Mechelen, Belgium – December 26, 2023 – As the excitement of children’s competition slowly faded in the Nekkerhal, it was time for the first major battle of Jumping Mechelen: the Belgian Indoor Championship, presented by Paardensport Vlaanderen & Avant.

There were 43 of them, the riders vying for the title of national champion. Ultimately, 12 of them made it to the jump-off. It seemed quickly decided when Niels Bruynseels (BEL) and Matador, spurred on by enthusiastic cheers from the crowd, sped over the final obstacle flawlessly. However,a few minutes later, Jeroen Appelen (BEL) and Vivoulette HD (Vivant van de Heffinck x Fuego de Prelet) managed to go faster. Frederic Vernaet (BEL), Simon Prouve (BEL), Kim Thiry (BEL), Thomas De Wit (BEL) Gilles Thomas (BEL) also remained clear. Thomas (BEL) and Elfra van Beek Z were came within one-hundredth of a second but Jeroen’s time proved simply unbeatable. A deserving Belgian Indoor Champion! With many impressive clear rounds, we can be sure that our Belgian delegation is ready for the 5-star competitions in the coming days.

After the Belgian Indoor Championship, we encountered an ecstatic Jeroen who said, “We started quickly, made sharp turns, gained speed on the longer stretches, and finished flawlessly. That was enough for today. Last year, Jumping Mechelen was already great for me. But with this start, it truly seems like an unforgettable edition is in the making. I live nearby in Putte, so this competition is extra special for me. The audience was fantastic again today!”

Final Results – Belgian Indoor Championship, presented by Paardensport Vlaanderen & Avant

1) Jeroen Appelen (BEL) & Vivoulette HD – 0 / 0 – 35.86

2) Gilles Thomas (BEL) & Elfra van Beek Z – 0 / 0 – 35.87

3) Niels Bruynseels (BEL) & Matador – 0 / 0 – 36.96

Source: News Release (edited) from Jumping Mechelen

Photo: © Jumping Mechelen / Dirk Caremans – Hippofoto Media

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