Championatskvalifikationerne er i fuld gang (løbende opdatering af resultater)

Championatsfinalerne 2024 - foto: H2R

Årets championatskvalifikationer blev skudt igang med kvalifikationen i Bogø traditionen tro. Set ud fra resultaterne og iøvrigt en del kommentarer via Sociale medier lignede det at 4 års bedømmelserne måske ikke helt ramte målskiven (dog uden at H2R selv var vidende til bedømmelserne).

Både i Sportsrideklubben og senest med Billund kvalifikationen i weekenden, ligner det at niveauet nu er på plads.

  • De 40 bedste 4-års heste (minimum kvalifikationskrav er 7,5)

  • De 24 bedste 5- års heste (minimum kvalifikationskrav er 7,5)

  • De 24 bedste 6-års heste (minimum kvalifikationskrav er 7,5)

  • De 14 bedste 7-års heste (minimum kvalifikationskrav er 7,2)

4 års

Ålborg

5 års

6 års

7 års

EQUILANNOO Active Mix 20 kg. hestefoder uden havre

Flotte toppriser på dressurføllene til DV Auktion Jylland

Auktionsdagen startede i sædvanlig format med præsentation af alle føllene kl. 16.00, hvor man fik chancen for at få et godt indtryk af hver enkelt føl, som blev præsenteret to runder i hallen.

Der var omkring 400 mennesker til fælles spisning inden auktionen. Selve auktionen startede en flot sponsorauktion, med mange flotte og forskellige gaver som publikum bød aktivt ind på.

Dyreste hingsteføl solgt til Barnow Dressage for hammerslag på kr. 200.000, mens dyreste hoppeføl blev solgt til Munkdal Horses for kr. 175.000.

Klik på fotoet herunder for at se stories med nogle videoklip og nogle priser fra dagen. ⬇️⬇️

Stutteri Straight Horse med endnu et succes år

Eva Götzsche og Mogens Pedersen her med nyudnævnt Årets Avlshoppe i Dansk Varmblod 21-årige Romanik med hingsteføl e. Parero ved siden - foto: H2R

Ejendommen i Allerød er beliggende et godt stenkast fra centrum af byen, og samtidig helt ude på landet med hegnede græsfolde som grænser op til Ravnsholt Skov, der er statsskov.

På ejendommen driver både Eva og Mogens deres forretninger fra erhvervslokaler indrettet i den ene længe af den stråtækte ejendom.

Hopper og føl går på foldene bag ejendommen, hvor avlslinierne selvfølgelig står knivskarpt hos både Eva og Mogens, mens vi går fra den ene fold til den anden. Håndteringen af både hopper og føl falder helt naturligt, og det var nu blevet tid for at tage fluemasker af hopperne, så det fik Mogens lige klaret samtidig med “fremvisningen”.

Selvom vi først lige er på den anden side af sommeren 2025, så har Straight Horse allerede høstet succes både sports- og avlsmæssigt.

Da folingssæsonen tog sin start på stutteriet bød avler parret velkommen til intet mindre end en helbror til tophingsten Sezuan. Naturligvis en stolthed, som Mogens her står sammen med ⬇️

UVM bronzemedalje til DV sølvmedalje- og præmiehingsten Straight Horse Leonardo, viste sammen med Helgstrand rytter Mette Sejbjerg Jensen sine top kvaliteter, hvor tingene gik op i en højere enhed under UVM i Verden i år. “Set ud fra første følårgang ligner det også, at Leonardo præger sine afkom med super look og top galop”, fortæller Mogens.

Straight Horse Leonardo & Mette Sejbjerg Jensen på vej mod UVM bronze i Verden i august - foto: Krisitine Ulsø Olsen

Senest ved Dansk Varmblods Eliteskue, var Straight Horse repræsenteret med to 2 års hopper som begge var særdeles spændende repræsentanter for de to stærke hoppestammer Don Romina og Romanik.

Hæder som Årets Avlshoppe i Dansk Varmblod tilfaldt velfortjent den nu 21-årige Romanik som er avlet af Marianne Helgstrand, men indkøbt af Mogens Pedersen tilbage i 2009, og som idag er stammen til imponerende 17 internationale Grand Prix heste og 19 kårede hingste. Det er uden sammenligning en avlspræstation af helt særlig karat.

Med et forestående formandsskifte i Dansk Varmblod er Mogens Pedersen klar til at tage stafetten, med målet om at gøre Dansk Varmblod klar til fremtiden sammen med avlerne. (Kræver naturligvis et valg først, og der kan jo også være andre kandidater, når den tid kommer). Fik en snak om bl.a. den del, men også med mange andre afstikkere med andre emner ved besøget på Stutteri Straight Horse forleden ⬇️

Favourite stallions for the 6 year old and 7 year old Bundeschampionate title

You don´t have to be a big fan of specific breeding to find the absolute well deserved Bundeschampions this year for the 6 year old and 7 year old horses.

