Exclusive interview with Gilles Thomas: from Lanaken to the world stage

ph. Stefano Secchi

The winning combination: Gilles Thomas and Luna van het Dennehof

Belgian rider Gilles Thomas once again proved his extraordinary talent by winning the 2024 Belgian Championship at Lanaken. Riding his trusted mare Luna van het Dennehof, Gilles secured the title for the second time, underscoring the vital role his team has played in his success. Luna’s story is special—she is the daughter of Valencia, who finished second in the same championship years earlier under the guidance of Gilles’ uncle, Marc Van Dijck.

Ermitage Kalone: a special partner

Another standout horse in Gilles’ career is Ermitage Kalone, a stallion known for his powerful jumps and elegance. Sired by the legendary Catoki, Ermitage has a remarkable pedigree, with his dam, Bellaventure Kalone, coming from a prestigious line of showjumpers.

Catoki’s career highlights include wins in the CSI5*-W Grand Prix of Bordeaux and the CSI5* in Vigo, as well as second place in Helsinki, third in Oslo, and top-six finishes in Stuttgart and Leipzig, before winning the Nations Cup at Hickstead.

After winning the Belgian Championship, where Ermitage Kalone dazzled with his technique, style, and effortless jumps, he has become one of the most sought-after and talked-about stallions worldwide.

Paris 2024, a turning point in Gilles Thomas’ career

The couple’s most notable achievement was undoubtedly the recent Olympic Games in Paris. Together with Wilm Vermeir on Iq Van Het Steentje and Jérôme Guery on Quel Homme de Hus, they secured 8th place in the team competition. Despite two faults in the first round of the team competition, Thomas kept his composure and finished the second round with a flawless clear round, designed by the renowned Santiago Varela. On the individual level, he achieved a commendable 15th place.

This year, Gilles Thomas achieved a remarkable first-place finish in the Global Champions League of Madrid, competing alongside the legendary John Whitaker for the Valkenswaard United team (see “John Whitaker and Gilles Thomas win GCL Madrid for Valkenswaard United by narrowest of margins“). Additionally, he triumphed in the 2024 Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix in Shanghai (see “Gilles Thomas wins the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix in Shangai“).

Personality and ambition: looking ahead to Los Angeles 2028

Ermitage Kalone has been a key player in Gilles’ rise to the top of the sport. Now, the focus shifts to the future—particularly the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, where Ermitage, at 14 years old, will be in his prime. Gilles is planning to give him a well-deserved rest before ramping up preparations for this prestigious event.

Gilles’s team spirit and attention to detail, such as the care of his horses, have been essential to his success. Despite his young age, he remains one of the most promising and respected figures in world showjumping.

Meet Thomas at Lanaken 2024 – Winner of the Belgian Championship

Born in 1998, he grew up in a family deeply involved in the equestrian world, with his uncle Marc van Dijck playing a key role in his training and career.

In 2016 he was named Belgian Talent of the Year and since then his career has only progressed. In 2017 he made his debut in five-star racing and in 2022 he reached a new milestone, winning his first five-star Grand Prix at Hickstead.

In the same year, he also helped Belgium win the Nations Cup final in Barcelona, securing a place for Belgium at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

His riding style is calm and strategic, with a focus on a wide range of factors. He concentrates on building confidence in his horses, and this approach has earned him praise from riding veterans such as Jérôme Guery and Gregory Wathelet.

You started riding at a very young age. At what age did you start competing?

I started very early, at the age of 7. I was already competing and I was always riding with my uncle. I didn’t have many ponies, and I stopped riding ponies when I was 7 because my uncle had so many horses and I preferred to concentrate on them.’

You have had a lot of success, what are the achievements you are most proud of?

I won the junior individual title once and with the team I won four medals. I have competed in eight European Championships. One of the horses that gave me the most satisfaction was Conaro, a Holsteiner, with whom I also won the Belgian junior championship.’

How did your relationship with Hermitage begin?

He belongs to a cousin of my uncle, who got him when he was only one year old. When he was six years old, he came to me and the following year I participated in Lanaken. I knew from the first moment that he was a very special horse.

What was the moment when you felt you had a special bond with Hermitage?

At the age of eight we really found a special feeling. He was still a bit inexperienced, but despite that he did so much that year. When he was 9, he won the Belgian championship, it was really fantastic’.

And now? What are your plans?

He did the Olympics, so I think it’s best to let him rest for a while. I won’t ride him this winter, but I’ll definitely come back to him.ù

What do others say about this high-performance stallion?

Everyone always said he was a special horse. And they were right.

Speaking of other successes, you have also achieved important results with other horses. Can you tell us about them?

Yes, I qualified for Shanghai with Luna. Then I was second in Cannes and third in Madrid with Hermitage. These are results of which I am very proud.

When you are not competing, do you prefer to ride your own horses?

When I’m at home, I prefer my uncle to ride the horses, I trust him a lot.

What do you expect from the future with Ermitage?

‘I want to rest Ermitage for a while, I want to prepare him for Los Angeles, because he will already be 14 years old then. I also have a two-year-old foal by Hermitage and Luna that looks very promising.

Do you have any riders you particularly admire?

Definitely Marcus Ehning and Niels Bruynseels. They are two great riders who inspire me.

Riding horses requires a lot of sacrifices. How do you experience them?

Sacrifices are easy when you have a good horse. When you have such a partner, everything becomes easier.

Is there a particular competition that you dream of competing in?

I hope to go to Aachen, it’s one of the competitions I’d like to do the most.

How is your relationship with your Chef d’Equipe?

I have a very good relationship with Peter Weinberg. He is strict but he really wants to pass on everything he knows.

What are your future goals in racing?

‘I want to take part in the Belgian championship, because I feel the public is close to me, and also in the Grand Prix, because they really give me a lot of satisfaction.

My thanks to this man who, with the gold medal still in his hand, wanted to share his emotions with HSJ.

As Gilles spoke with HSJ, still holding his gold medal, it was clear that his journey was far from over. With his modest demeanor and fierce determination, he continues to be one of the most exciting talents in the world of showjumping.

Rita Leo Verheyden

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