Se listen med de kvalificerede til Unghestechampionatet 2026 til Dansk Varmblods hingstekåring i Herning

Så er de 50 kvalificerede heste til næste års Unghestechampionat i Herning klar. (Der tages selvfølgelig forbehold for fejl).

Da det jo i år er første gang hvor RIDELIGHED tæller før kapacitets karakteren.

Tilføjelse: Der har også været afholdt en afdeling af Egnethedstesten i Norge i forbindelse med følskue og hoppekåring (august). Her vandt ekvipagen med samlet 840p (Zari e. Zucchero Gold - Donkey Boy) trav 8, galop 8, skridt 9, ridelighed 8,5, kapacitet 8,5.

Den er med ekstra i udover de 50 på listen fra DK.

Michaela Navrsted og Kingsly vinder årets sidste ekstra egnethedstest på Stutteri ASK/Blue Hors

Dommer Bjarne Nielsen, avler & ejer Heidi Dyhrberg Andersen, Michaela & Kingsly, dommer Vicky Nortvig og dommer Rune Willum - foto: H2R

CS Equestrian rytter Michaela Navrsted nåede lige hjem fra succesfuld OLD, og tog sejren til den afsluttende Egnethedstest idag på Stutteri ASK/Blue Hors.

Avler og ejer Heidi Dyhrberg Andersen fortæller her i det lille interview om Kingsly, og udtrykker stor taknemmelighed overfor Michaela og teamet hos CS Equestrian, der i løbet af 6 uger har gjort Kingsly flot klar til dagens opgave.

Grundet den store tilslutning til årets egnethedstest, blev der med en ekstra kvalifikation heldigvis plads til at alle fik mulighed for at deltage.

Efter en fuld dag i går lørdag med 67 ekvipager, var dommer teamet klar til 20 ekvipager fra morgenstunden i dag. Umiddelbart kunne man godt have tænkt sig at afvikle alle ekvipager på en dag, men efter grundig overvejelse blev det over to dage. En beslutning som tydeligvis også var fornuftig i forhold til dommerne, som alle tre var glade for at dagen ikke var længere i går.

Med omkring 260 ekvipager til egnethedstesterne i år, har tilslutningen aldrig været større og det glæder naturligvis dommerteamet, at se så mange ekvipager rundt i hele landet.

Listen med de 50 kvalificerede heste til Unghestechampionatet i Herning 2026 følger på seperat nyhed her på H2R.

Bjarne Nielsen gør status efter året egnethedstester:

Diallo BB dances to debut World Cup victory in Stuttgart with Jessica von Bredow-Werndl

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (GER) and Diallo BB, winners of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2025/2026 - Stuttgart (GER) ©  FEI / Stefan Lafrentz

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (GER) has returned to the top of international Dressage, this time with her rising star Diallo BB. Following their Grand Prix win yesterday, the pair clinched the Freestyle today in Stuttgart (GER), scoring 83.095% to take a decisive victory. Her compatriot Raphael Netz (GER) claimed second place with Great Escape Camelot, scoring 80.765% to join von Bredow-Werndl as the only athlete over the 80% mark today. Patrik Kittel (SWE) finished third with his FEI Dressage World Cup 2024 Final winner Touchdown on 79.620%.

Pressure until the final combination

With the top athletes tightly packed, the FEI Dressage World Cup™ in Stuttgart (GER) remained open until the very last starter. While several horses seemed impressed by the atmosphere of the large Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle in yesterday’s Grand Prix, today the tension appeared to have settled. Diallo BB (owned by Antoinette Göbelsmann-Schweitzer and Beatrice A. Buerchler-Keller), who found the surroundings challenging yesterday, produced 73.261% to win the Grand Prix. But today in the Freestyle, the pair added another level entirely, finishing more than three percent ahead of the field.

 

“In the Freestyle I could enjoy every single step down the final centreline. Diallo was so relaxed, yet still so powerful. After a pretty difficult and hot start in the Grand Prix yesterday, I didn’t expect him to be so focused today. I was so proud of him, because this arena is very electric.”