Also by the 5 year old Lodovico showed his top qualities together with Lena Hassmann.

The overall live commentary were really nicely presented, with details on point.

EQUILANNOO Muscle Plus 15 kg. tilskudsfoder til muskelopbygning

Sovereign 5 year old Bundeschampion Lodovico & Lena Hassmann

From watching the final today Lena Hassmann and Lodovico (Lord Europe/Don Frederic bred by Wieghaus-Vorwerk, owner Schafhof) were even more sovereign than the scoreboard was showing. Light, power, expressive for the entire performance. Nice supple contact and all the way, and super obedient in front of the aides without being forces.

The obvious difference was the walk. Lodovico showing a supple active walk tour in good balance scoring 8,4, while second placed Veni Vedi Veci (Vitalis/Daily Deal) and Jana Marie Thamm scored 8,8 for the walk, where fully equal suppleness in the front legs were missing. Placed third was Fiete (Fashion in Black/Rock Forever I) look more like a clear second place, light uphill contact without any technical issues, tiny unbalance into contact into first simple change. Supple power picture.

Følauktion Jylland er klar med stor kollektion lørdag den 13. september i Randbøl

49 dressurføl og 4 springføl er klar til auktionen næste lørdag på Randbøl Dressage Academy.

Mange spændende afstamninger bl.a. flere efter Extreme U.S., Viva Vegas og Parero. Blandt kollektionen er flere finaleføl fra de lokale regions følskuer.

Hvis du sidder hjemme og gerne vil have tjekket et eller flere føl ud i stalden inden auktionen, så er du velkommen til at kontakte H2R direkte.

Programmet for dagen er:

  • kl. 14.00 føllene på plads i stalden

  • kl. 16.00 præsentation i hallen (her vil H2R være klar og der vil også være livestreaming)

  • kl. 17.30 spisning

  • kl. 18.30 sponsorauktion

  • kl. 19.00 Følauktionen (med livestreaming)

Link til kollektionen

Link til streaming

HUSK: Ønsker du et byde på telefonen, så kontakt venligst Lene Gadgaard på telefon 30299935.

Hvis ikke du har sikret dig en spisebillet endnu til lækker buffet inkl. fri drikkevarer, og med efterfølgende kaffe og kage, så kan billet til kr. 300,- pr. person bestilles her: (skriv mail til kvistenrikke@hotmail.com)

7 yr old qualifier with best technical performance from 3rd placed Sky & Ann-Kathrin Lachemann

Easy light performance, nice natural frame and contact, good supple trot tour with nice freedom, walk is active but lack bit more suppleness, super canter tour with lovely flying changes, nice ability for half pirouettes, and error creeping into the change after final extension at diagonal.

Compared to both winner and 2nd placed Sky show much more lightness in the contact and balance.

Qualified directly for final:

Danish Warmblood Champion colt of the year 2025 sold to Bachmann Dressage and Vivi and Christian Vang Lauridsen

Danish Warmblood colt of the year Tophøjs Excellent by Extreme U.S. x Floriscount - photo credit: Ridehesten

Strong dam lines for the top foals

At last weekend Danish Warmblood Elite Show both the champion filly and champion colt stood out with power, expression and movements.

The champion filly Vitala by Vitalos / Dancier bred by Lena and Ulrik Kristensen is sixth generation, and will stay by the breeders in order to try to continue the development of their breeding program.

The champion colt Tophøjs Excellent by Extreme U.S. (Escamillo/Vivaldi) / Floriscount, is fourth generation at Stutteri Tophøj owned by Anette Nilausen & Niels Jørgen Johansen. He is out of the dam Feline (Floriscount/Landtinus) awarded with silvermedal. The entire breeding program from Tophøj now includes five broodmares decending from Koudalens Lantina, Elite Silvermedal mare by Solos Landtinus / Castro / Coriolan.

New buyer in the foal market

International top rider, team World Champion (Herning 2022) and Olympic team silver medalist (Paris 2024) Danish Daniel Bachmann Andersen is new in the foal market. “For me it´s really exciting to step into the foal market with a top colt like Tophøjs Excellent. My future plan is to try and purchase one or two top-quality foals each year, to secure some exciting future prospects for the sport.

I´m lucky to have Vivi and Christian Vang Lauridsen (CVL Horses) as partners for this colt, and as they have top facilities for youngsters, and therefore Excellent will of course have his youth and his youngster time with their professional team. When I see a colt with qualities like Excellent, I can't help but dream of my next top horse. I have huge respect for the breeders as they are using years after years to refine their breeding program, and I hope to contribute to their hard work by providing top-level education for the horses,” Daniel adds.

Proud breeders

The breeders Anette Nilausen and Niels-Jørgen Johansen tells: “We are always happy to sell our foals to abitious riders, and of course we would love to be able to follow their development and education. We have just been at vacation in Crozet watching the European Championship, where “our” Rockson by Rockefeller / Sorento was representing team Switzerland with Jessica Neuhauser. This was kind of dream sitting at the grandstand cheering on Rockson and Jessica, and at the same time meeting him at the stable for a real mom cuddle,” tells Anette.

