Big Apple Brilliance: Top Horses & Riders Shine at LGCT New York Showdown

The Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix brought world-class show jumping to Liberty State Park in the heart of New York this September. Against the dramatic Manhattan skyline, the LGCT New York 2025 leg became one of the season’s most anticipated stops. It was a rare chance for American fans to witness the sport’s best.

Gilles Thomas: Belgium’s Rising Force

At just 27 years old, Gilles Thomas has become one of Belgium’s brightest talents in the sport. Riding Qualista DN, a nine-year-old mare, Thomas secured the top spot in New York. He added another victory to a season already defined by his dominance on the international show jumping circuit.

Growing up in Mechelen, Belgium, Thomas trained under the guidance of his uncle Marc van Dijck. He quickly developed into one of Europe’s elite riders. His win in New York not only strengthened his championship lead but also cemented his reputation. He is a rider capable of delivering under the spotlight of major urban venues.

Thibault Philippaerts: A Debut to Remember

Finishing runner-up was Thibault Philippaerts, competing in his very first LGCT Grand Prix. Riding Pittman v/h Lilleveld, the 23-year-old Belgian made his family proud. The Philippaerts dynasty is legendary in the sport. His father Ludo is a past LGCT champion, and his brothers are also fierce competitors on the global stage.

For Thibault, this New York podium was a statement. It was a breakthrough performance that earned him a “Golden Ticket” to the LGCT Super Grand Prix in Prague. It also marked the beginning of what could be a long and decorated career in the equestrian athletes community.

Nadja Peter Steiner: A Swiss Return to Form

Switzerland’s Nadja Peter Steiner completed the podium aboard Nice van’t Zorgvliet. For Steiner, this marked her first podium finish at an LGCT Grand Prix — and it came after years of perseverance.

Trained early in Switzerland before relocating to Germany to learn under Olympic champion Lars Nieberg, Steiner has represented her nation at the European Championships. She even helped to secure a team bronze medal in 2017. Her resilience and determination have been central to her return. Her New York success proves that experience and patience can still deliver results at the highest level.

The Sacrifices Behind the Glamour

Behind the glamour of the Liberty State Park horse show, life on the LGCT circuit demands relentless sacrifice. Riders and their horses travel extensively across continents, adapting to new arenas, climates, and surfaces week after week. Maintaining peak horse welfare while navigating customs, long flights, and shipping stress is a constant challenge.

Financially, competing at this level requires immense investment. Training facilities, veterinary care, transportation, and staff costs add up quickly. Many riders depend on sponsorships to stay afloat. Mentally and physically, the demands are equally punishing. This includes dealing with time zone changes and balancing family commitments with a non-stop travel schedule.

Yet for athletes like Thomas, Philippaerts, and Nadja Peter Steiner, the sacrifices are worth it. Competing in rare LGCT New York events brings unmatched prestige and global exposure. Each rider who climbs the podium here knows they’ve earned not just points. They have also secured a place in one of the sport’s most iconic urban showcases.

Sources

• LGCT Official Results
• GC Global Champions — Grand Prix of New York Report
• Wikipedia — Gilles Thomas
• Rolex Series Equestrian — Nadja Peter Steiner Profile
• Horse Show Jumping TV — Nadja Peter Steiner

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