Gilles Thomas – the current world number six – and Ermitage Kalone (Catoki x Kannan), who were on the list of Belgium’s nominated entries for the FEI Jumping World Championships 2026 taking place from 16-23 August in Aachen, Germany, have withdrawn from the championships due to an injury the 12-year-old stallion sustained last weekend.

“Unfortunately, I have to share that Ermitage and I are forced to withdraw from the World Championships in Aachen,” Gilles announced on social media on Monday. “After the Grand Prix of Riesenbeck, Ermitage sustained an injury. Following further examinations, it has become clear that it would not be responsible to bring him to the start of the championship. His health and well-being will always come first, no matter how difficult this decision is.

The disappointment is immense. We had made this championship one of our biggest goals, and the form we showed over the past few weeks in La Baule and Riesenbeck gave us great confidence and motivation heading into Aachen. Wishing Team Belgium the very best of luck.”

Last year, Gilles and Ermitage Kalone claimed team gold and individual bronze at the FEI Jumping European Championships in A Coruña, Spain. Leading up to Aachen 2026, the two jumped double clear in the Barriere Nations Cup in La Baule and placed 6th in the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule in June, before placing 6th in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Riesenbeck last weekend.