With dedicated breeders, strong dam lines and top riders investing in the future, the Danish Warmblood scene continues to raise the bar for quality and ambition in international dressage breeding.

6 yr old qualifier at Bundeschampinate with Viva Vitalis OLD & Lukas Fischer in top

The “mysterious horse” Viva Vitalis OLD and Lukas Fisher showed a strong performance today. Mysterious because they were obvious pick for WCYH for Germany but never showed up for 2nd selection. Today he showed his qualities together with Lukas Fischer. Lovely supple well balanced trot tour, good quality walk tour, nice uphill well balanced canter, first flying change bit small and second bit over reacted.

World Championship combinations Wienkamp and Secret of Bavaria proved their qualities again today. A kind of overall to big tempo but Ann-Christin is still able to keep the performance with overall good balance, even though some kind of nodding for the trot tour.

At H2R stallion list to keep an eye on was Viva Vitalis, together with St. Emillion, Juwel and Erste Sahne.

St. Emillion (Suarez - Dante Weltino) with Jacob Schenk were placed 4th. Nice power balanced trot tour, good walk tour, super canter, nice 1st change, 2nd becomes kind of long in the frame and loosing the change with some trot steps after. (8,24)

Juwel (Janeiro Platinum - Sir Donnerhall I) with Linda Schmidt (unfortunately not available at CMH archive. (8,10).

Erste Sahne (Escamillo - Sir Donnerhall I) & Johanna Wadenspanner with a good swing for the trot tour, maybe a bit slow of the ground steps, missing more clear suppleness and bending for both half passes, good walk tour, super canter tour with nice self carriage and super flying changes. Unfortunately not really reflected in the score for the canter with just 8,5 for canter. Total score 8,20

For most of the class Heike Kemmer is doing nice comments as co-commentator together with Kim Kreling at Clipmyhorse.

Bundeschampionate with 5 yr old qualifier

I the 5 yr old class a total of 70 combinations were at start today. Only the 12 best overall will make it directly to the final.

From watching the top it was a top walk that made the difference between the best.

Today´s winner is active swinging through the body for the trot tour, the walk is big and supple but also with a bit like marching front legs (from H2R point of view), a practical active canter. Super obedient and with good expression. Does show a bit smiling with showing the lips for most of the test.

Reunion with WCYH For Royalty and So Special.

Direct qualified for the final⬇️⬇️ - 3 more combinations will qualify for the final through the small final.

PRESS RELEASE Crozet - Belgian Justin Verboomen, new star of European Dressage, wins another gold medal in the Grand Prix Freestyle

Winner Justin Verboomen & Zonik Plus - Photo © one_photographiefrance.

On the final day of this FEI European Dressage Championship, the audience turned out in large numbers to cheer on the eighteen best combinations from the Grand Prix Special, competing today in the Grand Prix Freestyle. At the end of the competition, Belgian rider Justin Verboomen claimed his second European gold medal, confirming his status as the new leader of the Belgian team, while Dane Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and German Isabell Werth took silver and bronze, respectively.

As horses danced to the rhythms of U2, Coldplay, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, the tension rose in the early afternoon when the most anticipated riders entered the arena. World No. 1 Charlotte Fry presented a new freestyle program on “Glamourdale Airlines,” as she even sings in her musical theme. The British rider had to manage a slightly too energetic stallion and finished with a score of 79.579%, leaving the best British performance to Becky Moody and Jagerbomb, who finished fourth with 86.982% after a strong freestyle themed around the Beatles.

Isabell Werth and Wendy de Fontaine delivered an excellent performance today. Repeatedly scoring over 9s on piaffes and the final pirouette, the German rider set a very high bar before the last competitors entered the arena, achieving a score of 88.046%. The entire German team, visibly emotional as she left the arena, seemed well aware of this achievement. Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour also left the arena with a broad smile. Clenching her fist, the Dane narrowly surpassed the multi-medalist German by nearly a point, earning 89.821% from the jury chaired by French judge Raphael Saleh.

But in this very tight competition, the new star of Belgian dressage was still to come. Crowned European champions after the Grand Prix Special two days ago, Justin Verboomen and his Zonik Plus executed an excellent start to their freestyle and, despite a small mistake in a lateral movement, quickly regained their rhythm toward victory. With a score of 89.964%, by just a few hundredths, he added another gold medal to his young record.

A tight championship, combinations cheered on by an enthusiastic audience along the final centerline, sunshine, and even a view of Mont Blanc in the background, made this last day at Jiva Hill Stables truly memorable. European dressage now has a new, solid top trio, and the consistency of the performances throughout this championship bodes well for the future of the discipline.

