Jumping Mechelen: FEI World Cup in Jumping, Dressage and Driving

Jumping Mechelen at a glance

Jumping Mechelen, also known as Vlaanderens Kerstjumping – Memorial Eric Wauters, traditionally takes place between Christmas and New Year in Mechelen, Belgium.

The event combines three international FEI World Cups with an extensive supporting programme. More than 70 competitions and shows are held across two arenas over five days. Alongside elite sport, young riders, amateurs, breeders and young horses are also given a stage.

Event: Jumping Mechelen – FEI World Cup™ Jumping-Dressage-Driving
Venue: Nekkerhal, Mechelen, Belgium
Dates: traditionally 26 to 30 December
Disciplines: jumping, dressage and four-in-hand driving
Highlights: Longines FEI Jumping World Cup, FEI Dressage World Cup and FEI Driving World Cup
Character: international indoor event combining World Cup sport, youth competitions, shows and breeding-related classes

For 2026, the event is listed on ClipMyHorse.TV as FEI World Cup™ Jumping-Dressage-Driving 2026-2027 I WEL – Mechelen.
You can watch Jumping Mechelen live on ClipMyHorse.TV, including the World Cup competitions in jumping, dressage and driving.

Jumping Mechelen as an end-of-year World Cup classic

While many international venues take a break over the festive period, the indoor season reaches one of its traditional highlights in Mechelen. For more than four decades, the event has stood for international equestrian sport between Christmas and the turn of the year.

This date is a defining part of the event’s identity. The Nekkerhal combines the atmosphere of a major indoor show with festive decorations, packed grandstands and a programme ranging from youth sport to World Cup competitions.

The organisers therefore describe Jumping Mechelen as an “Equestrian Christmas Party”. Yet the sporting level remains at the centre of the event: World Cup points, demanding jumping courses, Grand Prix Freestyle and high-speed four-in-hand driving create different highlights across several days.

With more than 85,000 visitors in recent editions, Jumping Mechelen is also one of Belgium’s most popular equestrian events.

Longines FEI Jumping World Cup in Mechelen

The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup in Mechelen is one of the sporting highlights of the entire event.

Mechelen is a leg of the Western European League of the FEI Jumping World Cup. The Western European League is one of the strongest World Cup series and leads through several major indoor shows towards the season-ending World Cup Final.

For the riders, Mechelen is therefore about more than winning a prestigious five-star class. Valuable World Cup points are also available for qualification for the Final.

The World Cup competition is traditionally held over a demanding course at the highest international level. Only fault-free combinations usually qualify for the jump-off, where speed, tight turns and calculated risk decide the result.

The 2025 edition showed just how dramatic the competition can be. Only five combinations qualified for the jump-off, and none of them remained fault-free there. In the end, Belgian rider Gilles Thomas claimed victory in front of his home crowd.

German riders are also closely linked with the history of the competition. Christian Ahlmann has already won the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup in Mechelen three times.

FEI Dressage World Cup in Mechelen

Dressage also has a permanent place at Jumping Mechelen. The FEI Dressage World Cup brings international Grand Prix combinations to the Nekkerhal.

The sporting format consists of the Grand Prix and the decisive Grand Prix Freestyle. In the Freestyle, riders combine Grand Prix-level movements with individually arranged music and choreography.

The atmosphere is therefore very different from the jumping competition. While jumping is decided by time and faults, dressage focuses on factors such as suppleness, precision, expression and the quality of the movements.

In 2025, the World Cup dressage became a special success for the Belgian crowd. Larissa Pauluis and Flambeau first won the Grand Prix with 73.91 percent and then also claimed victory in the World Cup Freestyle. With 82.975 percent, the pair achieved a personal best in the Freestyle.

This makes Jumping Mechelen a particularly good example of how different World Cup sport can look within a single event.

FEI Driving World Cup in Mechelen

The third World Cup at Jumping Mechelen belongs to the four-in-hand drivers.

