The FEI Dressage World Cup™ at Longines Equita Lyon, Concours Hippique International, drew to a close on Friday with the Grand Prix Freestyle presented by FFE GENERALI and an eighth success for Germany’s Isabell Werth, riding Viva Gold OLD. Like last year at Eurexpo, Belgium dominated the places on the podium, with the European champions Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus taking second place ahead of Larissa Pauluis and Flambeau.
A family affair for Isabell Werth
Having won of the Grand Prix Freestyle presented by FFE GENERALI in 2025, Justin Verboomen and his ten-year-old stallion were intent on enjoying themselves today and putting on a show for the audience, as they do at every appearance. And the pair put in a fine performance to take pole position with 85.810%. "I came to Lyon with the aim of enjoying myself. When I entered the arena, I could sense that Zonik was a bit more nervous than he was on Thursday. I just gave him free rein and, as a result, I found it a bit more difficult to establish the connection required to keep his back as supple as possible. The piaffes were more difficult. I’ll work on that for next events. I lack a bit of experience myself. But I’m still really pleased with my horse," said the world number two.
Having made a strong impression on Thursday morning, Isabell Werth, the German rider with multiple medals to her credit, was determined to reclaim the title she had lost in 2024. And who better to help her achieve her goal than the grandson of the illustrious Weihegold OLD, with whom she recorded three consecutive victories in the FEI World Cup™ Final. Viva Gold OLD, her dark chestnut horse, who is just ten years old, once again showed great concentration to finish the test with a score of 87.890%. "I’m really very proud of my horse. The atmosphere was electric today and I wasn’t quite sure how he would react, since this is his début in the FEI World Cup™. But he was fantastic. There really is something special about him, just like this competition in Lyon. It’s incredible to see how much dressage has taken off over the years. The stands are completely full," said a very happy Isabell Werth.
Having already achieved a personal best in Thursday’s Grand Prix, Larissa Pauluis and Flambeau once again put in a great performance, scoring 80.530%. "I had a great time. So much so that I didn’t even realise I’d made a mistake in the tempi changes (laughs)! Flambeau is improving all the time. He is more and more stable on the contact points. He has gone to a new level since the World Championships."
A successful début for Alizée Roussel
This year, seven of the fifteen pairs competing in the class were making their début at the Longines Equita Lyon, Concours Hippique International. One of those riders was France's Alizée Roussel, who will be leaving the event full of confidence with the experience she has gained here in Lyon. She finished in thirteenth place with a score of 72.875%, thanks to a technically skilful and dynamic performance, set to the music of Sia. "I’m really happy with my horse, because he is very sensitive, so it was a real challenge for him to cope with such an atmosphere. Despite a few stressful moments, particularly during the piaffe, he managed to stay with me. He performed well in the gallop and in the extended trot. I think this will help him grow for the future." Her compatriot Alexandre Ayache took advantage of this stage in Lyon to perform a new freestyle programme. Although he still needs to fine-tune a few things, the rider from Provence scored 73.340% and finished in twelfth place.
Great interest in dressage among the audience in Lyon
Raphaël Saleh, President of the Ground Jury, echoed Isabell Werth’s views about the popularity of dressage in Lyon: "As a dressage judge, it is a great privilege to be here in this incredible arena, with stands full of spectators that are genuinely passionate about dressage, who really support our sport and get behind the riders. It is important for us that events like this continue to support dressage and enable the discipline to grow and reach new audiences." Sylvie Robert, President of GL events Equestrian Sport, was also over the moon with the great show put on by the horses and riders today:
"First and foremost, I would like to thank the riders, who come here every year and treat us to such wonderful equestrian sport, thanks to a line-up of the highest quality. I am thinking in particular of the three riders on this podium today, who continue to support us and are always here for our events. Isabell Werth has been with us since the very beginning, since this dressage event was first held in Lyon. In a way, she is like our godmother. Over the years, she’s presented so many different young horses here… This year, it’s a chestnut, which is just brilliant (laughs)!"
Photo: PSV-J.Morel