 

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl

(GER)

 

Von Bredow-Werndl performed to music previously used with Zaïre-E. “This music also suits Diallo perfectly. We made a few small adjustments, but it feels wonderful to ride to these sounds again,” the German athlete smiled.

Strong challenge from Netz and Pape

As the first of the final five starters, von Bredow-Werndl opened an intense final stage of competition. She was immediately followed by Germany-based Susan Pape (GBR) with Harmony’s Giulilanta (owned by the athlete and Harmony Sporthorses). The elegant chestnut mare showed excellent technique in the collected work, and riding to Tom Jones music, Pape scored 78.290% to finish sixth.

Next came 26-year-old Raphael Netz, who spent many years at Aubenhausen (GER) under the guidance of von Bredow-Werndl. He showed what he has learned in the saddle of Great Escape Camelot (owned by Sonja Kristina Kral and Therese Boss), becoming the second combination to break the 80%-barrier on 80.765%, good for second place in the final standings.

“I had a fantastic feeling today, I really enjoyed riding Camelot. He is a very special horse; I can always rely on him. He has the biggest heart and really grows in the arena.”

Netz is competing in the World Cup series with two horses this season, having also started Dieudonnee two weeks ago in Lyon (FRA). “That is new for me, but it’s great fun. In principle the Final in Fort Worth is our goal, but which World Cup qualifiers we will ride next is something we will decide along the way.”

Top Belgian performances

Belgium sent four combinations into the Freestyle in Stuttgart, with Alexa Fairchild and Larissa Pauluis finishing in the prizes. Before the break, Fairchild completed a strong test with Fairplay (owned by the athlete and Af Equestrian Lda), showing a very steady piaffe-passage tour. Their score of 75.680% placed them eighth.

Pauluis delivered an energetic test with Flambeau (owned by Caroline and Emmanuel Lepage and Jean and Marie Christine Pauluis) as the penultimate starter. A significant mistake in the one-tempi changes prevented a higher placing, and with 78.680% they finished fifth, unable to repeat their top-three result from Lyon.

Kittel goes full attack

The final athlete to enter the arena, Patrik Kittel (SWE), was the only remaining challenger for the winning score. Touchdown (owned by Sommarkvarn Ab) looked fresh and expressive. With outstanding half-passes, uphill extensions and excellent pirouettes, the experienced Swedish athlete appeared headed towards an 80% score. However, Touchdown delivered a small buck at the end of an extended canter, and both the piaffes and transitions could have been more secure.

 

“I went for it today, but Touchdown gave me a small, enthusiastic buck in return. Touchdown was so fit and happy, he got very excited by the atmosphere in the arena. He was just happy to be here, but for today that was maybe a little too happy…”

 

 

Patrik Kittel

(SWE)


Kittel has not yet decided whether he will aim for the Final in Fort Worth, though he intends to compete at the World Cup leg in Amsterdam (NED).

Top ten results and World Cup standings

Among the top ten were Svenja Kämper-Meyer (GER) with her home-bred Amanyara M FRH (owned by Hans-Jürgen Meyer), and ninth-placed Delia Eggenberger (SUI) with Fairtrade (owned by Isabelle Ros), both scoring above 75%. The just 22-year-old Moritz Treffinger (GER) rode the impressive black stallion Cadeau Noir (owned by Gestüt Bonhomme GmbH & Co. KG) to seventh place, matching his result from Herning (DEN). 

A standout improvement in the ranking came from Marieke van der Putten (NED) with Kuvasz RS2 N.O.P.T. (owned by RS2 Dressage Center de Horst). After finishing seventh in the Grand Prix, the pair climbed to fourth in the Freestyle with 78.765%.

After the third World Cup leg, Raphael Netz now leads the standings thanks to his impressive second place today. The next FEI Dressage World Cup™ leg will take place in London (GBR) on 18 and 19 December, so do not miss a hoofbeat!

 FULL RESULTS

Maraton Egnethedstest weekend i region 3 startet i dag på Stutteri ASK / Blue Hors

Dagens podie - vinder Soulsister L med Emily Nielsen, delt nr. 2 Sanne Henningsen med Grafitti´s Fast Lane II, Steen Steensen Blicher med Strandholts Daydream og Tina Kirkegaard med Feverfew - foto: H2R

Med både dressur og springning på egnethedstest programmet i weekenden, og med en ekstra dag søndag formiddag for dressurfolket, så er der dømt masser unghesteridning hele weekenden på Stutteri ASK / Blue Hors på de fantastiske faciliteter.

