by THERESE ALHAUG photography LENA SAUGEN
Like the four times Olympic rider Ludo Philippaerts, his two oldest sons, the twin brothers Olivier and Nicola, represent two of the most promising riders of their generation. EQUILIFE visited the Philippaerts brothers in their lovely home in Belgium.
History was made as the 19-year-old Olivier Philippaerts and his powerful stallion Cabrio Van De Heffinck won the CN International Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows in 2012. Not to mention he was accompanied by the American veteran Beezie Madden that came second, while Oliviers father himself, Ludo Philippaerts, was third.
—It was incredible, Olivier says as I find myself resting my eyes at a big photo from the winning day, placed on the wall in the beautiful “office-lounge” at the Stud Farm Dorperheide in the northern part of Belgium. The picture reveals intense happiness, but still one can only imagine how Olivier felt that day, winning one of the most prestigious competitions in the world being only 19 years old. Not to mention how proud his dad must have been, taking part in the ceremony as the third best. But the story doesn’t end there, as there is one more of them. This is real twin power.
For sure the Philippaerts brothers gain a lot of attention and respect in the showjumping world. At the age of 21, they have already won some of the biggest showjumping competitions in the world. The year before the win at Spruce Meadows, Olivier’s twin brother Nicola won the five star Falsterbo Grand Prix. Two years later he won the World Cup in Gothenburg. On top of that the giant Swedish fashion brand H&M offered the talented twin brothers a unique sponsor contract this year, which has really put the two good-looking boys in the spotlight this season.
EQUILIFE newly visited the twin brothers at their home in Belgium.
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