Elle flottait dans l’air depuis des mois, cette victoire. Comme un parfum de revanche après une série de podiums à la fois gratifiants et frustrants et une attente depuis la victoire à Riesenbeck en 2024. Cette fois, pas de calcul : Thibeau Spits et Impress-K van’t Kattenheye Z ont mis tout le monde d’accord dans le Grand Prix 5* de Fontainebleau. Un barrage à six, des cadors piégés… et un seul double sans-faute. Celui d’un Belge de 25 ans qui n’a jamais lâché son cheval.
A step-by-step jump-off
Six came back. Six still had a shot. But Fontainebleau quickly reminded everyone: jump-offs aren’t written for fairy tales.
The tone was set from the very first stride. Mégane Moissonnier , first to go with Crooner Tame, showed intent and speed—but the course didn’t forgive. Eight faults. Message sent.
Next in, Scott Brash with Hello Mango. And then, the shock. The master of jump-offs completely unraveled: three rails down, twelve faults. Suddenly, no one looked safe.
Third to go, Thibeau Spits entered the ring, and didn’t hesitate. A smooth, sharp, flawless round. Zero faults. In that moment, the pressure shifted massively onto the rest of the field.
Pressure builds, rails fall
Three riders left. And not just any riders.
Martin Fuchs tried to answer with Conner Jei. Close, but not enough. One rail down. Four faults.
Même verdict pour Pieter Devos avec Casual DV Z. Huit points au total, et la victoire qui s’éloigne.
That left Marie Demonte, last to go with Forban de Béliard. The suspense was still alive, but perfection slipped away again. Four faults. Time wouldn’t save it.
From the stands to the arena edge, it was clear: No one would beat it.
Spits was the only one to crack the jump-off.
A Win That Feels Inevitable
In truth, this victory had been coming. Not officially, of course, but everyone could feel it.
For months, Impress-K van’t Kattenheye Z had been knocking on the door. Always competitive. Always in the mix. Just never quite on the top step.
Geneva. ’s-Hertogenbosch. Paris. All signs pointing the same way.
Fontainebleau was the breakthrough.
A Story Built Together
At 11 years old, Impress brings serious pedigree: Indoktro crossed with Vagabond de la Pomme. But what makes him truly stand out is something rare at this level: a career built with a single rider.
Depuis ses 6 ans, Thibeau Spits ne l’a jamais quitté. Et ça change tout.
À l’élevage Kattenheye, Mieke Strobbe-Raman mesure le chemin parcouru :
« It’s fantastic. It confirms the form he’s been showing for a long time. And a win like this, it’s the cherry on top. »
A simple sentence, but one that carries weight in a sport where patience rarely pays off so well.
A motorbike, a jump, a destiny
The story starts far from 5* arenas. In a field. With a moment that seemed ordinary, until it wasn’t.
Mieke recalls: “At the time, we didn’t have paddocks for the stallions, so they were kept in a meadow at Woodland’s. Thibeau’s father, Patrick, started his motorbike near the field… and one horse jumped incredibly high over the fence. It left a mark on him. He went into the field, and refused to leave until he could buy that horse. That was Impress.”
And ever since, he’s kept jumping just a little higher than the rest.
When asked whether this is only the start. , Mieke doesn’t hesitate:
« Yes. He’s gaining experience, becoming calmer. He’s also faster because he’s better controlled. So yes, this could be the beginning of even bigger wins—or very strong placings. »
À 25 ans, Thibeau Spits passe encore un cap. Et Impress change de dimension.
This is no longer a promise. It’s a benchmark.
Find the full results of the Fontainebleau 5* Grand Prix here.
(Photo cover ©Printemps des Sports Équestres/PSV)