Lørdagens egnethedstest var med 67 startende ekvipager. Sejren gik til den ultra smukke og velgående sølvmedaljehoppe Soulsister L e. Secret / Apache med Emily Nielsen fra L-Horses (Maria Skodborg Rudbeck og Karsten Bundgaard). Dagens højeste karakter var et 9-tal som Soulsister L velfortjent fik for skridten. Samtidig afvikler Soulsister sin trav bevægelse med kvikhed op af jorden, og går med dejlig udtryk i alle tre gangarter, rigtig god op ad bakke kvalitet i galoppen, og en super skridt med fin overtrædning og dejlig smidighed. Travkvaliteten synes dommerne tydeligvis ikke var af samme høje kvalitet for fremtiden som H2R så den.

Blikket på fremtiden

For H2R handler egnethedstesten ikke alene om nuværende kvaliteter, men i stor grad også at forsøge at spotte potentiale og kvalitet til fremtiden.

Fremtidslisten iflg. H2R fra i dag indeholder:

Soulsister (1), Strandholts Daydream (2), Grafitti´s Fast Lane II (2), Karmamio (nr. 8) afvikler sit bevægelses forløb let og smidig med naturlig op ad bakke tendens, Vivace (nr. 10) en skøn power hest med god naturlig styrke og balance samt Magic´s Jackpot (nr. 21) super udtryk op ad bakke, skrap og kvik af jorden i traven.

H2R har fanget et par klip af Soulsister L sammen med dommer kommentarer ⬇️

Under vejs i løbet af dagen fangede H2R lidt videoklip, som kan findes via Instagram historier her.

Timetable of equestrian events for LA28 Olympic Games confirmed

With less than three years to go to until the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 (LA28), the Organising Committee has unveiled the official competition schedule. Equestrian events will kick off with Eventing, followed by Dressage and wrap up with Jumping.

The timetable

The timetable of the equestrian competitions for the LA28 Olympic Games can be accessed here. It has been carefully designed with the climatic conditions in mind, ensuring an optimal set-up, particularly for the horses and athletes as well as for all the other participants and spectators.

 Photo caption: The equestrian events of the LA28 Olympic Games will take place from 14 to 29 July at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia.

 

As with previous Olympic Games, the timetable is provisional and will remain subject to change through to Games-time in 2028. The equestrian schedule at the Paralympic Games will be announced at a later date.

“Following an in-depth presentation of LA28 at the FEI General Assembly 2025 on 7 November in Hong Kong, China, the announcement of the competition schedule for the Olympic Games is great news,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos commented. “The equestrian events will take place over 16 days starting on 14 July, the day of the Olympic Games opening ceremony, and ending on 29 July, the day before the closing ceremony. It is well balanced and mindful of horse and athlete welfare. It includes three days without competition, which will allow for the horses and athletes to ease into the event, prepare and rest comfortably. It also permits for adjustments in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

“We are very pleased with the progress in preparations for the LA28 Olympic equestrian events accomplished over the past few months and look forward to continuing our close cooperation with the organising committee over the next three years.

“The IOC’s confirmation that equestrian would retain the same medal events and quota places as for Paris 2024 is a very positive development as is the approval of Santa Anita Park in Arcadia as the venue for all the equestrian competitions. A solid basis has been set and we anticipate truly outstanding LA28 Olympic equestrian events in a wonderful setting.”

Some details

Eventing will be the first equestrian discipline in competition with the horse inspection taking place on 14 July, the day of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. Competition proper will begin on 15 July at 09:00 local time with Eventing Dressage, which will continue on the following day. The Cross Country will be held on 17 July and the first equestrian medals of LA28 will be won on 18 July with the Team and Individual Eventing Finals.

