RIDERS

They are the core essence of CWD. Every day they help us to better understand and respect the physical wellbeing of athletic horses. They are always by our side in the development and improvement of our products. Get to know those who help us to grow through their story, their best performances, and exclusive interviews.

Emanuele Gaudiano
Emanuele Gaudiano
Emanuele Gaudiano
Emanuele Gaudiano
Born on June 30, 1986
Best performances :
  • 1st in the CSI 5* Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi in 2023
  • 1st in the CSI 5* Grand Prix in Saint-Tropez in 2019
  • Winner of the CSI 5* Grand Prix in Valkenswaard in 2018
  • Individual and team silver medallist at the 2015 European Championships in Aachen, Germany

Emanuele Gaudiano is a show jumping rider and officer with the Italian National Forestry Office. Over the course of his career, Emanuele Gaudiano has won numerous victories and ranked among the world's top riders. He has taken part in top-level competitions, including the Olympic Games, World Championships and Nations Cups. He is known for his bold style and precise technique in competition.

"In competition, confidence is key. That's why I choose CWD, an absolute guarantee in quality and innovation."

Denis Lynch
Denis Lynch
Denis Lynch
Denis Lynch
Born on May 3, 1976
Best performances :
  • 3rd place in the CSI5* Indoor Derby in Brabant in 2023
  • European Team Champion in Gothenburg in 2017
  • Winner of the CSI5* Grand Prix in Doha in 2016
Denis Lynch started riding at an early age and quickly showed a talent for show jumping. Denis Lynch is known for his precise and calm jumping technique, as well as for working closely with his horses. He is also known for his patience and his ability to train young horses to a high level of performance.
"I'm a perfectionist, I'll do anything to get to where I need to be when I leave the arena."
Shane Breen
Shane Breen
Shane Breen
Shane Breen
Born on September 16, 1974
Best performances :
  • Third in the Sharjah CSI5* in 2024
  • Third in the Helsinki International Grand Trophy in 2023
  • 1st prize in the CSI5* Grand Prix in Bordeaux in 2020
  • Winner of the CSI5* Grand Prix in La Baule in 2018
  • Gold medallist at the CSI5* Grand Prix in Calgary in 2016
  • Individual and team bronze medallist at the FEI Nations Cup Final Barcelona in 2013
Shane Breen is an Irish showjumper. Throughout his career, he has represented Ireland in Nations Cup teams around the world. Shane Breen has achieved many distinguished victories and has established himself alongside the world's best riders.
A native of Limerick, he was given his first pony at the age of five. At the same time, he practised hunter-riding throughout his childhood and is convinced that this experience has been extremely beneficial to him, as he has won several renowned derby-style competitions, including the Hickstead Speed Derby and the Hickstead Eventing Grand Prix.
"CWD's exceptional technology and quality propels us to excellence"
Jos Verlooy
Jos Verlooy
Jos Verlooy
Jos Verlooy
Born on December 15, 1995
Best performances :
  • Winner of the Nations Cup in Rotterdam in 2019 and 2021
  • 3rd place at the European Championships in Rotterdam in 2019
  • European team champion in Rotterdam in 2019
  • 1st in the CSI 5* Grand Prix in Lausanne in 2019

Jos Verlooy is a Belgian rider born in 1995 in Grobbendonk, Belgium. He started riding at the age of 6 and quickly developed an exceptional talent for riding. His father, Axel Verlooy, is also a rider and owner of show jumping horses. In December 2013, he received the New Talent Award from the Flemish Equestrian League.

"CWD is shaping the future of riding by combining unrivalled comfort with cutting-edge technology."
Sanne Thijssen
Sanne Thijssen
Sanne Thijssen
Sanne Thijssen
Born on July 15, 1998
Best performances :
  • Team World Reserve Champion in Herning in 2022
  • Gold medal in the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final 2021 in Barcelona
  • Victory in the Grand Prix event at the CSI3* in Mannheim in 2019
  • Team gold medal and individual silver medal at the 2017 European Junior Championships in Samorin
  • Team silver medal at the European Young Riders Championships in Oliva in 2016
Sanne Thijssen has enjoyed great success in competitions for young riders, winning several national and international titles, including the European Young Riders Jumping Championship in 2016. She quickly made a name for herself on the international circuit. She is known for her solid technique and great determination in competition, as well as her great complicity with her horses.

"CWD sets new standards by uniting comfort, technology and performance. Each saddle embodies a revolution in riding."