They said:

Justin Verboomen, 2025 European Champion with Zonik Plus "I really can’t believe it, and honestly, I wasn’t expecting this gold medal at all today! Especially after the mistake we made in the laterals. I’m very happy tonight! I asked my producer to create a rather calm, slightly dark musical theme to showcase Zonik Plus, and I think it worked really well!"

Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, 2025 European Vice-Champion with Mount St John Freestyle "I was really happy with my freestyle. I made a small mistake at the end of the first flying changes in two-time, but I managed to redo them, so I didn’t completely fail. I actually didn’t watch Justin’s freestyle because I was too nervous! Of course, I’m a little disappointed today compared to yesterday, as it was very tight, even among the judges. But that’s how it goes. I’m really proud to see a new ‘small nation’ emerging here. I know Justin showed incredible riding. And I’m almost certain we’ll have some great duels in the future."

Isabell Werth, 2025 European Bronze Medalist with Wendy de Fontaine "I’m very, very happy today. I’m very proud of Wendy because, as I said, we started the season very late. She improved day by day. We had a very good Grand Prix, which helped secure the gold medal for the German team. We did a good Special—not perfect, but I know we still have things to improve. And today, she was really fantastic. There were a few small mistakes in the canter work, but honestly, we all made mistakes. So it was a very tight duel, a very competitive event. In the end, I think any of us could have been third, second, or first—it didn’t matter. It was an exciting competition for all of us, and for the spectators too, and we are really happy to be here. A big thanks to the organizers for setting up this European Championship in just 10 months so professionally and successfully. Overall, I’m very happy with what happened, for me, for the team, and I think for all the riders here. We look forward to the next championship. It will be really exciting, and I hope Justin will feel our breath on his neck—as well as the judges’! So we can’t wait."

Etienne Zeller, President of the Organizing Committee "I would like to thank the entire extended family we have worked with for nine months preparing this European Championship. We are all horse enthusiasts first and foremost, and everyone worked passionately in the same direction. We dedicated all our time and energy to preparing for this week. Now, Cassandre and I ask ourselves, ‘What will we do tomorrow?’ This championship was an important challenge. Thanks to everyone’s trust and commitment, we were able to succeed. I sincerely thank the International Equestrian Federation, especially Ronan Richard and Raphaël Saleh, who supported and helped us greatly! Hosting this FEI European Championship was an honor, and we hope to see everyone again next year for more competitions!"

Cassandre Allainguillaume, Director of the FEI European Dressage Championship "This week, we welcomed more than 5,500 people in the stands and over 1,000 in our hospitality areas. We accredited about 1,200 people, which was a real challenge for us because we did not expect such a turnout. A huge thank you to our 160 volunteers, who were crucial to the success of this event."

FEI PRESS RELEASE - Verboomen doubles up with Freestyle gold in Crozet thriller

(L-R) Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (DEN), Justin Verboomen (BEL) and Isabell Werth (GER) during the Freestyle medal ceremony at the Jiva Hill Stables FEI Dressage European Championship 2025 © FEI / Leanjo de Koster

The Freestyle finale of the Jiva Hill Stables FEI Dressage European Championship 2025 in Crozet (FRA) was a true nail-biter. The top three combinations all delivered tests of exceptional quality, yet none escaped without errors. In the end it was Justin Verboomen (BEL) who, after taking gold in Friday’s Grand Prix Special, also claimed the Freestyle title aboard his own stallion Zonik Plus. With Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (DEN) in silver and Isabell Werth (GER) in bronze, the podium mirrored that of the Special.

Verboomen will be welcomed home as a hero: never before had Belgium won a medal at a major Dressage Championship. By collecting two golds in one weekend, he has written history for his nation. Scoring a new personal best of 89.964%, the modest Belgian could hardly believe what he had achieved.

“This result is a surprise for me. I am so proud, Zonik is still so young. Test after test I feel him becoming more mature. He is always attentive to me,” said Verboomen.

Early thrills in the opening groups

From the very first group the competition delivered excitement. Patrik Kittel (SWE) completed his best test of the Championship with Touchdown (owned by Sommarkvarn AB), dancing perfectly to his rhythmic music for 81.139%, which was in the end good enough for sixth.

His compatriot Maria von Essen (SWE) also impressed, showing the piaffe and passage strengths of Invoice (owned by Alexanders Hovslageri) to score 80.193% for seventh place. The black gelding may not be the biggest in size, but he showed great ability to switch gears. A small hesitation at the end of the two-tempi changes kept Von Essen just below Kittel.

Carl Hester (GBR) presented Fame (owned by Fiona Bigwood, Mette Dahl and Hester) with masterful technical skill. Despite a mistake in the two-tempis, the 58-year-old laughed afterwards: “Yes, I had a few old-man mistakes. The atmosphere here is fantastic, the crowd is very close which makes it quite exciting.”

Charlotte Fry (GBR) entered next with Glamourdale (owned by the athlete and Van Olst Horses), aiming to defend her 2023 European Freestyle silver. However, tension crept in from the very start. Despite the stallion’s extraordinary uphill canter, their 79.573% kept them out of medal contention.

