Victor Bettendorf’s journey to the pinnacle of show jumping is one of passion, dedication, and a lifetime steeped in equestrian tradition. 34 years old and hailing from Luxembourg, Bettendorf has taken the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) by storm, earning his place among the sport’s elite with a string of extraordinary performances in 2024. Based in France for the past four years with his wife, Bettendorf has grown into a formidable competitor whose talent and focus have captivated the show jumping world.
“I come from a family where we didn’t really have a choice,” Bettendorf laughs. “My mom ran a small riding school, my dad is a vet and a passionate breeder for fifty years now, and both my brother and sister are professional riders. Horses are something that stays in the family.” From humble beginnings at home in Luxembourg to his first plane ride for an international show to the GC Playoffs in Riyadh, Bettendorf’s rise to prominence has been a series of “firsts”—each one building toward his remarkable 2024 campaign.
A Breakthrough LGCT Season
This season has been nothing short of groundbreaking for Bettendorf. Among his many highlights was his unforgettable victory in the LGCT Grand Prix of Rome, a performance that would prove pivotal to his season. Reflecting on that moment, Bettendorf admitted: “I was just enjoying myself in the LGCT Grand Prix in Rome. If I’d known I had to win to make it to the LGCT Super Grand Prix, I think I would’ve been more stressed. But since I didn’t, I could just enjoy it and my horse.”