Belgium’s number one show jumper, Gregory Wathelet, is a grafter. There are several definitions for this word, but in this instance the appropriate application can be found in the urban dictionary: “Father Giles has been in the fields grafting all day, moving hay bales with his bare hands, and moving trees…”
Life is work and work is life for Wathelet. Success was always simmering for the soft-spoken 37-year-old who embarked on the international scene 16 years ago. Ups and downs determined his path, as it does for so many in this sport. A most courageous decision midway to give up his nationality for the opportunities afforded by a Ukrainian industrialist illustrates how resolute he is to be the best he can be.
Reunited with his native passport a decade ago, that resolve has slowly come to a boil. The last few years have been his best, winning the individual silver medal at the 2015 European Championships and then in 2017 capturing one of the most sought-after prizes in the world – the Aachen Grand Prix. And Wathelet is convinced the best is still to come.
Given your success in Aachen, were you disappointed in your performance at the European Championships (18th individually & team 4th)?
Yes and no. To come so close with the team and then miss out on a medal was disappointing. For me as an individual I went to Gothenburg knowing I still don’t have Coree going like I want her. It was her first championship and she jumped well, but I don’t have the control I should have every day for five days. She’s a complicated one. You never know what you’re going to get when you get on her back: cooperative and willing to work, or stubborn as a donkey and obstinate.
What did you do with all the prize money for winning the Rolex Grand Slam Grand Prix in Aachen?
It all goes towards the costs of running my stable and paying back the bank. I don’t come from a rich family and I’m not a horse dealer, so it takes a lot to employ 12 people and run a stable like mine. I built it two years ago and I could not have afforded to do it on my own. I’m not complaining, of course. I love riding and competing and I’d rather fund that than buy a new car or go on a lavish holiday.
What does a typical day and work week consist of for Gregory Wathelet?
How many weeks are there in a year? Fifty-one of them would include a competition somewhere in the world. When I’m at home, I wake up at 7 a.m. and I’m in the stables by 7:30. I check what the plans are and get on my first horse of five at 8 a.m. and ride until 1 p.m. Grab a sandwich if I have time, then train horses or my riders all afternoon, or clients who come to train or try new horses. It’s quite busy until five, six, or seven. In the evening I might go out for dinner with an owner or client or go look at horses. Then I’ll probably do my paperwork until midnight. There’s a lot to do when you run your own business and it’s important to keep an eye on it.
How did you get your start?
My grandparents and then my parents farmed the property that I have built my stables on. I bought it from them two years ago. When I was growing up, my parents raised beef and dairy cows; three generations of the family on this land. Neither of my sisters rode, but when I was a kid I remember we had this one pony on the farm and I tried to ride it. It had me off more times than I stayed on. It was like a game. But then my dad said if I liked it so much he would borrow a pony from a neighbor for me. I rode around the farm and then one day when I was nine or ten Dad said ‘How about going to a show?’ He really enjoyed it and bought me my own pony and then a small horse, and it went on like that. My parents have always been very supportive. I think my first horse cost about 2,000 euros, which was a lot of money back then.
Can you identify a turning point in your career?
I was 19. After finishing high school I started at university. Dad wanted me to do whatever I was happiest doing, but Mum wanted me to continue my education. I didn’t really know what I wanted. It did not take long to realize I had to do one or the other – either I stop with horses completely to concentrate on university, or quit university to concentrate on the horses. I chose a career in horses and to make my living from it.
Were sacrifices made along the way?
I don’t regret my decision, because I am doing what I love and I have achieved more than I ever expected. Anyone in this job makes thousands of personal sacrifices; you have to.
You must be ultra-competitive by nature, but is there another ingredient that gives you an edge?
I think many things add up to success. Apart from the horsemanship, obviously you have to be seriously good at managing your business and looking after your clients and owners. There may be those who maybe get here but don’t stay because they don’t have these qualities.
How would you describe yourself?
Quiet. Serious. And I don’t like talking about myself! I’m neither optimistic nor pessimistic; I’m a realist. I always try to do the best and not regret anything.
If life hadn’t taken you where it has, what would you be doing?
I was studying IT at university, so I guess it would be something in that field. To be honest, once I finished at university I never thought about it again.
Where is your favourite place in the world?
It’s not a place, it’s a situation. Sitting on the sofa in my apartment when no one else is around and I can be alone and not think about anything. It’s rare!
When and where did Gregory Wathelet last go on vacation?
I go once a year to France, but recently I went with my girlfriend to New York City. I try and combine the Miami and Mexican legs of the Global Champions Tour each year, so for three days in between we went to Las Vegas.
If you were given three wishes, what would you wish for?
Health for life. It doesn’t matter if you have wealth and happiness if you don’t have your health. I would also wish for a family – I am getting older and I would like to build a family. But I can’t complain; I have most of what I want. I feel really privileged.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I love to eat! Especially our local specialty, meatballs and French fries, it’s soooo good.
Do you have a life lesson to share with us?
In general, you need to enjoy what you do. That’s the problem with the new generation. They don’t know how to enjoy the simple things in life. It doesn’t matter what you do if you feel lucky with what you have. Life is much easier that way. I came from nothing and I had a very hard time, but I built my way and I’m stronger because of it. If you work hard and always try your best, one day you will get a return on it.
At the time when I had to give up my nationality in order to ride for the Ukraine I was really low. I had lost my job and I did not know what to do. Do I start from zero or do I take this opportunity? It was so difficult, but everybody encouraged me to take up Mr. Onischenko’s offer; they said to do it for my career. So I did and I don’t regret it. I had some amazing horses to ride … and it was good for my career.
If you were having a dinner party and could choose four guests, living or dead, who would you invite?
First and always my parents. Anything I accomplish started with them. They did everything they could for me. I could never thank them enough. I would also invite John Whitaker, because I am a big fan and although I am not into “stars” I would also have Lionel Messi, the best footballer in the world.
Money or medals, which is more important to Gregory Wathelet?
Medals, because medals pay. We need money to live, but if I had to choose between having my name inscribed on the wall in Aachen or the prize money for winning the grand prix, I would always choose my name on the wall.
Do you have any burning ambitions?
Always to be the best that I can be. I know now that I can compete at the top level with a good horse, so I guess an Olympic medal would be very special and meaningful.
FAST FACTS ABOUT GREGORY WATHELET
Birthdate: September 10, 1980
Hometown: Couthin, Belgium
World Ranking: 7
Follow on Social: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram
Major Achievements:
2015 – individual silver European Championships (Conrad de Huss)
2017 – won Aachen GP and had double-clear to lead Belgium to victory in the Barcelona Nations Cup Final
Top String: Eldorado, 13-yr-old BWP stallion; Coree, 11-yr-old Westphalian mare
Olympic debut: London 2012
Notoriety: Jumped to a clear round at the Global Champions Tour show in Paris, France, despite Conrad de Hus losing his bridle part way around. The video became one of the most-watched equestrian videos of 2014.