The horse inspection for Dressage will be conducted in the morning of 18 July prior to the Eventing Finals. The Dressage Grand Prix will take place over two days, on 20 and 21 July, followed by the Grand Prix Special on 22 July, which is the Dressage Team Final. There will be no competition scheduled the following day the with the Jumping and Dressage second horse inspections taking place. The sport will resume on 24 July with the Dressage Individual Final – the Grand Prix Freestyle – with the Jumping re-inspection taking place in the early morning.

The Team Qualifier in Jumping – the last Olympic equestrian discipline at competition in LA28 – is scheduled for 25 July with the Team Final planned for 26 July. The second Jumping horse inspection and re-inspection will take place on 27 July and will be followed by the Jumping Individual Qualifier on 28 July. The Jumping Individual Final will conclude the LA28 Olympic equestrian calendar on 29 July.

No competitions are planned for 19, 23, and 27 July.

Lottie Fry winner of both class L and class M at first KWPN stallion competition yesterday in Kronenberg

Real Dream & Lottie Fry winner of L-class - photo: Horses/KWPN

L class

The 2021 generation made its debut today at the first Anemone Horse Trucks Stallion Competition Dressage in Ermelo. The four-year-old stallions did not disappoint, Real Dream even earned the highest score of the day. The Dynamic Dream son impressed under Charlotte Fry, achieving 92.8 points, including a 9.8 for his outstanding canter.

Read the full news here.

Pjethro & Lottie Fry

M class

Last year in the Stallion Competition and again this summer in the Pavo Cup, Charlotte Fry and Pjethro had to settle for the reserve title. Today, the Kjento son struck back, taking the first win of the Anemone Horse Trucks Stallion Competition Dressage season with an impressive 89.8 points in the M class.

Read the full news here.

Z class

The Z class of the Anemone Horse Trucks Stallion Competition Dressage showcased outstanding quality this evening. World Champion Red Viper lived up to every expectation under Dinja van Liere, scoring an impressive 92.2 points. With that result, the Romanov Blue Hors son claimed victory in Kronenberg.

Read the full news here.
Full list of scores for all stallions here.

All credits to KWPN.org.

H2R note about Danish Warmblood stallions:

Two Danish Warmblood bred stallions from L Horses, Magic Mckee L and Sarai L were also competing.
Magic Mckee L by Total McLaren/Negro finished at the podium 3rd and was super presented by his daily rider Lina Uzunhasan. This stallion look like the full package for both sport and breeding.

Many breeders are of course interested in the development of Sarai L, and from H2R point of view he develops very nicely including more suppleness for the walk. Unfortunately he bit himself during the test and was eliminated.

Successful Cathrine and Kyra clinic

Full attention from the audience during the entire clinic - photo: H2R

Two days of sold out for Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and Kyra Kyrklund clinic at Slangerupgaard

A total of 1.000 ticket were sold in a super short time to Friday and Saturday´s clinic with the dream team Cathrine and Kyra. The clinic was with pure golden tips and tricks combined with daily challenges, all with the goal to optimize the daily training.

Their “partnership” started for about 10 years ago, when former trainer of Cathrine and Cassidy, Rune Willum was asking Kyra to help develop the piaffe of Cassidy, as it at that point mostly looked like when pooring cold water on his feet.

The program for the day was divided into two sessions, with three horses and riders in each session, finishing with Cathrine and MSJ Freestyle as ising on the cake.

Each horse and rider with different training. Lots of statements during the day:

  • What, Why and How (What we are doing, why we are doing it and how we are doing it)

  • Cathrine tells that Kyra can give you a kind of “shell shock” to help break bad habits

  • Symptomes must be treated (then they never develop to “illness”

  • The rider must be in balance to be able to balance the horse

  • Try to immitate a good rider (Kyra did that with Herbert Rehbein, making people say why Rehbein was walking like Kyra).

  • Never get to greedy in you training

  • Start playing with your horse at an early stage.

  • If you never tasted strawberry you don´t know the taste

  • Important always thinking ahead

  • Use more seat (not in the textbook of Kyra) - you can use your weight

  • It´s all about getting a reaction from using any kind of aides or tools

  • Understand the comfort zone – stress zone – panic zone. Dynamic progress happens in the stress zone, but never cross into panic.

