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The FEI WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championship for Young Horses 2025 in Lanaken, Belgium, concluded with a thrilling final for the seven-year-old horses, where the just turned 16-year-old Niels Van Rossem and his home-bred BWP-gelding Speedy van Klapscheut (Chaiton F Z x Peppermill, bred by the Van Rossem-family) claimed silver in a sensational manner, with Niels' whole family – including his father Geert and mother Els – cheering on from the Kiss&Cry.  

“My pony Tesla has been sold, so now it's only horses,” Niels – who won the 2025 Belgian Championship for ponies, as well as team bronze at the 2025 European Championship for ponies in Le Mans, France, where he also placed 6th individually with Tesla van het Klavertje (Ulk d’Ete x Jimmerdor de Florys) – tells.  

Niels’ father Geert rode Speedy van Klapscheut until the gelding was six, before handing over the reins to Niels. “I didn't go there with a lot of expectations,” Niels tells about the week in Lanaken. “The first day, I wasn't focused on riding quick, I was more focused on jumping clear so I was a bit too slow. I tried to be a bit faster on the second day, and when we qualified for the final on Sunday, I hoped to do good there.”  

“Normally I jump 1.40m classes with him,” Niels tells about his championship-ride Speedy. “However, he is so easy that the bigger classes are not a problem for him.”  

Niels started riding when he got his first pony at the age of six, and never stopped. “At the shows, my father Geert helps me, while at home Lucy Cocchiarella assist me with the flat riding and Stefan Heymans gives me jumping lessons,” Niels says about the support he gets. “I really like working with the horses and seeing the progress you can make with them. All my life, I have never thought about doing anything else than riding. I do like playing football with my friends, but not in a real team, just for fun.” 

Niels and Speedy’s great performance in Lanaken has not gone unnoticed. “Well, now there is a lot of demand for Speedy, so there is a possibility that he will be sold,” Niels’ father Geert explains.  

At home, the Van Rossem-family runs a breeding farm in Dilbeek, near Brussels. “We breed up to ten foals a year,” Geert tells. “Before, we only had five foals a year, but we have increased the numbers a little bit since both of our children are riding. We have around 50 horses at our property, all young ones from foals up to seven-year-olds.”  

Still going to school, Niels rides around two horses a day next to his academic duties. “When I’m finished studying, I hope to become a professional rider although I know it’s difficult,” he closes off.  

3.10.2025 No reproduction of any of the written content in this article will be accepted without a written permission, all rights reserved © World of Showjumping.com. If copyright violations occur, a penalty fee will apply.