From Future Stars to Global Champions: Valkenswaard’s Pathway to the Top
April 08, 2026At the Longines Tops International Arena, the pathway from promising talent to world-class success is visible year after year. Through its Young Horse classes and the renowned Longines Global Future Champions, the venue has helped shape the careers of both exceptional horses and riders who are now shining on the global stage of the Longines Global Champions Tour.
Young Horses Rising to the Top
Many horses that once impressed in the Young Horse classes at the Longines Tops International Arena have since developed into elite performers at CSI5* level and on the Longines Global Champions Tour.
Among them is Ermitage Kalone, who has established himself as one of the standout horses on the circuit. In 2025 alone, Tthe exceptional stallion claimed victory in the LGCT Grand Prix of Paris and secured third place in the LGCT Grand Prix of Riyadh, confirming his status among the very best horses in the sport.
Another remarkable success story is Point Break ridden by Great Britain's Ben Maher, who delivered a stunning performance to finish second in the LGCT Grand Prix of London in 2025, showcasing the talent first seen during his early appearances in Valkenswaard.
Pretty Woman van ’t Paradijs ridden by Dutch hero Willem Grieve has also proven her consistency at the highest level, jumping numerous clear rounds in CSI5 Grand Prix competitions, while Casual DV with Pieter Devos has delivered impressive results on the Longines Global Champions Tour withTourTour with fourth place in the LGCT Grand Prix of Madrid and fifth place in the LGCT Grand Prix of Monaco.
Meanwhile, Dourkan Hero Z with Christian Ahlmann has become a reliable performer in the GCL team competitionteamteam competition, jumping many clear rounds for the Shanghai Swans in the GCL, further demonstrating the strength and quality of horses developed through the LTIA pathway.
The Longines Tops International Arena is more than just a competition venue—it is a place where the next generation of equestrian stars can be discovered. Riders, owners, and enthusiasts from around the world come to Valkenswaard to scout promising young horses and witness the potential of future top-level performers. From the Young Horse classes to the international spotlight, LTIA provides the perfect stage to see tomorrow’s champions in the making.
From Pony Riders to Global Champions
The same development can be seen among riders who began their journey at LTIA during the Longines Global Future Champions. Starting in pony classes, these athletes progressed through the youth categories before stepping onto the world stage.
Today, several of these riders are competing among the best in the sport on the Longines Global Champions Tour.
Belgium’s Gilles Thomas enjoyed an extraordinary 2025 season, achieving six podium finishes in LGCT Grand Prix classes before being crowned Longines Global Champions Tour Champion - a remarkable milestone for a rider who started in the youth classes at LTIA.
From Gilles Thomas, to fellow Yyoung Belgian talent Thibault Philippaerts who also made an immediate impact in his first season on the Tour in 2025, securing an impressive second place in the LGCT Grand Prix of New York., while fellow Another local talent, Belgian Thibeau Spits claimed a spectacular victory in the LGCT Grand Prix of Riesenbeck in 2024.
Dutch rider Sanne Thijssen delivered one of the most memorable moments at Valkenswaard with her unforgettable victory in the LGCT Grand Prix of Valkenswaard in 2023, thrilling the home crowd.
Irish rider Michael Pender provides another perfect example of the LTIA pathway to success, another rider that needs no introduction. In 2021, he won the U25 Grand Prix at the Longines Global Future Champions with HHS Calais. Just one year later, the pair returned to Valkenswaard to claim victory in the LGCT Grand Prix of Valkenswaard in 2022, confirming their place among the sport’s elite combinations.
The Longines Tops International Arena is also where the future stars of show jumping take their first steps. Young riders, from pony classes to junior and U25 categories, compete in a supportive and high-profile environment, gaining valuable experience on the international stage. For visitors, this is a unique opportunity to see tomorrow’s top riders in action, witness thrilling competitions up close, and experience the excitement of discovering the sport’s next generation of champions. LTIA truly offers a front-row seat to the future of equestrian sport.
A Proven Pathway to the Top
From promising young horses to rising riders, the stories emerging from the Longines Tops International Arena highlight the venue’s role as a launchpad for future champions. The arena continues to provide the platform where tomorrow’s stars gain their first experience at international level—before returning to the world’s biggest stages as winners.
With each new generation of talent stepping into the ring in Valkenswaard, the next global champion may already be preparing for their breakthrough moment.
Don’t miss your chance to witness the stars of tomorrow and the champions of today. Join us at the Longines Tops International Arena for an unforgettable season of world-class sport, emerging talent, and thrilling competitions.
Book your tickets now and be part of the action in Valkenswaard!