Joseph Stockdale
Joseph Stockdale
Joseph Stockdale
Joseph Stockdale
Born on October 18, 1999
Best performances :
  • 3rd place by team at the World Championships in Herning in 2022
  • 3rd FEI Nations Cup for teams in 2022
  • 5th at the FEI Nations Cup for teams in 2021
Joseph Stockdale is a British showjumper born in 1999, a member of a famous British riding family. Over the years, Joseph Stockdale has won numerous titles and awards in competition, including several victories in national and international Grand Prix events. He has also represented Great Britain at a number of international competitions, including the European Jumping Championships.

"I love the new CWD saddles and bridles".

Bertram Allen
Bertram Allen
Bertram Allen
Bertram Allen
Born on August 1, 1995
Best performances :
  • Gold medal at the Nations Cup in Calgary in 2023
  • European team champion in Gothenburg in 2017
  • Winner of the Grand Prix Longines de Paris in 2015
  • 3rd at the World Cup Final in Las Vegas in 2015
Bertram Allen grew up with his three sisters and three brothers in Wexford, Ireland. He started riding ponies at the age of 8. He was coached in his early years by Irish rider Billy Twomey, whom he considers to be one of the people who had the greatest influence on his riding.
In 2010, after some great success with ponies, Bertram planned to go to Germany for a few months to devote himself fully to his show-jumping career. In the end, he decided not to leave and settled in Hünxe in 2011.
In 2015, Bertram Allen won the Grand Prix CSI5* de Paris, making him the youngest rider to win an event at this level.

"I am grateful to have a partner like CWD, combining comfort and cutting-edge technology to reach top performance."

Gilles Thomas
Gilles Thomas
Gilles Thomas
Gilles Thomas
Born on December 11, 2023
Best performances :
  • Winner of the 2022 FEI Nations Cup team final in Barcelona
  • Gold medal at the FEI Nations Cup in Falsterbo in 2022
  • Global Champions Tour in Miami Beach in 2022

Born into a family rooted in the world of horses, Gilles, who started riding at the age of three, can count on the support of his uncle, Marc van Dijck, former representative of the Diables Rouges, and on the support of a solid system.

He has won numerous titles and awards during his career, including several CSI5* Grand Prix victories. Gilles Thomas is also known for his participation in several team competitions, representing Belgium at several editions of the Nations Cup, including in 2010, 2011 and 2013.
"For me, and for my horses, this is really great. At this level, being accompanied by CWD is a great advantage for me."
Andreas Schou
Andreas Schou
Andreas Schou
Andreas Schou
Born on September 2, 1986
Best performances :
  • Bronze medal at the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix in Rome in 2023
  • 4th in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup - Western European League in Gothenburg in 2023
  • 5th at the FEI Nations Cup in Falsterbo in 2022
  • Team winner at the FEI Nations Cup in Budapest in 2015
  • Team bronze medal at the 2014 FEI Nations Cup in Arezzo
Andreas Schou made his competitive debut at the age of 12 and won his first national title at the age of 17. In addition to his show jumping career, Andreas Schou is also involved in coaching and training young riders, as well as managing his stable, located in Aalborg, Denmark.
"CWD is redefining modern riding with its commitment to innovation."
Cian O’connor
Cian O’connor
Cian O’connor
Cian O’connor
Born on November 12, 1979
Best performances :
  • Winner of the FEI Nations Cup for the team in Dublin in 2022
  • 5th in the FEI Nations Cup in Wellington in 2020
  • Gold medal at the FEI Nations Cup team final in Barcelona in 2019
  • European team champion in Gothenburg in 2017
  • 3rd place at the European Championships in Gothenburg in 2017
  • Bronze medal at the London Olympic Games in 2012
Competing in his first Nations Cup for Ireland at the age of 19, Cian followed this with a remarkable record of caps for the Irish team, with 133 appearances for his country to date.
An Olympic individual bronze medallist at London 2012, Cian has maintained a high level of achievement and, in 2017, added a European team gold medal and a European individual bronze medal to his tally.

"I'm lucky to have reliable brands that support me, like CWD, I love their products."

Niels Bruynseels
Niels Bruynseels
Niels Bruynseels
Niels Bruynseels
Born on December 5, 1983
Best performances :
  • Bronze medal at the FEI Nations Cup team final in Barcelona in 2021
  • Silver medal at the FEI Nations Cup in Sopot in 2021
  • 3rd at the FEI World Cup in Bordeaux in 2020
  • Silver medal at the final of the FEI Nations Cup team event in Barcelona in 2019
  • Gold medal at the FEI Nations Cup team final in Barcelona in 2018
Horses are the common thread running through several generations of the Bruynseels family. Niels' grandfather and father earned their way as instructors and merchants. From an early age, the trading stable presented Niels with the difficult challenge of adapting to new horses with different characters, types and talents.
But the challenge became a gift, and the problem became a talent. Today, his ability to adapt is a characteristic that sets him apart.

