All the ingredients for incredible sport will be brought together: established stars, challengers lying in wait and a clash of the titans. The world dressage hierarchy could well be shaken up at the CDIO5*-NC in Fontainebleau, from 16th to 19th April, which will play host to the first Dressage Nations Cup organised at Le Printemps des Sports Équestres. It is one of only two CDIO5*-NC events in the world, alongside Falsterbo.
The Carrière des Princes will be the stage for a final rehearsal, with just a few months to go before the FEI World Dressage Championships in Aachen. Here the world’s best combinations will be able to iron out the final details, stay focused under pressure and weigh each other up. And the stakes are high, both for individuals and teams, in a competition where every test matters. 30 athletes, representing 9 nations, will go into the ring for this top-level competition, of which the team results in Saturday’s Grand Prix, will determine the standings in the Nations Cup.
Belgium is aiming for victory
Justin Verboomen is one of the leading names at the Fontainebleau event. After a breakthrough 2025 season that took him and his remarkable Zonik Plus to the top of the world rankings, the current FEI World No.2 is coming to Fontainebleau determined to prove he belongs among the best dressage riders in the world.
In just a few months, he has become the driving force behind the Belgian team which is on the rise, notching up performances and confirming its status as one of the leading dressage nations. Alongside him will be Larissa Pauluis (World No.8) and her trusted Flambeau, boasting consistent and sound performances, as well as Wim Verwimp and Charlotte Defalque, who form a tight-knit, impressive lineup.
All eyes will be on the Belgian squad which is no longer an outsider. It is a serious contender and could well shake things up in the world dressage hierarchy.
Their intentions are clear: to prove that this breakthrough is more than a passing phase, and a sign of lasting change among dressage’s top names.
Germany will be put to the test
With Belgium emerging as a serious threat, Germany has no intention of watching from the sidelines. Its riders are here to remind everyone why the country remains a benchmark in world dressage. When the current World No.3, Isabell Werth, enters the arena, she embodies a style of riding characterised by absolute precision, where nothing is left to chance, and every movement is precise, polished and confidently executed.
She is part of a strong team with Frederic Wandres (World No.20), Benjamin Werndl and Svenja Kämper-Meyer. With just a few months to go before the World Championships on home turf, the German riders are entering a decisive phase, determined to keep their closest challengers, who are rapidly closing in, at bay.
Great Britain is focusing on success
But the German riders are not the only ones keen to stay at the top. Great Britain will also be looking to play a major role in this competition. With Charlotte Fry, the current World No.4, and her spectacular Glamourdale, the British team boasts a combination capable of making a lasting impression on spectators and judges alike, through both its power and expression.
Alongside Carl Hester, one of the sport’s leading names, and Fiona Bigwood and Lewis Carrier make up a balanced, experienced team capable of rising to the occasion at key moments. A team capable of turning potential into points and making a difference in the team standings right up until the last minute.
Three horses, three distinctive styles
And while the showdown between Justin Verboomen, Isabell Werth and Charlotte Fry, respectively World No.2, 3 and 4, already promises to be decisive, their horses will also have a crucial role to play.
Zonik Plus embodies dressage at its finest, combining lightness, expressive movement and an impression of complete ease.
Wendy de Fontaine sets a different standard: one of absolute precision, rigour and flawless balance, where every detail counts.
Glamourdale, meanwhile, immediately catches the eye, with his power, scope, and appeal - a captivating horse that commands attention. Three horses, three styles, and three visions of modern dressage.
France is committed to rising to the occasion
But riders from other nations are also determined to have their say, such as France, competing before a home audience. Pauline Basquin, with her loyal Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE, is returning to a ring she knows well, cheered on by the spectators in Fontainebleau. The rider from the Cadre Noir in Saumur (World No.31) will be one of the pillars of the French team alongside Alexandre Ayache, Bertrand Liégard and Alizée Roussel.
The French riders will have an ideal opportunity to make their mark in familiar surroundings. They will aim to raise their game to join the fray and shake up the established order, in front of their home crowd, at a venue they know well.
Portugal is shaking things up
What if riders from Southern Europe took everyone by surprise? Portugal is determined to feature prominently in this competition. The Portuguese team with João Pedro Moreira (World No.23), Maria Caetano (World No.25) and Vasco Mira Godinho (World No.38), boasts three riders in the World Top 40. Their solid performances are rare at this level, making them a particularly strong line-up. Its riders are united, progressing together, and showing the kind of consistency that allows them to make an impact in every test performed. In a format where every point counts, the Portuguese team’s consistency could well make the difference, allowing it to rock the boat, and challenge the competition favourites.
Spain will also be a force to be reckoned with, led in particular by José Antonio Garcia Mena, who is progressing well, in a team that is beginning to take shape. As for the Dutch riders, they stay under the radar, but consistently deliver when it matters. At major events, they know how to take advantage of even the smallest opportunity, and should not be underestimated.
Le Printemps des Sports Équestres promises thrilling sporting performances right from the first week focusing specifically on dressage. In this CDIO5*-NC, one of the season’s highlights, the best nations and the most incredible combinations currently will represent their countries at the highest level in the world. A rare, unmissable event, blending precision, power and elegance. These exceptional riders will be counting on the enthusiastic support of spectators. In keeping with its philosophy, the organising committee is once again providing free admission to everyone for all the competitions at Le Printemps des Sports Équestres. An invitation for all of them to experience the excellence of world dressage up close.
Week of Dressage - from 16th to 19th April 2026