Text © World of Showjumping

“It started with a dream, as always,” Christophe Ameeuw tells World of Showjumping after today announcing his brand new CSI5* concept Horse GP, which will debut at Paris La Défense Arena in December 2025. “I always knew that if I would come back, it would have to be with something completely new.”

After previously pioneering events such as the Audi Masters in Brussels, the much-loved Gucci Masters in Paris, and the popular Longines Masters-series in Hong Kong, Paris Los Angeles, New York, and Lausanne, Christophe Ameeuw is making a comeback as a CSI5* organiser as he today announced the launch of the Horse GP at Paris La Défense Arena. Horse GP – or Le Grand Prix de Paris – will introduce a new format with only one day of competition, with the top 40 in the world competing for a prize purse of 1 million Euro.

Paris La Défense Arena is a multipurpose indoor arena situated in the western suburb of Paris. Opened in October 2017, it is the largest indoor arena in Europe. It has been the scene for world-class rugby, basketball and supercross events and has hosted artists such as the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Rammstein, Pink, Elton John, Iron Maiden, Spruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift and Robbie Williams. On December 17, for the first time ever, showjumpers will take centre stage at the Paris La Défense Arena.

“This unbelievable arena can host over 25,000 people,” Ameeuw continues. “Horse GP will be something very special. I would like to focus only on the best of our sport. There will be no amateurs, no two-star competitions, no VIP tables, no shops – only top sport and entertainment for the public that comes to enjoy it. Our aim is to have the 40 best horses and riders in the world competing against each other for one day. Our concept imitates the Formula One; there will be a speed class first, which will determine the starting order for the Grand Prix. We have also gained inspiration from the Super Bowl, and plan to have a great show in between the two rounds of the Grand Prix – which will take place in the evening.”

It was the 2024 Olympic Games, where the equestrian events took place at the stunning palace park of Versailles, that inspired Ameeuw in his comeback. “I enjoyed the Olympic Games in Paris. We had the best of the sport, in the best location, with the best horses and riders. Paris has something very unique about it, and when I was thinking about the best location for our new event the French capital was an obvious choice,” Ameeuw – who has had huge success with his Parisian indoor events in the past – says. “The choice to go indoors was another logical option, with the extensive experience my team and I have with indoor concepts. Technically, there is nothing bigger in Europe than the Paris La Défense Arena.”

Ameeuw is adamant to offer something for everyone, and have full focus on the audience. “There will also be a family and kids’ session,” he explains. “Our focus will be the public, and we want to offer them the best of the sport. I hope we will see full stands, just like in Versailles last summer.”

The show is planned to take place December 17. “I have spoken to some of the best riders, and they welcome the concept of competing only for one day, and they believe the timing after Geneva is good.”

“When we start with a concept like this, we have long-term goals,” Ameeuw – who does not want Horse GP to be a one-time-wonder – tells about his vision for the future. “We already have iconic shows like Aachen and Geneva – and there is no need to copy their successful concepts or challenge their place as the mecca of showjumping. I want to offer something new. I hope to improve the sport of showjumping and highlight the passion we all share for the sport,” Ameeuw concludes, adding that the ticket sales for the inaugural Horse GP will start soon.