How do you build an equestrian city just across the harbor from Manhattan?
It was no small task for the Longines Global Champions Tour of New York, which (despite its name) actually was held at New Jersey’s Liberty State Park this weekend, at a site that was chosen for more than the view.
Jessica Springsteen, Don Juan van de Donkhoeve and the Statue of Liberty.
What is known as “the Green Ring,” normally a blank slate of grass, became a real ring. It was transformed into an arena surrounded by grandstands and VIP areas at the front of the house, which was supported by stabling under the trees, a warm-up area and offices.
The sensational backdrop involved skyscrapers and the Statue of Liberty, although that lady missed out on the action because as always, her back was turned to New Jersey
The standing-room-only crowd cheered riders such as Nayel Nassar on Little Magic d’Asschaut competing in the dramatic setting of the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix.
Planning began in November for the show — the fanciest international jumping competition in New Jersey since the National Horse Show was held at the Meadowlands from 1989-1995.
There were 17 or 18 different drafts of the design for the venue. The project was a massive effort under the guidance of GCT’s technical director, Colm McKay. With no water or electrical service, hydrants supplied the former and generators the latter. Having a show at a state facility also meant lots of paperwork and permits.
It took 12 days to create the venue, and Colm’s crew is required to have it taken down in five days.
“Until you do the event one time, you can’t really explain what it’s going to be like,” he said.
Colm McKay, GCT technical director. Note the Statue of Liberty in the background.
“We know there’s room for improvement, but the future looks bright,” noted Colm, who is talking about a long-term commitment to the site.
GCT has shows in many other landmark cities, including Paris (by the Eiffel Tower), London and Prague.
Focusing on New Jersey, Colm already is thinking about improvements for next year, including more seating (everything but standing room was sold out for the grand prix).
Guests in the GC Lounge had a great view of riders jumping a panel showing the George Washington Bridge, as Belgium’s Thibeau Spits did here on Impress-K.
Those connected with the park in Jersey City weren’t familiar with horse sports, so part of Colm’s mission involved telling them what the production involved. Aside from the competition, which also included 2-star classes, there were a number of attractions geared to pleasing the public.
Among them were a variety of other activities and attractions including dog agility, a Harlem gospel choir and classes for kids. (One little pony rider told me she was thrilled to have her photo taken with show jumper Jessica Springsteen, who by the way is a native of New Jersey.)
The competition, which began Thursday, concluded in idyllic weather on the last full day of summer with a 5-star grand prix worth 300,609 Euros ($352,000) that drew riders from Europe, South America and of course, the U.S.
The Belgians had the biggest contingent, with one-quarter of the 40 grand prix starters from the nation that won the European Show Jumping Championships in July.
Longines GCT Grand Prix winner Gilles Thomas and Qalista DN. (Photo © 2025 by Nancy Jaffer)
So it was no surprise that five of the 11 riders who made the jump-off were Belgian, with that nation’s Gilles Thomas winning on Qalista DN in 31.03 seconds. His countryman, Thibeau Philippaerts — whose brothers Olivier and Nicola also were in the class — came in second aboard Pittman V/H Lilleveld in 31.72 seconds. The patriarch of the family is Ludo Philippaerts, a legendary rider in his heyday.
Thibault Philippaerts and Pittman v/h Lilleveld. (Photo © 2025 by Nancy Jaffer)
The first round had a tight time allowed of 70 seconds, and designer Bernardo Costa Cabral made that factor count, with five riders having their clean trips over the fences marred by penalties on the clock
Gilles, next-to-last in the tiebreaker, nailed victory with an inspired round in 31.03 seconds aboard a 9-year-old mare, by Emerald van ‘t Ruytershof, that he has had for only a year.
“She does it so easy and is also very quick in the jump-off,” he observed.
I asked Gilles why the Belgian riders are becoming dominant, and he gave me the answer right away.
“I think at the moment we have very good horses in Belgium and now we can keep them a bit longer. Before, we always had to sell them. We have a few very good owners who want to do the sport; also the prize money is getting more and more.”
He noted, “Every good result gives a bit of confidence; if the rider is confident, the horse also gets the confidence.”
It was Gilles’ first trip to New York and, of course, New Jersey (where riders stayed in a Jersey City hotel to be closer to their horses.)
There were fun trips to Manhattan, which impressed Gilles.
“For sure it’s an amazing city. I saw it on television but when you see it in the real, it’s a fantastic city.”
Thibault smiled wearing the second place sash but noted wistfully, “I was very close to a dream. Gilles was there again.”
He was quick to add, “The horse is amazing. I’m so happy for him,” Thibault emphasized about the 10-year-old son of Diamant de Semilly.
“He deserves everything.”
Belgians Gilles Thomas and Thibault Philippaerts take their lap of honor. (Photo © 2025 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
Swiss rider Nadja Peter Steiner was overjoyed to be third in 32.69 with Nice van’t Zorgvliet, a 12-year-old Belgian mare by Emerald who wasn’t being used as part of the Belgian tidal wave.
“To come here was an honor,” said the rider, adding, “it’s a real special show with an atmosphere that was amazing. We never see something like this in Europe.”
Nadja gave a big hug to Nice when she finished her round. The mare was ridden by Olympic individual gold medalist Christian Kukuk until the end of June, 2024.
Nadja Peter Steiner of Switzerland had a big hug for Nice van’t Zorgvliet after her jump-off round.(Photo © 2025 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
While she noted, “all my horses are really special,” she added, “Nice is such a fighter. She gives all of her heart each time you go in the ring.”
The U.S. contingent was thin on big names, what with the Gold Cup being contested in Michigan and the Longines League of Nations in St. Tropez, France. Natalie Dean was the only American to qualify for the tiebreaker; she finished eighth with 4 faults on Crescendo MB Z.
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