Gilles Thomas wins three trophies and the Henders & Hazel Ranking at Equigala 2026

Gilles Thomas took home no fewer than four trophies at Equigala in Dockx Dome Brussels. At the gala evening for Belgian equestrian sport, Gilles was crowned “Athlete of the Year” after a fantastic 2025.
His achievements included European Championship gold with the Belgian team, European Championship bronze individually, and Gilles won several Grand Prix around the world. He was the youngest rider ever to win the Global Champions Tour and, to top it all off, he won the World Cup Jumping in Mechelen.

Ermitage Kalone was crowned “Horse of the Year” alongside Justin Verboomen's dressage phenomenon Zonik Plus and fellow show jumper Nicola Philippaerts' Katanga vh Dingeshof. Belgium's wealth of talent proved too great in 2025 and choosing just one horse was too difficult.

Together with Nicola Philippaerts, Pieter Devos, Thibeau Spits and team manager Peter Weinberg, Gilles is also part of the “Team of the Year”.
Finally, Gilles also won the Henders & Hazel Ranking Award. This prize is awarded to the best rider in the national show jumping ranking.
In all his acceptance speeches, Gilles emphasised that these trophies are not just for him. They are also for the horses, the owners, the breeders and the entire Nieuwenhof team.

Congratulations Team Nieuwenhof!