From 8 to 10 November, the MECC in Maastricht will once again be completely dedicated to beautiful equestrian sports. It is not just any event, it is the place where the best riders and horses come together. The World Cup driving is on the programme, but there is also plenty of attention for regional riders, the youth, and festive activities. A perfect day or evening out for the whole family.
Frank Kemperman: JIM in my heart
Frank Kemperman, competition director of JIM, has been at the helm since 1988. For him, JIM is more than just work; it is pure passion. “JIM is in my heart. From the very first year, we have tried to make JIM an event for the whole family, not just for equestrian enthusiasts.”
Olympic riders and regional talent
The list of participants for the international jumping classes includes big names. Think of the bronze medal winner of Paris 2024, Maikel van der Vleuten, and famous riders such as Kim Emmen, Willem Greve, and Laura Kraut. But young, regional talent also gets the chance to shine. In the JIM Havens Pony Cup, twenty Limburg talents compete against German and Belgian combinations.
New: the riding school challenge
During JIM, recreational sports will also be given a stage with the new riding school challenge. Six recognized Limburg riding schools will present a self-conceived show or demo. “This way, we will also let riders who are involved in equestrian sports as a hobby shine in the main arena of the MECC,” says Kemperman.
Exciting four-in-hand competitions
On Friday and Saturday evening, the FEI Driving World Cup Driving will kick off. Top drivers such as Koos de Ronde, Boyd Exell, Bram Chardon and Glenn Geerts will compete for the win. ‘’It will be, as usual, a thrilling competition that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats!’’
The French Anne-Gaelle Bertho will captivate the audience even more. Every day she impresses with her spectacular liberty dressage, in which she uses both horses and dogs. On Saturday afternoon there will be a breathtaking stunt show by the Josh Clemens Stuntteam, especially for the young visitors. Josh knows how to get the audience to applaud like no other.
The youth in the MECC
‘’On Friday morning we welcome 1500 pupils for an introduction to equestrian sports. During the JIM School Morning they not only enjoy spectacular equestrian sports, but they also learn about horses, healthy eating and exercise’’, says Kemperman. It has now become a recurring part of the JIM programme.
The Jimmy children's village is the place to be for the kids all weekend long. With Bixie activities, games, pony shows and the popular hobby horses, there is something for everyone. The spectacular Shetland pony Mini Steeplechase provides plenty of excitement and fun.
Atmosphere and conviviality for everyone
People who just want to have a nice outing and give them a nice evening, that was the intention from the start, according to Frank Kemperman. “It is not all ‘horse’; JIM is also theatre! With the horse as a connecting factor. So show, nice shopping, good food and drinks, that is also part of our competition. That atmosphere and cosiness that are part of Limburg and Maastricht, are enormously important.”