The FEI Driving World Cup in Mechelen is held indoors and combines speed with precision. Drivers have to guide four horses through a compact course featuring cones, obstacles and tight turns.

Unlike traditional outdoor marathon driving, the courses are shorter and the atmosphere is more immediate. Music, high speed and the proximity of the spectators make indoor driving one of the most dynamic parts of the event.

The Driving World Cup has been part of the programme at the Nekkerhal since 2001 and traditionally forms one of the final major highlights of Jumping Mechelen.

Among the most successful drivers in Mechelen are world-class names such as Boyd Exell, Bram Chardon and Koos de Ronde. Exell has already celebrated five World Cup victories in Mechelen, while de Ronde has also been successful there on several occasions.

This discipline shows particularly clearly why the name Jumping Mechelen only tells part of the story: the event has long since become a multi-discipline World Cup show.

Programme and special highlights at Jumping Mechelen

The programme at Jumping Mechelen extends far beyond the three World Cup competitions.

In jumping, a variety of international CSI classes are a regular part of the schedule. Special formats also appear, such as the BMW Masters, in which the fences are raised as the competition progresses, and the Léon Melchior Open Sires of the World, an international class for approved stallions competing in sport.

Another international highlight is the final of the FEI Jumping Ponies’ Trophy. The series gives young pony riders the opportunity to gain experience at major international indoor events. In 2025, Sophia Aurelia George and Berlioz d’Henann won the final in Mechelen.

Youth development also plays an important role away from the major international classes. The JM Indoor Masters are aimed at local riders and talents, while competitions for young horses and loose jumping create a direct link to Belgian sport horse breeding.

The programme is complemented by the JM Kids Day, show elements, an auction and the JM Feest. As a result, Jumping Mechelen appeals not only to visitors who come for a specific World Cup class, but also to families, breeders and fans of different equestrian disciplines.

This mixture is a key part of the event concept: World Cup sport sits alongside youth development, breeding and entertainment within the same show.

International world-class sport in Mechelen

The exact line-up at Jumping Mechelen changes from year to year. For that reason, a fixed participant list is not useful in an evergreen article.

What remains constant is the sporting level.

The World Cup competitions regularly attract internationally successful show jumpers, dressage riders and four-in-hand drivers to Belgium. In recent years, Olympic medallists, World Cup Final winners and championship riders have all competed in the Nekkerhal. In driving, World and European Champions are also regular members of the field.

At the same time, Jumping Mechelen places great importance on Belgian athletes. Home riders are given the opportunity to compete against international opposition in front of a large Belgian crowd.

The 2025 edition produced several memorable home victories: Gilles Thomas won the Jumping World Cup, while Larissa Pauluis and Flambeau claimed the Dressage World Cup for Belgium.

Current entries are usually published shortly before the event in the official programme, start lists and live results.

Results and winners at Jumping Mechelen

Longines FEI Jumping World Cup

2025: Gilles Thomas won the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup in Mechelen. Only five combinations reached the jump-off, and although none remained fault-free there, the Belgian rider secured victory in front of his home crowd.

One of the multiple winners is Christian Ahlmann, who has won the World Cup in Mechelen three times.

FEI Dressage World Cup

2025: Larissa Pauluis and Flambeau won both the Grand Prix and the World Cup Freestyle. In the Freestyle, the Belgian combination scored 82.975 percent.

FEI Driving World Cup

Several drivers have left a lasting mark on the indoor driving competition in Mechelen. Boyd Exell has already won the Driving World Cup there five times. Koos de Ronde and Bram Chardon are also among the drivers who have shaped the event over the years.

Current results from each edition are published via the official results services during the event.

Tickets, travel and venue

Jumping Mechelen takes place at the Nekkerhal in Mechelen, Belgium.

The indoor venue has been the home of the event for decades. Because the competitions are held indoors, the show can take place independently of winter weather, while spectators enjoy a compact arena and close proximity to the sport.