Cathrine was in the saddle of three horses and furthermore daily rider at Cathrines place, Jannie Dietz was riding 6 yr old Danish Warmblood gelding Grand Quest-Bell by Grand Galaxy / Don Romantic, bred by Tina and Nicolai Jepsen, owned by Cathrine in partnership with family Zinglersen, 10 yr old Danish Warmblood gold medal mare Gozzip by Sezuan / De Noir, bred by Bente Michaelsen, and owned by the rider Ida Bøllingtoft Asmussen and 11 yr old Danish Warmblood gelding Atterupgaards Cooper by Charmeur / Gribaldi, bred by Atterupgaard and owned by the rider Sara Hyrm.

First Cathrine was showing 5 yr old Danish Warmblood mare Santalina by Duke / Blue Hors Schufro Hit, daily rider Kristine Ulsø Olsen (part of team Laudrup-Dufour) owned and bred by Kristine´s parents, Tine and Torben Ulsø Olsen. For some Torben Ulsø Olsen might be a familiar name, as Torben was part of the Danish Olympic dressage team in 1984 Los Angeles. Cathrine has only been in the saddle of “Musse” for a few times, and still from starting out in pony trot to finishing top responding to one of the “trick” from the tool box, being able to lift the shoulder by light tapping with a whip in the shoulder, giving exactly the effect as Cathrine was asking for.

Cathrine was also showing 8 yr old Danish Warmblood gelding Final S DWB by Franklin / Stedinger, bred by Sara Juul and owned by Cathrine in partnership with family Zinglersen. Focusing on using the relaxation/control from counter canter toward pirouettes. He has been in the stable for about 1 year now and is one of the hopes for the future for Cathrine.

Last but not least Cathrine entered with Freestyle, telling about how to ride her in the everyday, making her own buttons, the gift of an already top zigzag “installation” and the challenges with flying changes easily becomming a kind of issue, where Cathrine has been supported by her long time mental coach Rasmus Bagger, saying “I love one time tempies” when entering the line.

A true masterclass

The clinic was a perfect blend of a full toolbox, technical precision, and true horsemanship showing why Cathrine and Kyra are among the most respected figures in the dressage world. Their combined approach left everyone inspired to bring new energy and deeper understanding to their own training.

World Championship Young Horses in Verden and World Championship in Aachen

The International 2026 Calendar – Verden and Aachen Collide

Fitting all the major international events into the annual calendar is always a challenge, but 2026 presents an especially tricky situation. With the World Championships taking place in Aachen — the dressage competitions scheduled for 10–15 August — the World Championships for Young Horses (WCYH) in Verden have been set for the week immediately before, 4–9 August.

This overlap means that many people will likely allocate their annual event budget to visiting Aachen, while at the same time, some of the international top riders would normally qualify and present their young horses at the WCYH may have to drop Verden from their plans in order to focus on Aachen.

We all want to enjoy the very best of the sport being able to watch and celebrate the very best combinations at the Championships, whether it’s Worlds best young horses or the established stars competing at the highest level.

HANN licensing with some real SUPER STARS

No 1 - Opoque / Bon Bravour - photo: Torsten Kunst

HANN stallion collection 2025 for the licensing really kicks of with 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟catalog no 1 by Opoque / Bon Bravour / Show Star. This stallion is from the video here the absolute full package. Expression, power, suppleness, attitude, conformation. Can´t wait to see him by lunging for the licensing, as this part for sure tells even more about the balance, self carriage and movements.

No 2 also by Opoque with Christ as dam sire with very attractive powerful trot and supple walk, still bit young body wise and unfortunately no video of the canter. Will keep an eye on him for the licensing but will not be at the top list for now as no canter is presented.

🌟🌟🌟🌟No 13 by So Perfect / Finest - stallion look pure, lot of expression, power and quality. With Sezuan as grandsire the placement of the hindquaters becomes more attractive with push from behind under the body. Maybe a bit strong deep neck.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟No 25 by Vitalis / Foxtrot - Vitalis stallion look, impressive, supple both front with lots of freedom and back without being weak over the back, powerful, push from hind under the body.

🌟🌟🌟🌟No 28 by Vitalis / Toto jr - super expressive, supple and round of the ground trot and canter, good rhythm for the walk could show bit more overtrack and suppleness over the back.

