A Change in the Saddle: Belgium’s Thomas following in Uncle Marc’s footsteps (2/6)
Throughout the season, and just as it does every year, the CHIG newsletter is bringing you a series of articles on a specific theme. The focus for 2025 is jumping’s new generation of riders, the sons and daughters of, who are making it not because of who they are but because of their talent. In this year’s second instalment, we put the spotlight on a slightly different kind of family tie, namely a very close uncle-nephew relationship that has led to the emergence of one of the brightest stars of his generation.
To read the first issue of our series on equestrian dynasties, click here:
Master and pupil
Let’s wind back to a little less than seven months, to the Rolex Grand Prix jump-off at last year’s CHI Geneva, when rider after rider fell short of the blistering time set by the Netherlands’ Harrie Smolders on Monaco and failed to go clear. There was one, however, who quietly impressed en route to a superb third place on board Ermitage Kalone. His name was Gilles Thomas, a young Belgian rider whose smooth riding, warm smile and Flemish-tinged French earned him the admiration of the crowd.
Behind the curtain stood his proud uncle Marc van Dijck, who has supported him from the day one. Twenty-four years earlier, on another Sunday in that same arena, Van Dijck secured one half of a Belgian one-two with compatriot Ludo Philippaerts in the main event, the Rolex Classic [in those days the Grand Prix was held on the Saturday afternoon].
A former mainstay of the Belgium team, Van Dijck has played a key role throughout his nephew’s career. Having spent a lot of time together practising and talking know-how, the two relatives have formed a close bond that has proved highly productive. Still only 26, Thomas is one of the biggest breakthrough stars of the last few years and will be wearing the red jacket at the upcoming European Championships in A Coruña, in mid-July.
Memories of Aachen
Just a few days after teaming up with Ermitage Kalone to pull off a stunning win in the Grand Prix 5* in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris and between events at a 2* competition in his native Belgium, Thomas spoke to us on the phone, cheery of voice and in near-perfect French. Ever eager to talk about the man who taught him everything and has had as big an impact on him as anyone, the young rider quickly cast his mind back, recalling his uncle’s excellent third place in the Rolex Grand Prix at Aachen in 2004. “I remember running like crazy to congratulate him when he came back from the arena,” recalls Thomas. “I was so happy for him. I was only 4 and my parents were panicking because they couldn’t find me (laughs). That’s probably the first clear memory I have of horses, competition, and what brings Marc and us together.”
For Thomas, it was the start of a passion, a strong bond, and a calling. “I don’t think I’ve ever asked myself if I can do anything else. I’ve always wanted to be a rider. Marc has encouraged me the whole time and has been a huge support. He often kept his good horses a little longer so I could benefit from their experience and have a go on them. When I was competing in children’s and then junior events, he gave me all this sound advice and some quality rides.”
So, what’s the best piece of advice he’s ever had from him? “To stay calm. When I was younger, I just wanted to win the whole time. He taught me that the most important thing was the Sunday, preparing for the event and putting in all the work that’s needed. These days, I don’t push it as much, which I think has allowed me to have more success in the Nations Cup, for example, and to be in the mix at big events.”
Thomas perfected his skills at his uncle’s stables in Nieuwenrode, 20 kilometres outside Brussels. When the young Belgian rider flies the nest to gain some experience with his fellow countryman Niels Bruynseels, it is only for a few weeks at a time: “I have a lot of horses to take out at home, so it’s hard to be away for too long.” Van Dijck continues to teach him the basics at the family stables and ride from time to time. “When I’m not around, like this week, and I haven’t got Ermitage or Luna with me, for example, he always takes care of them,” explains Thomas. “And when he gives me advice, it helps that he’s ridden my horses before, because he understands how it might feel for me.”
The importance of dressage
Now 65, Marc no longer jumps, though dressage has always been more important to him than anything else, something he has instilled in his nephew: “He gives me a lot of lessons on the flat now, and we jump very little at home. I think I’ve picked up his riding style a little. You can see it when I come out into the arena. I always try for my horses to be well trained.” It is no surprise to learn, then, that one of Thomas’ idols is the metronomic Marcus Ehning, who is admired as much for his outstanding dressage skills as his riding. Over the last few years, the German rider has even become a mentor to the young Belgian, who has no hesitation in picking his brains when he needs to. “I see him as a friend and we speak a lot,” says Thomas with pride. “I can really count on him.”
Thomas has been spreading his wings for the last two years or so, managing his schedule and horses himself. “Marc told me that it was time for me to learn (laughs). If I have any queries, I ask him, but I get a call from him straightaway if he thinks I’ve made a bad decision. I’ve got some experience now and I don’t need him as much, but he’s always there. We know each other inside out and he never switches off in any case. I’ve seen him on days off watching stuff on ClipMyHorse for hour after hour.”
Uncle Marc is also spending more and more time training other riders, which means he’s less available to join his nephew at competition time. When there is a big event on, however, he is invariably there, rushing from the sidelines to congratulate Thomas, excitedly but always discreetly. “At the Olympic Games, I could see he was very proud of me. It’s a lovely memory to have,” says Thomas.
One day the young Belgian might find himself performing that same role for his cousin Ines van Dijck, Marc’s daughter. In fact, he brings our call to an end because he has to walk a course with her, proof if it were needed that riding really is a family affair.
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