Unsung Heroes of the Longines EEF Series: Life as a Show Jumping Groom

Report : Eleanore Kelly

When the crowd holds its breath as a horse and rider soar over the final fence, it’s easy to forget the quiet force behind the scenes — the grooms. At the Longines EEF Series Finals in Avenches, while riders focus on the win, their horses glistening under the Swiss sun, it’s the grooms who keep the wheels turning (and the tails plaited). We caught up with two exceptional Belgian grooms, Sanne Melsen and Alexy Callewaert, to uncover what it truly means to live life behind the glory.

Sanne Melsen has been grooming for Belgium’s top rider Gilles Thomas, who’s no stranger to podium finishes. This year alone, he helped Belgium finish second in Peelbergen and secured individual bronze and team gold at the FEI European Championships in A Coruña.

“I’ve been to Peelbergen and Lier this year,” Sanne tells us, with a bright grin. “I also did the Final in Warsaw before. I really liked Peelbergen — it's close to home, and both years were quite successful. That’s where Qalista DN really started to shine!”

But the question on everyone’s mind: which horse is her favourite?

“This year, Qalista DN. She’s spicy — a true chestnut mare with a big personality,” she laughs. “She’s only nine, but wow, she’s stepping up. In the ring, she really fights for her rider. Honestly, she’s exceeding all our expectations. I never thought she’d do it this fast.”

As for the upcoming Final in Avenches?

“I think we’ll take Chuck Marienshof, Qiara de Kalverie, and Lavanoche TLZ, but of course, it all depends on how the next few weeks go.”

Grooming isn’t just brushing tails and stuffing haynets. As Sanne puts it, “My job at shows is making sure Gilles only has to think about riding. I feed the horses, muck out, get them ready to train or compete, and handle all the aftercare. The less I see Gilles in the stable, the better — that means he trusts me and I’m doing my job.”

That trust is built over time, through early mornings, late nights, and long drives across Europe.

“I’ve been grooming officially for six years,” says Sanne. “Before that, I freelanced a bit. What I love most is being with the horses, watching them grow, and getting that love back. That’s what keeps me going — not the results or the ribbons, but the bond.”

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and ribbons, they both agree. “I hate unloading at shows,” Sanne groans. “Driving can be exhausting too, especially in a packed season. But when shows are well-organised, with volunteers helping unload — that’s a huge plus.”

If grooming wasn’t already a full-time lifestyle, Alexy Callewaert manages to do it and be the girlfriend of rider Mathieu Boureaud’hui — talk about multitasking.

“I went to Deauville this year — it was actually my first EEF show, and I loved it! Such a charming place,” she says. It was a great show for her team as Mathieu was part of the winning team here. 

There, she had her hands full with Oscar The Homage, Quint Vd Bisschop, and Cosibi EMS Z. But her heart? That belongs to King Oscar.

“Oscar is definitely one of my favourites. We bought him as a four-year-old. He’s kind, he’s classy, and he knows he’s royalty. We call him King Oscar or Oscar Superstar around the stable. He’s just special.”

Like Sanne, Alexy’s days at shows are packed: “I do the feeding, walking, cleaning, saddling, braiding — everything. And if needed, I’m there as mental support too.”

Both Sanne and Alexy agree: grooming is not just a job — it’s a lifestyle.

“It’s a passion,” says Sanne. “If you don’t truly love horses, I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s hard sometimes. But seeing them grow, watching them shine in the ring — it makes every 4 AM wake-up call worth it.”

Alexy adds, “It’s more fun when you’re with great people — and horses. Then it doesn’t feel like work. It’s like spending a weekend away with your four-legged best friends.”

And yes, being a groom and a girlfriend has its challenges. “It’s definitely special, but it can be tough,” admits Alexy. “But seeing Mathieu compete with the Belgian team in the Longines EEF Series? That’s amazing. He really loves the format — it gives young riders a chance to rise. The atmosphere, the teamwork, advice from the national coach — it makes a big difference.”

We also heard from Leon Brutsaert, who competed in Drammen, Norway — and he had nothing but praise for the EEF experience. The Belgians won at Drammen, and Leon was part of this winning team. Belgium were the only other nation with Italy, who won multiple regional qualifiers. Whilst Italy won Thessaloniki and Budapest. Belgium won Drammen and Deauville.

“I liked the atmosphere, the hospitality — even breakfast for the grooms and lunch for the riders. And of course, the Longines watch we received. That was the cherry on top!”

As the Longines EEF Series Final approaches in Avenches, it’s clear that behind every great rider is a groom who has lugged tack, fluffed hay, loaded horses in the dark, and whispered words of encouragement into soft furry ears.

“Some shows really are starting to appreciate grooms more,” says Sanne. But many are still playing catch-up. Riders might be in the ring for 90 seconds, but the groom’s work starts days before and ends days after.

So what would these top grooms say to anyone dreaming of joining their ranks?

“If you’re thinking about becoming a groom,” says Sanne, “do it for the love of the horse. That’s what will carry you through the long days and longer nights.”

For Alexy, she says it is about finding a great team- human and horse. “That’s the secret to making the hard work feel like a holiday.”

As the Belgian team heads to Avenches, one thing’s for sure: while the riders will chase glory in the ring, it’s the grooms who’ll be up before dawn, ensuring every tail is brushed, every hoof oiled, and every heartbeat steady.

Because in the world of show jumping, behind every clear round, there’s a groom who made it possible — often with a coffee in one hand, a hoof pick in the other, and a heart full of pride and passion.

Where to Watch and Follow

Full results from the regional qualifiers and semi-finals of the Longines EEF Series 2025 season can be viewed here.

For the latest updates, team announcements, and behind-the-scenes content throughout the 2025 Longines EEF Series, follow the Longines EEF Series website and the European Equestrian Federation. Join the conversation on the Longines EEF Series social media on Instagram and Facebook.

For further information on the series final check out the official website of the Longines EEF Series Final Avenches 2025 and follow on Instagram and Facebook.

Download the Longines EEF Series press kit here

Watch the all the live action on ClipMyHorse.TV, the official livestream partner of the Longines EEF Series.