Emotion and farewell moments

Dinja van Liere (NED) experienced an emotional test with Hermes (owned by Joop van Uytert), finishing on 77.782% in what she revealed would be their last performance together. Tearfully she shared:

“Hermes has been great the whole week. We wanted to give it all today. It was a difficult ride, because it was our final one. I can’t say much more now, but I am sure he will have a great future ahead of him.”

 

Dinja van Liere
(NED)

Norway’s Isabell Freese and the expressive Total Hope OLD (owned by Lone Boegh Hendriksen, Oivind Bache and Paul Schockemöhle) powered their way to 80.593% and eighth place.

Werth raises the bar

The tension built in the final group. First up, team gold medallist Frederic Wandres (GER) and Bluetooth OLD (owned by Hof Kasselmann) produced a flowing ‘love’-themed Freestyle for 81.771% and fifth place.

Dressage queen Isabell Werth (GER) then took to the arena for her 17th European Championship. With Wendy de Fontaine (owned by Chateau de Fontaine and Madeleine Winter-Schulze), she delivered absolute class, hitting every beat of the music with spot-on piaffe, passage, pirouettes and extended paces. Her 88.046% earned bronze: her third medal of this Championship, her 29th at a European Championship and an incredible 55th medal across all major championships.

"Wendy was fantastic. I think no one was without mistakes today, it was a tough competition between us. Today I was getting closer to the form I want to have with Wendy: being able to present her in the very best way. She gave her heart for me today."

 

Isabell Werth
(GER)

Just off the podium was Britain’s Becky Moody with her home-bred Jagerbomb (owned by Moody and Jo Cooper). Their cheerful Beatles Freestyle put a smile on everyone’s face. With a high degree of difficulty, they earned 86.982% and fourth place.

Laudrup-Dufour piles on the pressure

The crowd held its breath as Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (DEN) and Mount St. John Freestyle (owned by Laudrup-Dufour ApS and Mount St John Freestyle) entered. Focused and expressive, the mare danced through her test with just one error in the two tempis. With 89.821% she moved ahead of Werth, leaving only Verboomen to go.

 

“I was very pleased with our test, but a little disappointed we just missed out on the gold. It was so close, between our rides, but also with the scores. One thing is certain: Justin and I will be battling for medals many more times in the future”.

 

Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour
(DEN)

 said Laudrup-Dufour with a smile.

Belgian history made

The arena fell silent as the Special gold-medallists returned: Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus. Their harmonious, emotional test captured the audience. A bold moment came when Zonik Plus transitioned into canter out of a half-pass in trot, and the crowd exploded as they finished. Their 89.964% secured gold by the slimmest of margins.

Explaining his choice of Freestyle, Verboomen said:

 

“I wanted everyone to feel the emotion, and to keep the connection with my horse. His strength is that he always wants to show his very best. If I don’t make mistakes, he doesn’t either.”

 

 

 Justin Verboomen
(BEL) 

 

Katharina Hemmer (GER), participating at her first senior Championship with Denoix PCH (owned by Nancy Gooding and Hubertus Schmidt), closed the show as the last combination to go on 78.882%.

With sold-out crowds for both the Special and the Freestyle, the Jiva Hill stables FEI Dressage European Championship in Crozet ended on the highest of notes, and with a new star rising to the very top: Belgium’s Justin Verboomen with Zonik Plus.

FULL RESULTS

PRESS RELEASE Crozet - Belgian Justin Verboomen on Top of Europe!

Grand Prix Special podium - Photo © one_photographiefrance.

On this third day of competition at the FEI European Dressage Championship in Crozet, the thirty best pairs from the Grand Prix, held yesterday and the day before, lined up for the Grand Prix Special. The individual competition promised to be very intense, with many contenders capable of claiming the European title. With a score of 82.371%, Belgium’s Justin Verboomen and his stallion Zonik Plus, the new stars of international dressage, ultimately triumphed ahead of Denmark’s Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (81.687%) and Germany’s Isabell Werth (79.027%).

Already victorious in Aachen last month, the young Belgian rider and his impressive stallion Zonik Plus confirmed their place among the elite of international dressage today with an excellent performance in the Grand Prix Special. Scoring 82.371%, the pair even came close to perfect 10s in their canter pirouettes. Their beautiful harmony and nearly flawless technical execution allowed Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus to dominate today’s Special. While smiles were everywhere in the Belgian camp as they exited the arena, the rider’s entourage had to wait nervously for several minutes before celebrating. Indeed, still to come were none other than dressage queen Isabell Werth from Germany, yesterday’s team gold medalist, and Denmark’s Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, also yesterday’s team bronze medalist. The latter, riding Mount St John Freestyle, started her test brilliantly and seemed to be matching the Belgian’s percentages before making mistakes in the one-tempi changes, which brought her score down by a few points. With a final score of 81.687%, the Dane had to settle for the silver medal.