🌟🌟🌟🌟No 29 by Viva Vitalis / Dante´s Jr - young body wise but overall super supple mover.

🌟🌟🌟🌟No 34 by Vivaldos / Revolution - uphill stallion type, supple trot and canter, missing bit more freedom for the walk.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟No 48 by Dynamic Dream / Bordeaux - super complete stallion, supple, uphill, expressive with power and 3 really nice basic gaits.

🌟🌟🌟🌟No 52 by Escaneno / Baron - supple mover with good power, not the biggest frame.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟No 65 by Feliciano / Dorado - big framed supple, uphill mover, super supple walk. Huge imprint from damsire Dorado.

Here you find the entire collection.

World Championship finalist Slangerupgaards Saffron new hope for Rose Oatley

New potential future top Danish Warmblood horse for Rose Oatlay

A small story appeared today at Rose Oatley´s Instagram, with 6 yr old Danish Warmblood sliver medal mare Slangerupgaards Saffron by Secret / Scolari when having some relaxted moments in her fairly new home in Germany.

Saffron was on everyone´s lips with Danish Anne Troensegaard in the saddle winning the first qualifier at WCYH in Verden this summer and finishing as no 4 in the final. As it has been planned to sell Saffron after the Championship the list of potential buyers was long. Rose and her family were the first trying Saffron out after the Championship, and the deal was closed very quickly, tells Anne.

Rose Oatley is over the moon having Saffron in the stable and says: “She is just out of the World, and I can´t wait to get to know her better and of course show her in the future.”

Anne Troensegaard has ones again done a great job as Slangerupgaards Saffron was already winner of Danish Young Horse Championship in Herning in March 2024, and later same year also winner of the Danish Young Horse Championship finals. From test rider Daniel Bachmann Andersen in Herning, Saffron was rewarded with 10 for both ride ability and potential.

Danish Warmblood Young Horse Championship record holder

So far Anne holds the record of 2 x 10 for ride ability and potential, obtained now three times in total.

Back in 2011 Anne rode Quite Nice by Quite Easy / Come Back II where Jan Brink was test rider and gave 10 for ride ability and potential, and then again in 2018 with Patrik Kittel as test rider where Anne showed the silver medal mare Delizia by Fürstenball / De Noir rewarded with 2 x 10 again for ride ability and potential.

Slangerupgaards Saffron & Anne Troensegaard at WCYH in Verden 2025 - Photo: Kristine Ulsø Olsen

THE HEART OF LYON GOES BOOM, BOOM, BOOM FOR JUSTIN VERBOOMEN AND ZONIK PLUS!

World Cup leg Lyon winner Zonik Plus & Justin Verboomen - photo: ©PSV Photos - J. Morel

PRESS RELEASE

The Freestyle Grand Prix presented by FFE rounded off the FEI Dressage World Cup this Friday at the Longines Equita Concours Hippique International. The whole of Eurexpo was in awe of the total mastery of the European champions Justin Verboomen (BEL) and Zonik Plus. With yet another top-class performance, they won the class in style ahead of Becky Moody (GBR) on Jagerbomb and Larissa Pauluis (BEL) on Flambeau. France's Pauline Basquin and Sertorius de Rima Z*IFCE confirmed their return to the forefront of the international stage by finishing in fourth place.

Staying relaxed is the key

They just keep performing brilliantly. With a score 87.075%, Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus literally won over the entire audience in the International Arena. The Belgian rider and his 9-year-old brown bay stallion came out to the cheers of a discerning audience in Lyon, who were well aware of the exceptional qualities of the rider and horse pairing from the "flat country". And they have many qualities indeed, starting with their ability to stay relaxed, which is rare at this level of competition. "I've been trying get Zonik Plus this relaxed since I started riding him. Yesterday (Thursday), in the Grand Prix, I think we put in our best performance so far. He was relaxed from start to finish. It felt incredible. Today was a little more difficult. The audience was even bigger and it was hot. This was our first indoor competition of the season. I just prayed that Zonik would stay with me and he did. I wasn't up to the task in the tempi changes, but I'm very proud of him. Lyon is a really enjoyable competition to be involved in. The welcome we received was fantastic. I’ll be happy to come back."

