A home show abroad

Although Lanaken lies on Belgian soil, it felt like home turf for Smit-Hoekstra. Friends, family, and supporters had traveled from Friesland to cheer her on.
“It felt like the whole of Friesland was here. Everyone was behind me, calling my name, and that gave me wings. This was a victory I achieved together with them,” she said, visibly emotional.

The rider praised her horse, who for her is more than just a competition partner:
“I’ve ridden many good horses in my career, but For Chacco is so clever, so fast, so special… this is truly unique. For me, he has always been the very best, but today he proved it to the world.”

For Smit-Hoekstra, the victory meant more than just a sporting achievement; it was a personal reward for years of dedication.
“I often compete in smaller international shows, because I don’t always get the chance to ride at three-star level. That makes this moment even more special. For Chacco has proven himself, and I’m eternally grateful to him,” she said afterwards.

A battle of hundredths

The jump-off was breathtakingly close. Just six hundredths of a second separated winner Smit-Hoekstra from Germany’s Patrick Stühlmeyer.
With Chaloubino PS OLD, Stühlmeyer delivered a near-perfect round in 46.19 seconds but had to settle for second place.
“My horse is only eight years old and doesn’t have much experience at this level,” he explained. “He jumped fantastically today, with so much carefulness and scope. Of course, afterwards you think maybe here or there it could have been a fraction faster. But honestly, I’m just proud. This was a great day.”

Stühlmeyer had another reason to be satisfied: his second mount, Baloutaire PS, also finished inside the top ten.

Ahlmann: focus on the future

The podium was completed by Christian Ahlmann, who took third with Untouched LB after a clear jump-off in 47.50 seconds. The experienced German mainly saw the class as a stepping stone towards the autumn season:
“It was a strong Grand Prix with many top horses. Untouched jumped brilliantly today. From here we look forward to Rome, where I’ll compete in the Global Champions Tour. After that, we’ll likely move on to the indoor season, maybe even some World Cup shows.”

30 years of Sires of the World

This year the event in Lanaken celebrates its 30th anniversary, adding extra shine to the competition. The Sires of the World is regarded as a unique showcase for approved stallions, who must prove themselves not only in sport but also in breeding.

Stühlmeyer underlined that importance: “This is one of the most important competitions of the year for stallions. It’s not just a sporting test, but also a showcase for breeders. Here you show what stallions have to offer: speed, scope, carefulness. Everything counts.”