Gregory Wathelet; "you can never have enough top horses..."

He is the top show jumper of the Belgian team. Only aged 35-year-old, Gregory Wathelet has a well managed stable with top horses to ride. Although  the sale of Conrad de Hus (by Con Air), earlier this week,  might change Wathelet's Olympic dream, the  European Silver Medal -winner can still count on his fair share of top horses.

This amazing horse was one of the key-elements to Wathelet's success. "Conrad had a special mind of his own. I don't know if Conrad could feel it, or if it was the hard work paying off, but on every time we had to score, we scored." states Wathelet. "Conrad is one of those exceptional horses that have the right mind set."

Lucky for Gregory Wathelet he has some other prospects stabled at his place.  Today Wathelet can count on two "Citizenguard" horses. Toscan de Sainte Hermelle and Taalex. "Both are very different. I only competed Toscan in the lower classes in Oliva. He also jumped some classes with some of my riders. It's a horse with unseen qualities, respect and awareness for the job. But we plan to rebuild his competitive agenda slowly. I don't want to force or burn this horse."

"Taalex is totally different," continues Wathelet. "We have some more experience as a team. Needless to say I know him a bit better as Toscan. In Zürich he showed me what he's capable of, so I'm happy I start to earn his respect. I plan to jump Taalex in the bigger classes, but first we need to finalize our communication."  Recently the pair showed their worth at the CSI5* Al Shaqab. It might be premature, but maybe Wathelet has found his Olympic replacement for Conrad in Taalex.

 

 

Apart from some other prospects Wathelt has a nice lot of 8 -and  9-year-old horses stabled. According to the show jumper all of them are qualitative. "But I share those horses with my other riders. They need to be able to compete as well. It's important for their personal training and development."

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Isn't it hard to work with so many different horse owners? Every horse owner has his/her own opinion on where the horses should jump or with whom it should be trained?

The moment someone decides to let me ride their horse, they should know we are a team. It's in everyone's interest to have multiple horses and owners. I don't like horse owners who pressure me and their horse in deciding the competition schedule. It's up to me to take the responsibility to set up a well structured agenda for the horses. Luckily I don't have this problem at the moment. The horse owners think alike and see us as a team. We make up the program in favor of the horses.

I am lucky to be invited on most shows in the world. This gives me the opportunity to switch horses from one to another competition. It's a luxury to be able to ride at so many shows and have acces to so many great horses. Although you never have enough good horses. It's better too have to much as too few. This of course is a contradiction as there is only one rider. Therefore our horse owners sometimes have to understand another rider might jump their horse.

Why do so many people trust you with their horse?

I think this is mostly due to my openness. I'm very approchable and open for propositions. For sure my results from the last months attract horse owners as well.  But it's all in being humble and continue hard work. I still teach a lot, not only does this allow me to develop my teaching skills, but it also allows me to discover new (young) horses. It's thanks to horse owners and young horses my future can be secured.

To conclude, If you could choose one; What is your dream horse?

If someone asked me to choose 2 or 3 horses, the first one I go look for is Cortes C (currently ridden by Beezie Madden). Also Forlap DC ( currently under the saddle of René Tebbel) would be on the list. Both without a doubt. These two horses are exceptional. I always loved them and would welcome them with open arms in my stables ;-) .