With the 13th Longines Beijing Masters drawing near, Belgian star Olivier Philippaerts is set to return to the arena at the National Stadium (the Bird’s Nest). From a junior champion to a regular on the world’s top competition circuits, he has consistently penned his own competitive chapter with steady rhythm, precise track planning and exceptional horse-and-rider harmony.

In 2025, he delivered remarkable performances at the Beijing Masters: partnering with his teammates to claim the title in the 145CM Professional Rider Pair Competition, and taking third place aboard Castello 251 in the 140CM International Welcome Stakes. Reuniting with the Bird’s Nest in 2026, the Belgian rider will ride with new horses and fresh goals, charging toward taller obstacles.

Olivier Philippaerts

Olivier Philippaerts | Advancing with Time 
Born in Belgium in 1993, Olivier Philippaerts grew up alongside his twin brother Nicola Philippaerts in an equestrian family. Their father Ludo Philippaerts represented Belgium at the Olympic Games four times. Professional training and competition experience from home laid a solid foundation for the brothers’ professional careers. Olivier started riding at the age of five. He claimed the Belgian National Pony Championship in 2005, took the individual title at the European Junior Championships in Jardy, France in 2010, and earned team bronze with Team Belgium.

Image Source: Official of Longines Beijing International Equestrian Masters

In 2012, at only 19 years old, Olivier claimed victory in the CN International Grand Prix at the Spruce Meadows Masters in Canada aboard Cabrio van de Heffinck, making him the youngest champion in the event’s history. Since then, he has been a regular fixture at top competitions including the Longines Global Champions Tour, FEI World Cup and Nations Cup. At his FEI World Cup Finals debut in Paris in 2018, he finished fifth with H&M Legend of Love. In 2021, riding Le Blue Diamond van 't Ruytershof, he represented Team Belgium and took team bronze at the European Championships in Riesenbeck, Germany.

2024 Season | First Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix Title 

On 30 June 2024, Olivier Philippaerts marked a major career milestone aboard H&M Miro in Stockholm, Sweden. At the Longines Global Champions Tour Stockholm Grand Prix, the pair delivered two faultless rounds and secured the title with a time of 45.76 seconds in the jump-off. This win earned him his first Grand Prix victory on the Tour and qualification for the annual Super Grand Prix. The triumph stood as a testament to his years of dedication and teamwork.Olivier maintained his competitiveness on the international circuit through 2025. In September, he teamed up with his brother Nicola to help Stockholm Hearts claim the team title at the Longines Global Champions League New York leg. In October, he travelled to Beijing for the 12th Longines Beijing International Equestrian Masters. Partnering with Liang Qiaoling and Jiang Zhixiang, he won the 145CM Professional Rider Pair Competition, and took third place riding Castello 251 in the 140CM International Welcome Stakes.

Image Source: Official of Longines Beijing International Equestrian Masters

Reunion at the Bird’s Nest | Familiar Arena, New Contest 

From claiming victory at Spruce Meadows at the age of 19, to securing his maiden Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix title in Stockholm, and later winning a team title at the Bird’s Nest in Beijing in 2025, Olivier’s professional journey has always been intertwined with challenges. The Bird’s Nest has witnessed his speed and strength, and will host another round of bonding between him and his new equine partners.

Image Source: Official of Longines Beijing International Equestrian Masters

From October 15 to 18, 2026, the 13th Longines Beijing International Equestrian Masters will take place at the National Stadium (the Bird’s Nest). We look forward to seeing Olivier ride once again in this "Dual-Olympic" venue. With mature judgement, precise rhythm and the harmony between horse and rider, he will strive for higher goals.

In Beijing this October, at the Bird’s Nest arena, let us anticipate Olivier’s brilliant performance and witness the reunion of speed, skill and harmony on the competition field!

The 13th Longines Beijing International Equestrian Masters 

Dates: Oct 15 – Oct 18, 2026 

Venue: National Stadium (the Bird’s Nest), Beijing

Meet world’s top riders and embrace this grand equestrian rendezvous!