In Memoriam — Jacques Van Daele 1953-2026

A tribute from the International Dressage Officials Club

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our dear colleague, Jacques van Daele, who left us this weekend after a period of illness, and longtime struggle with cancer.

Jacques was a man of many roles in the equestrian world — international dressage judge, international chief steward, and a longstanding member of the IDOC board — but it was perhaps in the arena of steward education that his mark was felt most profoundly. He dedicated a big part of his professional life to training and mentoring stewards within the FEI framework, approaching that responsibility with the same rigour and dedication that characterised everything he did.
His commitment to the sport took him to some of the greatest stages equestrian sport has to offer. Among them, his many years of service at CHIO Aachen stand as a testament to the trust and respect he earned from the highest levels of our community. As a judge, he judged many Championships throughout the years.

Those who worked alongside Jacques will remember a man who was, in many ways, a study in contrasts. Private by nature, he kept much of himself close — yet in the company of colleagues and athletes, he was unfailingly warm, quick with a remark that cut through the tension of a long competition day, and remarkable in his ability to read a situation and respond to it with exactly the right measure of “correctness” and humour.

He understood that stewarding, done properly, is more than procedure. It is the quiet architecture that holds a competition together. He believed in that deeply, and he gave it his very best for many years.

On behalf of the International Dressage Officials Club and the wider community of officials who had the privilege of working with him, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, his close friends that stood by him during the illness, and all those who knew and loved him beyond the arena.

Jacques — it was an honour to share this sport with you. You will be greatly missed.

The Board and Members of IDOC International Dressage Officials Club

Hans Christian Matthiesen,
President