Renowned Equestrian Takes on Holiday-Themed Challenge in Longines Global Championship Tour 2023

The dawn of the Advent calendar is undoubtedly one of the most exciting times of the year. Counting down the days to the holiday season with a little flair surpasses none too many. Following along, as people gather to draw in their share of the occasion, the equestrian community and Longines Global Championship Tour (LGCT) in particular decided not to refrain from the traditional festivities.

Later last month, the LGCT ran to complete one final leg of the 2023 season. With Riesenbeck International and Julien Epaillard emerging as reigning champions, the celebrations still occupy the air after a successful run. However, that isn’t all to celebrate for LGCT and its best show-jumping athletes. In their latest update, the organization brings a little challenge for its equestrians as Christmas nears.

The LGCT poses a challenge

On the 1st of December, the show jumping series decided to take the celebrations to the ground as they caught up with Sanne Thijssen. The famed equestrian was in for a challenge as she opened the first day of the Advent calendar for LGCT. Sanne was asked, “What country started the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree?” and the equestrian speculatively answered, “I would say like… Germany,” which turned out to be the right answer. Interestingly, The Advent calendar was also first used by German Lutherans in the 19th and 20th centuries, slowly spreading throughout.

Sanne Thijssen was also presented with a treat for winning the challenge before the next person takes on for day 2. For the LGCT Grand Prix in Valkenswaard in 2023 champion, the celebrations flowed after her recent accomplishment announcement.

It’s a celebration spree for the equestrian

Sanne Thijssen started her competitive career right from the age of seven and later last month, following her LGCT Super Grand Prix contention, she was announced as a member of the Iron Dames Equestrian team. The Iron Dames project is an effort to help talented women develop in the highly competitive world of show jumping. The 25-year-old who has a team win in Nations Cup in 2021, and  World Equestrian Games in 2022, proves to be a right fit.

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“I’m incredibly happy and proud that I now am part of the Iron Dames. I think the project is amazing and it’s great that Deborah Mayer had the idea to start this. I’m feeling very honored to be part of this team and I’m looking forward to competing with the Iron Dames next season,” Sanne said. Following Thijssen, the Advent calendar will continue with more notable equestrians who can be spotted on LGCT Instagram stories.

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