A Season to Remember. A Legacy That Continues.

As the final rails were lifted, the grandstands slowly emptied, and the last echoes of applause drifted across the grass arena, the Longines Tops International Arena closed the curtain on another unforgettable season.

The 2025 season in Valkenswaard was one defined by world-class sport, emotional moments, rising stars, and the unmistakable atmosphere that has become synonymous with this venue. From sun-soaked summer weekends to sold-out championship showdowns, the arena once again proved why it sits at the very heart of global show jumping.

But as one chapter ends, another begins – because at LTIA, every season is about more than results. It’s about legacy, community, and the future of the sport.

Valkenswaard at Its Electric Best

Few moments captured the magic of the season quite like the Longines Global Champions Tour of Valkenswaard.

In front of a roaring home crowd, Harrie Smolders and the extraordinary Monaco delivered a storybook victory, lighting up the arena with their second LGCT Grand Prix win of the 2025 season. The only double clear on a demanding Uliano Vezzani track, their performance was a masterclass in precision, partnership and composure under pressure.

Twelve months on from finishing second in the same class, Smolders returned with purpose – and the Dutch crowd knew it. As Monaco galloped through the finish, the grandstands erupted, creating one of the loudest, most emotional moments of the year.

“This is why we wake up every day and work with the horses,” Smolders reflected. “And Monaco feels this too.”

Around them, the championship narrative continued to build. Gilles Thomas extended his lead at the top of the standings with yet another podium finish, while Nicola Philippaerts claimed the coveted golden ticket to the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix. Every round, every second, every rail mattered – and Valkenswaard delivered the drama in full.

Team Battles, Championship Pressure, Pure Theatre

If the LGCT Grand Prix showcased individual brilliance, the GCL of Valkenswaard was all about teamwork under pressure.

In an edge-of-your-seat showdown, Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team claimed maximum points with the only four-fault total across two intense rounds. Valkenswaard United thrilled the home crowd with a hard-fought second place, continuing their relentless 2025 campaign, while Scandinavian Vikings secured their first podium of the season.

As the sun set and the music rolled into the evening, the arena buzzed with the knowledge that every point now counts. With the GC Prague Playoffs and GCL Super Cup looming, Valkenswaard once again played its role as a pivotal turning point in the championship story.

Where Future Champions Take Centre Stage

Beyond the elite level, the season also shone a spotlight on what makes the Longines Tops International Arena truly special – its commitment to the future of the sport.

At the Longines Global Future Champions presented by Lami-Cell, rising stars delivered performances that hinted at what’s to come. Zoe Conter and La Una claimed the CSI4* Grand Prix in style, while Theresa Kröninger topped the Young Rider Grand Prix, underlining the depth of international talent coming through the ranks.

Throughout the summer, the arena echoed with a familiar and powerful sight – the next generation riding alongside the legends. Children of champions, protégés of icons, and young riders writing their own stories on the same turf as the sport’s greats.

Names like Delestre, Tops, Philippaerts and others appeared once again on start lists – not as echoes of the past, but as symbols of continuity, community and future. At Valkenswaard, legacy isn’t preserved in memory alone. It’s lived, ridden, and passed on rein by rein.

Summer Sport, Style and Shared Moments

From the season-opening Summer Classic to the vibrant Summer Showcase, the Longines Tops International Arena was alive with more than just competition.

Families gathered on shaded grandstands, children explored the venue between classes, live music rolled into golden evenings, and fans enjoyed a festival-like atmosphere that blended elite sport with relaxed summer living.

New formats like the Baran Global Hunter Classic added fresh energy, while CSI4* speed classes delivered heart-stopping action that kept crowds on their feet. It was a season where top sport met community – and where every weekend felt like an event.

Hats Off to a True Ringmaster

As the season drew to a close, Valkenswaard paused for a moment that went beyond sport.

At the conclusion of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Valkenswaard, the arena said farewell to a man who has been part of its fabric for years – Frederik “Hib” van Beek.

Recognisable in his suit, bowler hat, and ever-present smile, Hib was more than a ringmaster. He was a constant. A calming force. A familiar face from the earliest mornings to the final prize-givings.

As Ellis van Himbergen said in her heartfelt tribute:

“You brought calm to the chaos, structure to the rush, and warmth to every collaboration. Always professional, always correct – and always a little bit… Hib.”

His retirement marked the end of an era – a fitting, emotional full-stop to a season built on dedication, people, and passion.

Hats off, Hib. You will always be part of the Tops family.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As the arena rests and preparations quietly begin once more, one thing is certain – the story continues.

The Longines Tops International Arena remains a place where champions are crowned, futures are shaped, and memories are made. Where the sport honours its past while constantly looking forward.

The 2026 season is already on the horizon – and it promises to bring new moments, new names, and new chapters to this ever-evolving legacy.

Sign up now to stay tuned for the 2026 calendar announcement – and be the first to know what’s next at the Longines Tops International Arena.

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