The world number 1 finished ahead of the British rider Becky Moody, who always has a smile on her face. Riding her faithful Jagerbomb, a horse she bred herself, she scored 85.175% with her routine to a Beatles medley. On her first visit to Lyon, Becky Moody, who finished fourth in the FEI European Championships, was delighted with her performances during the competition: "When you ride a horse like mine, it always puts a smile on your face. Jagerbomb makes my life easy. He has a good personality and is easy to work with. Then, obviously, some days are better than others. And, the not-so-good days are usually down to me. It also depends on the atmosphere and the competition. But we always learn something. In any case, I really enjoyed being here. This competition in Lyon is incredible and the audience is fantastic. Looking to the future, I don't know if our objective is the FEI World Cup™ Final. I'm still giving myself time to decide."

Two Belgians on the podium

Another rider from Belgium was on the third step of the podium, thanks to the great performance of Larissa Pauluis and her faithful Flambeau, who are regular participants in the competition here in Lyon. They scored 79.560% with their routine. "I'm really pleased with Flambeau today, despite my mistake with the tempi changes. My horse is quite emotional, but he managed to stay with me. It's great for Belgium to have all these great results one after the other. Justin's European title is amazing, but, without wanting to say we could see it coming, having watched them develop over the last two years, we already knew that they would end up being among the best in the world. They are an exceptional pair!"

With a score of 78.855%, the French rider Pauline Basquin and Sertorius de Rima Z*IFCE just missed out on the podium. "We have had a tricky year in 2025, but since the Grand Prix, I feel that my horse is regaining confidence and we're both finding our feet together again. In the Freestyle, things were a bit more complicated, but overall I feel that Sertorius is getting back to where he was and that makes me happy."

Equita Lyon: a fantastic showcase

This 2025 FEI Dressage World Cup™ acted as a great showcase for several horses with different profiles, as the President of the jury, Raphaël Saleh, pointed out: "It's fantastic to have the opportunity to judge horses that are as different as Zonik Plus, Jagerbomb and Flambeau. The thing they all have in common is that they are all ridden with a great deal of harmony, and that's what we're looking for at the moment. We're delighted to have the chance to judge these types of pairings and the way they move. I think we should thank GL events Equestrian Sport for bringing together all these different disciplines at the same event, it's a fantastic showcase for riding." Sylvie Robert, President of GL events Equestrian Sport, the organiser of the Longines Equita Lyon Concours Hippique International, is no stranger to high-level competition. Above all, she remains passionate about horses and was delighted with the show put on for the audience in Lyon this afternoon: "We saw some amazing sport over the two days. I'm delighted to have been able to welcome the European champion and world number 1 to Lyon. The bond and understanding between Justin Verboomen and his 9-year-old horse are remarkable. And here in Lyon, we are lucky enough to have a great audience. There were 7,000 people here today."

Verboomen continues golden form with Lyon Freestyle Win

World number one and double European Champion Justin Verboomen (BEL) continued his winning streak with another stunning performance aboard Zonik Plus at the second leg of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2025/2026 Western European League in Lyon (FRA). The Belgian athlete achieved a new personal best of 81.195% in the Grand Prix and went on to win the Freestyle with 87.075%.

Britain’s Becky Moody and her home-bred Jagerbomb came very close with a brilliant, fault-free Freestyle on 85.175%, while Belgium’s Larissa Pauluis completed the podium with Flambeau (owned by Caroline and Emmanuel Lepage, Jean and Marie Christine Pauluis) on 79.560%.

A rising star

Less than a year ago, few in international Dressage had heard of Justin Verboomen and his gorgeous black stallion Zonik Plus (owned by the athlete). But since their breakthrough win in the Grand Prix at the FEI Dressage World Cup™ in Mechelen (BEL) last December, their rise has been meteoric. Today’s victory in front of a packed Eurexpo Arena marked their first FEI Dressage World Cup™ Freestyle triumph.

Since their European Championship double gold in Crozet (FRA), Zonik Plus has shown even more harmony, softness and correctness in Lyon.

 

“In the Grand Prix, Zonik Plus gave me an amazing feeling, it was our best test ever.”