Lacking a bit of energy and brilliance, Wendy de Fontaine and Isabell Werth scored 79.027%, securing the bronze medal in a championship that largely favored the younger generation. Indeed, the day’s other big surprise came from the youngest member of the German team, Katharina Hemmer, who delivered a very fine test this afternoon, scoring 78.678%. Just a few tenths behind her teammate, and visibly emotional as she left the arena, the 31-year-old finished fourth at her very first European Championship—a performance that bodes well for the future!

And the future begins on Sunday with the final test of this European Championship: the Grand Prix Freestyle, open to today’s top eighteen pairs. No competition on Saturday, then. Some riders will fine-tune certain elements of their freestyle routines, while others will opt for a light workout to maximize rest for their horses. Meanwhile, the public in Crozet is invited to enjoy an open day tomorrow, highlighted by a performance of the Cadre Noir at 5 p.m., followed by the show Galiléo from the company Deus Ex Machina at 9 p.m.

They said:

Justin Verboomen, 2025 European Champion with Zonik Plus "I’m really struggling to realize what’s happening! My horse is still young, and I didn’t expect this to happen so soon. But I’m very happy! I bought Zonik Plus when he was just 2 ½ years old, and we’ve done everything together. From the beginning, he showed exceptional qualities, great balance, and a very good temperament. He still has all that, so we try to protect it. He’s an incredible horse."

Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, 2025 European Vice-Champion with Mount St John Freestyle "It’s very hard to predict anything with such an incredible group of riders competing this week! I’m really, really proud of my silver medal today. Justin showed amazing sport, and so did I, actually! But I made a mistake in my one-tempi changes. The fact that this sport allows new combinations like Justin and his amazing horse to emerge is something that really motivates me a lot. In a way, it was horrible watching my competitors, because I wanted to be on the top step of the podium, but at the same time, it gave me so much motivation and really pushes me to keep improving. So yes, I’m really proud of my silver medal today."

Isabell Werth, 2025 European Bronze Medalist with Wendy de Fontaine "I’m sorry, I’m not part of the young generation! But anyway, I did my best to defend my position today! I’m really happy with Wendy de Fontaine. I expected it to be an easy competition today. In reality, it was very close and tough, which made it really exciting for all of us. And of course, when you’re here, it’s about giving your best and trying to win. I expected great performances from Justin and Cathrine, of course. So for us, it was important to go into the arena and give everything. I lost a bit of energy in the transitions. I did my best. I’m not yet at the level I’d like or should be at right now, because we started a bit late in the season due to a small injury. That made the path to peak form more difficult. Nevertheless, Wendy de Fontaine did many good things, and I was really happy with her passage and piaffe work."

Verboomen makes history with Grand Prix Special triumph

Justin Verboomen (BEL) and Zonik Plus, winners of the Grand Prix Special at the Jiva Hill Stables FEI Dressage European Championship 2025 in Crozet (FRA) © FEI / Leanjo de Koster

Belgium had never before claimed a medal at a major Dressage championship, whether in team or individual competition. That changed today when Justin Verboomen (BEL) made history in Crozet (FRA) by winning gold in the Grand Prix Special at the Jiva Hill Stables FEI Dressage European Championsip with his exceptional stallion Zonik Plus. Their 82.371% score left no doubt. Silver went to Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (DEN) and Mount St John Freestyle, while bronze was awarded to Isabell Werth (GER) and Wendy de Fontaine.

Early tension in Crozet

From the very first athletes, the atmosphere was electric, with serious medal contenders entering the arena early in the day. The top 30 combinations from the Grand Prix faced a wide range of weather conditions – from sunshine to heavy showers and gusts of wind – that kept both athletes and spectators on edge.

One of the earliest challengers was Charlotte Fry (GBR) with her World Champion and Olympic bronze medallist Glamourdale. After a disappointing day in the Grand Prix, Fry was determined to fight back, taking maximum risk in the trot tour. With energy, power and courage, the highlights were outstanding extensions, one-tempi changes and lateral work. But some shaky transitions and a less consistent piaffe held the score to 75.289%. It was enough for an early lead, but far from the podium by the end of the day.

Hemmer delivers the test of her life

Next into the arena was Katharina Hemmer (GER) with Denoix PCH (owned by Nancy Gooding and Hubertus Schmidt). Completing the test of her life, the chestnut gelding showed relaxation, uphill movement and a harmonious, classical picture with not a single mistake. Their 78.678% kept them at the top of the leaderboard for a long time and eventually secured them fourth place.

“I am so amazed,” smiled Hemmer afterwards. “It doesn’t often happen that you can truly enjoy your test while riding it, but today was one of those days. Denoix wanted to do everything right, he really gave it all.”

