For the Norwegian and Belgian teams at the Longines FEI Jumping European Championships in Riesenbeck, it was all about family affairs. For Belgium, the 28-year-old twins Nicola and Olivier Philippaerts rode Le Blue Diamond v’T Ruytershof and Katanga v/h Dingeshof, while Victoria Gulliksen (29) on Papa Roach flew the flag for Norway and was supported by her brother Johan-Sebastian Gulliksen (25) who was the reserve rider for the team.  The Philippaerts-twins were around five when they first started to ride, their mother Veronique Philippaerts tells. “They did their first competitions when they were seven. First they did some regional shows. They competed nearly every weekend, and all their friends were there, riding with them. It was a very nice time!”  

 

“It has been such a long road and there has been so many ponies and horses during the years,” Veronique tells about the twins’ road to a major championship. “It is a special experience to be here with them now: They are twins, they are both part of the Belgian team. I hope the best for both of them.”  Although twins, the two are very different, Veronique tells. “They are not identical, they are unique – both in their riding and as personalities,” she tells. “They are super supportive of each other, but when they are in the ring they want to win themselves – but they are always there for each other. Being supportive is an important family value for us.” 

 

Elisabeth Gulliksen is also happy to be in Riesenbeck with her children. “They are hard workers, and I hope they will get the success they deserve,” she says. “For Victoria, it would be really nice if she made it to the individual final – she has worked so hard to get here. For Johan, it is good to see him here. He is supporting his sister and getting experience in a championship atmosphere is important for the future. The whole family is here for both of them.”  “Victoria was five when she started to ride at a local riding school with small ponies, Johan was a bit older,” Elisabeth continues to tell about the siblings’ career path. “Johan started to ride together with his best friend Pål Flam when he was around nine. Viola was Victoria’s first pony, Johan had a little chestnut – but that one would not jump, it would just stand still when you got on him!”, she laughs. “Johan was super active as a child: He was skiing and only rode in the summer time. Eventually, when Victoria started on horses, Johan took over her pony. In the ring they are competitive, but outside they are supporting each other. They are very good together.”  In Friday’s team final, Olivier and Nicolas jumped home the bronze medal, both delivering clear rounds for Belgium. Victoria continues to Sunday’s individual final carrying 8.96 points after three days of jumping.