IJzersterk terug in de top: Wim Verwimp bewijst dat passie geen houdbaarheidsdatum heeft

Wim (58) lives in Wiekevorst near Herentals and cannot imagine a life without horses. He rode ponies from an early age and transitioned to horses later on. Throughout his career, he has achieved beautiful international results. One of his top horses was Maxwill V (Goodwill x Dageraad), with whom he competed in two European Championships. In 2007, they secured 12th place with the team in La Mandria, and in 2009, they claimed 8th place in Windsor.

Following this, he achieved great results with Neversfelde Feuer (Flemmingh x Cocktail), before his daughter Jorinde took over the reins in 2012. For a long time, Wim was primarily active as a trainer. However, after a ten-year hiatus, Wim made his international comeback in 2024 with the twelve-year-old bay gelding Jedaï de Massa (Don Juan de Hus x Galopin de la Font). Since then, Wim has made major strides: last year in April, he and the son of Don Juan de Hus won the Grand Prix in Aachen with a new personal record of 70.656%. The duo also competed in the Kralingse Bos last year. In the Grand Prix, they achieved a solid score of 68.58%, and they took it a step further in the Freestyle. As the very first combination to enter the arena, they put down a beautiful test scoring 73.28%. At the Belgian Championship yesterday in Lier, he claimed victory with 72.435% in the Grand Prix, and past week, he also won the Grand Prix Special there.

Wim's life revolves around riding and training. No fewer than 45 horses populate his stables. He is also involved in breeding on a modest scale and enjoys DIY projects. The farm where he lives as the fourth generation of the Verwimp family is a monumental property dating back to 1741. Aside from the house itself, he built up the entire equestrian business with his own hands.

Rotterdam is Unique 

Wim: “The first time I came to CHIO Rotterdam was a very long time ago as a rider. It must have been thirty years ago. I’ve been there almost every year since, either as a rider or a coach. I’ve competed with about ten different horses and have always loved riding at your venue. What makes Rotterdam so typical is, of course, the location. The stables are far away, but they are in the middle of the forest, which gives me a very relaxed feeling. The path from the stables to the main arena has something special. In the forest, yet in the city. I’ve been to many shows, but Rotterdam is unique. Nothing compares to your event. I realize the logistics aren't always practical, and relocating might be an improvement on various fronts, but no other location could ever match the atmosphere of the Kralingse Bos.”

“I have many wonderful memories of the CHIO, for myself, my partner, and my daughter. Honestly, every year was beautiful, especially when the sun was shining, but that goes for all outdoor shows. However, my most beautiful sporting memory doesn't apply to myself, but to my daughter Jorinde. She competed as the youngest participant at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, which was incredible. I was also incredibly proud when she finished as the best Belgian Young Rider in Aachen, and her riding as a senior in Aachen in 2015 was spectacular as well.” A proud father is clearly speaking here.

“When I am in Rotterdam, I never make it past the showgrounds. I’m not a party person and I never go into the city. I love watching my fellow riders and working on my social connections. I enjoy talking to colleagues and trainers, exchanging ideas and thoughts.”

Jedaï de Massa 

We ask Wim to tell us about his current top horse. A smile appears on his face as he answers. Wim: “Jedaï is my partner. He belongs to a Korean client whom I’ve known for nearly 20 years. We never owned a horse together, but at one point, three of his horses came to our stable. Jedaï had been with Cathrine Dufour for seven months and came to us because Jorinde was supposed to ride him. At that point, I had actually retired from competing. However, while he was honest, he was genuinely fearful and highly sensitive. That’s why I took over the ride, and he never left. He is one of the first horses I don’t own myself, but luckily he gets to stay for now. He is still very sensitive, but the trust between us has grown immensely. (Laughing) I bribe him with sugar; he easily goes through a kilo of sugar a day at a competition. Jedaï is half Lusitano and has a lot of talent for piaffe and passage. He is golden-honest, and once you have his trust, he will give you everything.”

A Practical Man

“I find it a beautiful challenge to gain an animal's trust. I am a practical man and I hated school. Like they say in Rotterdam: 'no words, but deeds'. When I was fifteen, I dropped out of school. It’s not an example to follow, but if I had to do it all over again, I would do it the exact same way. As long as it doesn’t involve computers, I dare say nobody can fool me. I did all kinds of jobs before dedicating myself full-time to horses. I even worked at General Motors and hung up neon advertising signs. My father was the chairman of the Belgian agricultural commission and gave courses in that capacity, all of which I attended as well.”

Emotion and Storytelling in the Freestyle

 “Back to Rotterdam. Last year, I rode the freestyle music that Jorinde was actually supposed to ride at the Rio 2016 Olympics. However, she just missed out on that. Jedaï has his own freestyle now, but back then he didn’t, which is why I used hers. There is a lot of emotion in that freestyle and it tells a story, both of which I love. Apparently, it resonated well with the crowd because the feedback was great. It was pure enjoyment, and I am so happy to enter your Rotterdam arena once again this year.”

So are we, Wim! We ask our friendly Belgian guest to conclude the conversation himself. He reflects for a moment, and a serious answer follows. Wim: “Our sport is so beautiful, and we truly take our horses into our hearts. Yet, there are people who do not realize how much care and joy we riders put into it. Seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Critics of our sport don't understand this. You know what they should worry about? To keep it close to home, the Oostvaardersplassen in the Netherlands. They call it nature, but you don't make horses happy there; that is truly pitiful. There are always exceptions, but we really care for our horses as best as we can, and with all our hearts!”

Beautifully said, Wim. Thank you for your time and your kind words, and we look forward to seeing you in the Kralingse Bos this June.