Under the calm sunshine of Zutendaal, Pierre Arnould set the record straight. Belgian endurance champion in 2026, twenty-nine years after his first title, the Belgian rider delivers a comeback as improbable as it is symbolic. A victory built over 160 kilometers, a mare close to his heart… and a battered path that has finally found its direction again.
A deceptive championship, a very real victory
On Friday, May 1st, in Limburg, the setting had all the makings of a perfect playground: gentle sunshine, fast tracks, and a relaxed atmosphere. In Zutendaal, just behind the facilities of Zangersheide, the Belgian endurance championship was contested over the premier event: 160 kilometers.
Fourteen riders at the start, five nations represented, but on the Belgian side, the field quickly thinned out. Very thinned out.
« The only Belgian who finishes is me ” sums up the founder of Écurie des Alizés, without beating around the bush.
Fourth in the international race, but the only national finisher, he logically claims the title. A victory with a particular, almost raw taste: no final duel, just a race of attrition where survival was the key.
Gibson Al Ondrel, the mare of bonds and legacy
At the heart of this success is a mare with a deeply emotional pedigree: Gibson Al Ondrel, 10 years old. Gibson Al Ondrel, 10 years old.
Born in the family breeding program founded by his late brother, she represents far more than just a sporting partner. A story of transmission, almost continuity.
« She was originally Karin’s horse ,” Arnould explains, referring to his partner Karine Boulanger, already a five-time Belgian champion. She had in fact won the title with this same mare two years ago
A reliable, experienced horse, capable of handling the distance. In short, the logical choice for aiming high.
AlUla, the defining failure
A few months earlier, the destination was AlUla. Arnould was invited to compete there, future host of the World Championship.
Problem: no horse after losing Jadara’h to colic.
Solution: Gibson.
Result: elimination 20 km from the finish.
But behind the failure came a realization: the mare was at the level.
« We were very happy with what she showed. »
Enough to restart the momentum, and set sights on Zutendaal.
A victory that opens doors… with no guarantees
With this performance over 160 km, Arnould checks a crucial box: eligibility for the World Championships.
But eligible doesn’t mean selected.
« I’m not in the selector’s inner circle. »
Same situation for Karine, who has two qualified horses. The couple could find themselves together, or crossing paths. Nothing has been decided yet.
Back to the top, 25 years later
What stands out most is not the title. It’s the timing.
Arnould had stepped away from top-level sport in 2001. Returning to competition at the end of 2022, he has been stacking results ever since.
And above all, he has come a long way back.
Entangled in proceedings with the Fédération Équestre Internationale, he had to defend his integrity before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Verdict: 100% cleared.
A year of battle. A reputation to rebuild.
So inevitably, this title tastes different.
« It tastes better than the one I won 29 years ago. »
A Belgian endurance dynasty
Behind the individual victory lies a family story.
Karine: 5 titles
Pierre : 2 titles.
The brother: 1 title
The daughter: 1 title
The nephew: 1 title
Total: 10 national titles within the same family.
A dynasty. Nothing less.
In a discipline where everything comes down to management, patience, and resilience, Pierre Arnould has just delivered a victory in his own image. Not spectacular. Not flashy.
But solid, built step by step, and deeply meaningful.
The kind of title that does more than fill a line on a résumé. The kind that puts a career back on track.
(Photos © Private collection)