"The integrity of the horse is at the centre of CWD's focus. This allows me and my horse to perform better."

Thibaut Philippaerts
Thibaut Philippaerts
Thibaut Philippaerts
Thibaut Philippaerts
Born on January 1, 2000
Best performances :
  • Winner CSI5* in Mechelen in 2023
  • Winner of the European Championships - Youth - team event in Oliva in 2022
  • Gold medal at the European Championships - Youth - team event in Vilamoura in 2021
  • 1st place at the European Championships - Junior - team event in Fontainebleau in 2018
He first set foot in the arena at the age of six, at the Landelijke Rijvereniging. He admired his big brothers, Nicola and Olivier, and was eager to learn. It's mainly Veronique, their mum, who took Thibault and his little brother Anthony under her wing, as Ludo, their dad, still competes at the highest level.
"CWD is at the forefront of innovation, creating saddles that reflect the demands of professional riders. Each model embodies the perfect fusion of tradition, modernity and performance."
Olivier Philippaerts
Olivier Philippaerts
Olivier Philippaerts
Olivier Philippaerts
Born on July 30, 1993
Best performances :
  • 3rd in the Rolex Grand Prix in Brussels in 2023
  • Silver medal at the Global Champions Tour in London in 2022
  • 3rd in the Global Champions Tour in Monaco in 2022
  • 2nd in the FEI Nations Cup - Final - team event in Barcelona in 2019

Olivier Philippaerts began his equestrian journey at an early age, following in his family's footsteps. He began competing in show jumping as a teenager and quickly demonstrated his talent and determination in the sport. Under the guidance of his father and brother, Olivier honed his skills and developed a strong bond with his horses. Today, he represents Belgium at a number of prestigious competitions.

"CWD sets the bar high when it comes to comfort and technology. Their saddles push the boundaries, offering riders an unrivalled riding experience."

Nicola Philippaerts
Nicola Philippaerts
Nicola Philippaerts
Nicola Philippaerts
Born on July 30, 1993
Best performances :
  • Winner of the Grand Prix Rolex du Jumping de la Baule in 2023.
  • Gold medal in the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final 2018
  • Winner of the Calgary Grand Prix in 2017
  • 1st in the Big Ben Grand Prix in Toronto in 2014
  • Winner of the World Cup in Gothenburg 2014
Nicola, son of the famous Belgian rider Ludo Philippaerts, was immersed in the equestrian world from an early age. Despite his attempts at various sports, his passion for riding remained unshakeable. As a member of the Landelijke Rijverenigingen (LRV), he followed in his father's footsteps. After a promising career as a member of the Belgian national pony and junior team, Nicola rose to the highest level of competition. Since then, he has shone on the world's greatest stages, winning the most prestigious titles with talent and determination.
"CWD's cutting-edge technology isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. Their commitment to comfort and innovation makes every saddle an investment in performance."
Anthony Philippaerts
Anthony Philippaerts
Anthony Philippaerts
Anthony Philippaerts
Born on December 14, 2023
Best performances :
  • Gold medal at the junior Continental/Regional Championships in Vilamoura in 2021
  • Silver medal in the children's Continental/Regional Championships in Samorin in 2017
As a youngster, Anthony took his cue from his brothers and got into the saddle at the Landelijke Rijvereniging. His idols? Nicola and Olivier. In 2016, the youngest of the Philippaerts sons left the ponies behind and turned to the horse. At the Belgian Championships, he won prizes in both categories: bronze with the pony Roberlina and silver with Esprit van de Wellington.
"Having a partner like CWD means you're equipped for performance".
Lambert LeClézio
Lambert LeClézio
Lambert LeClézio
Lambert LeClézio
Born on May 5, 1997
Best performances :
  • 2022: individual and team world champion, "Squad" silver medallist; second in FEI World Cup final
  • 2021: individual world champion
  • 2019 : European individual and team champion
  • 2018: Individual World champion
  • 2017: French Amateur Elite Champion 2017
  • Under the colors of Mauritius
  • 2016: Individual World champion
  • 2015: bronze medallist individual at World Junior Championships
A top-level vaulting rider, Lambert discovered this discipline at the age of 10. Thanks to his undeniable gymnastic qualities (suppleness and agility), he quickly distinguished himself.
"When you're looking for excellence, you choose CWD."