For Bart Stokmans, this is the baptism of fire as the brand-new chairman. "For Belgium, this World Championship will be extra special," says Stokmans. "We are immensely proud that we will be represented in all disciplines, historically for the first time in vaulting as well. The names announced today were not chosen at random. All of them have traveled a long road spanning years of commitment."

Since 2002, Belgium has been strongly represented with medals at the various World Championships. Show jumping won gold in 2006 thanks to Jos Lansink, in 2010 thanks to Philippe Le Jeune, and bronze thanks to Jérôme Guery in Herning.

Evi Vereecke, Technical Director of Elite Sport at Paardensport Vlaanderen: "I am immensely proud of the journey we have taken in the lead-up to this World Championship. The World Championship in Aachen is extremely special. What is unique in the world is that various disciplines will be combined. Extra special is the mix between experience and opportunities for young and new talent. The confidence is there in the athletes; now it is up to them to deliver on that confidence." Vereecke's Walloon colleague adds that the World Championships are extra special because non-Olympic disciplines will also compete.

National Technical Director Wendy Laeremans looks with particular pride at the fact that 42 Belgian combinations will take to the start. "We must also not lose sight of the fact that for the Olympic and Paralympic disciplines, these World Championships will also be the first step for Belgium to qualify across all four teams. For dressage, this means a top-seven finish including the USA, and for the other disciplines, a top-eight finish including the USA."

Selected Show Jumping Riders

  • Nicola Philippaerts – Katanga vh Dingeshof (Cardento, breeder: Familie Vermeulen)

  • Abdel Saïd – Quaker de Brimbelles (Quicksilver St Simeon, breeder: Haras de Brimbelles)

  • Pieter Devos – Casual DV (Cornet Obolensky, breeder: Devos Stables)

  • Thibeau Spits – Impress-K van 't Kattenheye (Indoktro-K van 't Kattenheye, breeders: Tony & Mieke Raman)

traveling reserve is Emilie Conter with her trusted Portobella vd Fruitkorf.

Peter Weinberg: "Making this selection was really not easy. We have an immense number of good riders... so making choices was difficult. Our first ambition is one or two medals, followed by qualification for LA."

Pieter Devos is also pleased with the selection: "We are all riders who compete at the highest level weekly. We all have experience at this level and that is important, especially for Aachen. We have a very good team and great team spirit."

For Abdel Saïd, this is his first opportunity to represent Belgium at a championship: "I am extremely proud to be able to represent Belgium in Aachen."

Thibeau Spits had the final word: "I've had a good season, but in Aachen, we all start back at zero—we mustn't forget that!"