French Pauline Basquin & Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE.
PRESS RELEASE
The atmosphere will be electric at Eurexpo, in the prestigious arena at Longines Equita Lyon, Concours Hippique International, from 29th October to 2nd November, 2025, as the excitement mounts. All eyes are fixed on the arena and everyone holds their breath: the world of dressage is about to experience one of the highlights of the season with the Lyon leg of the FEI Dressage World Cup™.
Rising star Justin Verboomen will headline the field in Lyon.
Following a season that has shaken up the world rankings and captivated audiences, the 2025 European champion in Crozet, who also triumphed in Aachen in July, has firmly established himself as one of the circuit’s most inspiring riders. He will face an exceptional line-up in Lyon, whose experience and ambition go hand in hand in every test.
In the space of a few months, Justin Verboomen has changed the game in world dressage. The modest rider has reached the highest level with Zonik Plus, forming a brilliant partnership that has taken the dressage world by storm. The 2025 season has confirmed the Belgian combination’s rise to the top. They have made their mark at every major event through consistent, outstanding performances, culminating in victory. He is aiming to build on his recent successes, and continues to prove he belongs among the elite of world dressage.
But winning will not necessarily be an easy task for the exceptional Belgian combination. They will face a field of competitors in incredible form.
Becky Moody, World number 4, continues her strong progression in the World rankings. The British rider, who won the CDI5* at Le Printemps des Sports Équestres in Fontainebleau in April and was fourth at the European Championships in Crozet this summer, has become one of the circuit’s standout competitors. With Jagerbomb, the horse she bred and has patiently taken to the highest level, she embodies perseverance and mastery. Their long-standing partnership continues to showcase precise and consistent performances.
As for the French riders, Pauline Basquin is returning to a ring where she has enjoyed success. It was here, at Eurexpo, that she first scored over 80% in her freestyle to music test with Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE. This was a landmark performance, symbolizing the impressive progress made by the French combination. Alongside her, Alexandre Ayache will represent France in front of loyal fans who never fail to support their riders.
Belgian riders will also be out in force, with Larissa Pauluis, a regular at Longines Equita Lyon, Concours Hippique International, who is now World number 14, as well as Domien Michiels and Wim Verwimp. A dynamic presence which embodies the vitality of a country which is now firmly established among the world’s elite riders.
It is also worth noting the highly anticipated presence of Poland's Sandra Sysojeva, who is currently World number ten. She is a rising star on the international circuit and has made her mark at recent shows with her elegant and consistent performances. Her debut in Lyon enhances an already prestigious field.
Alongside them, Germany's Dorothée Schneider, her fellow riders Carina Scholz and Raphael Netz, the Netherlands' Thamar Zweistra, Switzerland's Delia Eggenberger, and Fie Christine Skarsoe and Nicolas Wagner Ehlinger for Luxembourg complete a beautifully balanced field, reflecting the very high level of this leg in Lyon.
For more than a decade, Lyon has established itself as one of the flagship legs on the world calendar for dressage riders. Every autumn, the world's best riders gather here to compete in the FEI Dressage World Cup™, in front of passionate and knowledgeable spectators that fill the stands. As the horses dance in the arena of Longines Equita Lyon, Concours Hippique International, the crowd come alive: this is dressage at its finest, a harmonious blend of sporting excellence and emotion.