Tickets are offered for different days and sessions. The most popular programme sections can sell out early. In 2025, for example, tickets for the session featuring the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup were in particularly high demand.

In addition to standard grandstand seats, the event also offers hospitality and VIP options. Since ticket categories, prices, parking rules and access routes may change from year to year, visitors should always check the current information provided by the organiser before travelling.

The location of Mechelen is also convenient geographically. The Belgian city lies between Brussels and Antwerp and is therefore relatively easy to reach from different parts of Belgium, the Netherlands and western Germany.

History and significance of Jumping Mechelen

Jumping Mechelen looks back on more than four decades of equestrian history.

Under the name Vlaanderens Kerstjumping – Memorial Eric Wauters, the event developed from a Belgian Christmas show into an international meeting point for indoor equestrian sport. Young riders, amateurs and international top athletes remain part of the concept to this day.

The connection with Eric Wauters is an important part of the event’s identity. The Belgian show jumper won Olympic medals and was closely linked with the development of the event. Jumping Mechelen continues to honour him through the Memorial.

Over the years, new sporting levels were added. In particular, the integration of three FEI World Cups turned Mechelen into one of the most diverse international indoor events at the end of the year.

Frequently asked questions about Jumping Mechelen

What is Jumping Mechelen?

Jumping Mechelen is an international indoor equestrian event in Mechelen, Belgium. It combines FEI World Cups in jumping, dressage and four-in-hand driving with international classes, youth sport, shows and breeding-related competitions.

When does Jumping Mechelen take place?

Jumping Mechelen traditionally takes place from 26 to 30 December, between Christmas and New Year. The 2026 edition is also scheduled for 26 to 30 December.

Where does Jumping Mechelen take place?

The event is held at the Nekkerhal in Mechelen, Belgium.

Which disciplines are featured at Jumping Mechelen?

The three main disciplines are show jumping, dressage and four-in-hand driving. FEI World Cup competitions are held in all three disciplines.

Is there a Jumping World Cup at Jumping Mechelen?

Yes. The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup in Mechelen is part of the Western European League and one of the major competitions of the event. Riders can collect points there towards qualification for the World Cup Final.

Is there dressage at Jumping Mechelen?

Yes. Jumping Mechelen hosts an FEI Dressage World Cup with a Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle.

Is there a Driving World Cup at Jumping Mechelen?

Yes. The FEI Driving World Cup for four-in-hand drivers has been part of the programme since 2001 and traditionally provides one of the most spectacular highlights at the end of the event.

Where can I watch Jumping Mechelen live?

The international competitions at Jumping Mechelen can be watched via ClipMyHorse.TV and FEI.TV.

Where can I find Jumping Mechelen results?

Start lists and Jumping Mechelen results are published during the event via the official programme and the relevant live results services.

What does the Jumping Mechelen programme include?

The programme features more than 70 competitions and shows in two arenas. Highlights include the three FEI World Cups, international jumping classes, the FEI Jumping Ponies’ Trophy, youth and amateur competitions, and classes for young horses and stallions.

Are tickets available for Jumping Mechelen?

Yes. Tickets are available for different days and sessions. As World Cup sessions can sell out early, it is worth checking availability well in advance.

Who won the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup in Mechelen in 2025?

Belgian rider Gilles Thomas won the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup in Mechelen in 2025 in front of his home crowd.

Who won the FEI Dressage World Cup in Mechelen in 2025?

Larissa Pauluis and Flambeau won the 2025 World Cup Freestyle in Mechelen with 82.975 percent. The pair had also won the Grand Prix beforehand.

Why is Jumping Mechelen special?

Jumping Mechelen combines three FEI World Cups within a five-day indoor event. International jumping, dressage and driving are complemented by youth and amateur sport, breeding competitions, shows and the distinctive atmosphere between Christmas and New Year.