Great Britain’s Becky Moody and her home bred Jagerbomb (owned by the rider and Jo Cooper) were also looking to make amends after mistakes in the Grand Prix. Their beautiful, still contact was textbook. While his passage may not be the most scopey, it has the rhythm of a metronome. With 77.796%, Moody finished just behind Hemmer in fifth.

Carl Hester (GBR) once again gave a masterclass in classical riding with Fame (owned by Fiona Bigwood, Mette Dahl and the rider), though tension in the walk left him just short of Moody’s score.

Norway’s Isabel Freese and Total Hope, third in this year’s FEI Dressage World Cup Final in Basel (SUI), impressed again with a solid Grand Prix Special that scored 74.316% for tenth place, easily qualifying for Sunday’s Freestyle.
Frederic Wandres (GER) and Bluetooth OLD (owned by Hof Kasselmann) followed with a fault-free performance. His piaffe, passage and pirouettes still lacked some power and have room to develop further. Their 75.942% left them in seventh.

Verboomen’s moment of magic

Then it was time for the sensation of the moment: Justin Verboomen (BEL) and Zonik Plus (owned by Verboomen). You could hear a pin drop in the stadium as spectators held their breath. The lightness, suppleness, and perfect balance between collection and relaxation captivated the crowd and the judges alike. Always with his ears pricked, attentive yet soft in every step, Zonik Plus danced his way to 82.371%.

With Werth, Laudrup-Dufour and Van Liere still to go, Verboomen’s victory was not yet certain, but the Belgian had thrown down a historic challenge.

Isabell Werth (GER) and Wendy de Fontaine (owned by Chateau de Fontaine and Madeleine Winter-Schulze) gave it their all, but mistakes crept into the one-tempi changes in the canter tour, keeping them just shy of 80%. Their 79.027% secured bronze for the most decorated athlete in history.

“We started this season quite late and I can feel we are not yet at peak form,” Werth admitted. “It was a challenge to reach the podium, but there were many things that pleased me today. In the Freestyle I want to take more risk – I will go for it!” she laughed.

Mount St John Freestyle and Laudrup-Dufour deliver

Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (DEN) and Mount St John Freestyle (owned by Laudrup-Dufour Aps and Mount St John Equestrian) then entered the arena to breathless anticipation. Their performance was a joy to watch, soft and elastic, but a major mistake in the one-tempi changes – scored as low as 3.7 – proved costly. Even so, the rest of the test was of such high quality that they still posted 81.687% to secure silver.

“She felt absolutely wonderful. She was so soft, I really could present her in the most supple way. Aiming for gold is hard with such an amazing group of riders. I’m super proud of Freestyle. The scores of the other combinations motivate me to get better. On Sunday we will give it everything.”

 

Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour
(DEN) 

 

Final competitor of the day was Dinja van Liere (NED) with Hermès, who took double individual bronze at the World Championships 2022 in Herning. As always, Hermès delivered a strong piaffe and passage, but some points were lost in the trot tour. Their 75.486% left them outside the medals.

A golden day for Belgium

Verboomen was left almost speechless after clinching his historic medal, one that delivered not only personal glory but also Belgium’s first ever Dressage gold.

“I still cannot believe what just happened. I felt so much pressure yesterday and today, also pressure that I put on myself. That was hard to handle. Zonik is still so young and I feel like we have so much to learn together. I am speechless.” 

Justin Verboomen
(BEL)
Tomorrow is a rest day for human and equine athletes in Crozet. On Sunday the action continues with the Grand Prix Freestyle – don’t miss it, starting at 11:30

FULL RESULTS

Justin, Cathrine og Isabell - vildt podie i dagens Grand Prix Special

Dagens podium individuel Grand Prix Special - vinder Justin Verboomen, sølv Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour og bronze Isabell Werth - foto: Kristine Ulsø/Laudrup & Dufour

Med gårsdagens flotte team bronze til danskerne, og en vild skarp Cathrine med den 16-årige hoppe Freestyle, var drømmene om ædelt metal i dagens Grand Prix Special bestemt ikke urealistisk. Og ekvipagen skuffede ikke.

Men inden den danske topekvipage var der også starttid til Grand Galiano og Rikke Dupont, Favour Gersdorf og Nadja Aaboe Sloth samt Jovian og Andreas Helgstrand. Alle fire danske ekvipager klar til den individuelle Grand Prix Special. De to debutanter Rikke og Nadja var klar til start inden middagspausen, mens Andreas og Cathrine havde starttid i den sidste del.

Rikke og Galiano viser en god tur, desværre indløber der små fejl i begger etter serie som desværre jo koster.

Good halt but rest left hind, super expressive extended trot, tiny tilting head left half pass, could be a bit sharper into passage at C, good passage, good power extension, nice back to passage, regular passage active, missing bit more suppleness right half pass, good balance, good into passage at C, nice passage, power extension, super balance, good back but bit late, nice passage, active extended walk lack bit suppleness, good collected walk, bit cautious into piaffe but well managed, nice passage, good piaffe 2nd part at the spot, good transitions, tiny tension into canter, good half passes missing more bending, super line of 2 times, error 1 times begin parallel hind, good extended canter nice change, well managed 1st pirouette, error 1 times, missing more sit for 2nd pirouette, nice into trot, power long side, good final centerline, nice halt.

