.”
“The victory in Barcelona was amazing; winning with the team is something really special. If you win a Grand Prix, yes you are happy, but winning together with a team is even nicer. That is why, if I can help others, I try to be there for everyone. In the Global Champions League, I have been on the team with Marcus Ehning and John Whitaker, and it has been a great opportunity to learn from them. That is why I am always watching every round,” the 24-year-old – who consistently can be seen on the sidelines keeping an eye on his teammates – says.
Dreaming of Aachen
Looking ahead to 2023, there is one venue Gilles would want to have a go at: CHIO Aachen. “I did Calgary and Geneva this year, but I did not get to do Aachen yet, that would be a dream to ride there once,” he says. “So maybe next year, maybe with my horse Aretino that has jumped so well on grass…. maybe Aachen would suit him as well.”
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