Nadja og Favour viste igen i dag en skarp tur, dog indløber der en lille fejl i etterne. Parret kunne med en score på 72,811% gå ind til middagspausen øverst på pointtavlen, hvor belgiske Larissa Pauluis med Flambeau gik i front med 73,283%.

Unbalanced halt in front (7,4), nice diagonal 2nd half best, better bend left, good into passage, good extension, nice back to passage, nice regularity, missing more bend right but nice uphill half pass, good into passage, nice power extension, could be a bit sharper back to passage, nice passage, relaxed exended walk good stretch, nice collected walk, super into piaffe good bit high neck, good out, nice passage, nice activity for piaffe, good transition, bit big into canter, trend 72,5%, good half passes, mid of 2 times becomes bit tight but no error, good 1 times, power extended canter, good back, good change, lack bit control 1st pirouette, error 1 times, very nice 2nd pirouette, good into trot, good extension, super final centerline, bit open halt.

Andreas og Jovian lægger i vanlig stil strækt fra land, hvor starten på passage turene bliver også mere regelmæssige, i knap så højt et gear. Desværre bliver det dyrt med lidt spændt skridt tur og piaffe som ikke fungere helt optimalt - begge dele tæller dobbelt.

Good halt square, flying extension, uphill flow left bending super, good into passage, nice passage, power extension, good passage not asking to big, nice half pass right uphill supple, good into passage not to agressive into passage, smooth, power extension balanced, good back to passage, bit short tense extended walk, bit tense collected, unbalanced into 1st piaffe, good passage, better 2nd piaffe, good out, passage becomes bit to big, good into canter, good half passes, bit swing 2 times, good 1 times bit against the contact, good extended, good line with pirouettes, missing bit more balance for pirouettes, good into trot, power long side, passage becomes to big, lack more balance for piaffe, good passage, good halt.

Cathrine og Free var igen i dag i topform.

Unbalanced front for halt, soft power diagonal, nice soft half pass left uphill, super into passage, soft passage, power extension, super back to hind legs, springy passage steps, good half pass right could be a bit more uphill, nice back to passage, soft passage, power extension extended frame, nice back to passage, into super walk relaxed, super collected walk, and piaffe at spot easy out super passage, easy into piaffe, very mush sit, good transitions, good passage, good into canter, nice half passes, path on the neck mid of half pass, nice 2 times, could show bit more uphill, error 1 times, power extended canter, super change, WOW pirouette, nice 1 times, huge sit balance pirouette WOW, super into trot, power long side, super passage, easy into piaffe, easy out, super halt.

Parret er klar til kürfinalen søndag, og som Cathrine udtrykte det i efterfølgende interview med britiske Richard Davison, vil hun give Justin kamp til stregen på søndag. Cathrine siger også at hun tror Freestyle måske lige slår sig selv i ettere, og skal lige komme sig før Cathrine får lov at gøre serien færdig, og det gjorde formegentlig forskellen på guld og sølv. Cathrine forklarer samtidig at hun er super taknemmelig for sølv, da der jo ikke skal meget til før man er 4 el 5 istedet, i så skarpt et felt. I dagens ridetur inviterede Freestyle til at Cathrine kunne få lov til at ride en blød og harmonisk tur.

Nadja og Favour er også kür klar med deres slutplacering som nr. 12. De 18 bedste ekvipager fra dagens Grand Prix Special er kvalificeret til küren, dog max 3 ekvipager fra hver nation. Det betyder at Ingrid Klimke med Vayron som 4. tysker ikke er til start og istedet er det Quater Back Junior med Nicolas Wagner fra Luxemburg som tager den sidste kür plads.

GULDVINDEREN

Justin Verboomen og Zonik Plus viser power og tager risici med succes og vinder velfortjent guld. Der er ikke noget som de ikke kan sammen, også selvom man i serierne sidder lidt ude på kanten af stolen, så lykkedes de uden fejl - det gør forskellen på guld og sølv i dag.

Super halt, expressive diagonal, balance go reach uphill half pass left, nice into passage at C, super passage, super extension, super back to passage, nice flow go half pass right, back to hind leg for passage at C, power extension, super back, super passage, path on the neck into extended walk, good walk, bit pointing with from leg for collected walk, super into piaffe, super piaffe, super out, nice passage, active hind legs regular piaffe steps, smooth transitions, nice passage, good into canter, well balanced half passes, good 2 times, becomes tense for 1 times but successful, nice extended canter, good change, WOW sit balance 1st pirouette, well managed 1 times bit tense, WOW 2nd, bit late into trot, super extension, dancing passage, direct to active piaffe, and out flow, nice passage, super halt.

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