 

Justin Verboomen
(BEL) 

 

“During the Freestyle we had a few small mistakes. The arena was suddenly full and quite warm, and Zonik Plus was a little impressed by the crowd. I tried to keep his attention on me, which led to the mistakes in the tempi changes. At home we keep working on even more suppleness, confidence and harmony.”

Belgian strength in depth

Belgium celebrated more success through Larissa Pauluis and Flambeau, who finished third after a powerful and expressive test, with some mistakes in the tempi changes. “I’m a bit disappointed with myself because of the mistakes in the Freestyle,” Pauluis admitted. “Flambeau has a lot of character and I always have to manage his emotions in the arena. But I’m still very happy with the overall result, for myself and for Belgium.”

Belgium fielded no fewer than four athletes in Lyon, all of whom finished inside the top ten. Domien Michiels and Intermezzo van het Meerdaalhof (owned by Marc Steeno) produced a correct and nicely framed test to place ninth on 73.590%, where the horse could show a bit more push from behind. Meanwhile Wim Verwimp and Jedai de Massa (owned by Eon Jin Chin, J-Tack Korea and Jorinde Verwimp) impressed with their piaffe-passage work to complete the top ten on 73.560%.

Strong performances across the board

Switzerland’s Delia Eggenberger rode a much fresher Fairtrade (owned by Isabelle Ros) to climb from thirteenth in the Grand Prix to seventh in the Freestyle on 75.175%. Just behind her, Luxembourg’s Fie Christine Skarsoe and the Lusitano Imperador Dos Cedros (owned by Manon Ackermann) placed eighth on 73.755%.

Thamar Zweistra (NED) produced a classy test with her only nine-year-old chestnut Hexagons Luxuriouzz N.O.P.T. (owned by Stal Hexagon B.V. and the athlete), scoring 78.220% for fifth place. Luxuriouzz, has a lot of ease and fluency, linked the difficult movements effortlessly, although the length in the neck remains a point of attention.

Sandra Sysojeva (POL) and her black mare Maxima Bella (owned by the athlete and Dominika Kraskp Bialek) were unable to hold on to their third place from the Grand Prix. The energetic mare can sometimes become a little over-eager, which today led to a few moments of tension. Their 76.560% placed them sixth overall. 

French favourite back in form

Home favourite Pauline Basquin (FRA) delighted the Lyon audience with Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE (owned by Institut Français du Cheval et de l’Équitation). The pair, who won in Madrid (ESP) last season, showed that they are back on form, taking fourth place with 78.855%.

“We had a hard time during the 2025 summer season,” said Basquin. “Now we are finding each other again. We’re coming back in shape and I’m very happy with the tests in Lyon. We’re ready for the season!”.

Moody makes you smile

Last to go in the Freestyle, the ever-smiling Becky Moody (GBR) and her home-bred Jagerbomb charmed the crowd with their cheerful Beatles-themed performance. Their harmonious and flawless test scored 85.175%, placing them just behind Verboomen.

 

“I was smiling all the time! The crowd here was amazing. I’m so lucky to ride Jagerbomb, I always enjoy riding him. He is very consistent, has an incredible temperament and is very trainable. He makes my life easy, but you can always have a good or bad day. In the Grand Prix I was a bit frustrated with myself, not with Bomb. Today everything felt super.”

Becky Moody
(GBR) 

 

The season continues in Stuttgart

After this second leg in Lyon, Verboomen now sits ninth in the FEI Dressage World Cup™ standings. Fie Christine Skarsoe leads the series, followed by Thamar Zweistra and Germany’s Raphael Netz.

The next leg of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Western European League will take place in Stuttgart (GER) on 14 and 15 November, so don’t miss a hoofbeat!

FULL RESULTS

FEI DRESSAGE WORLD CUP™ GRAND PRIX PRESENTED BY CRE-ARA JUSTIN VERBOOMEN GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH!

Part of Press Release

The FEI Dressage World Cup™ Grand Prix presented by CRE-ARA – the first of the three FEI World Cup™ stages to be held at this year's Longines Equita Lyon, Concours Hippique International – lived up to all its promises. On Thursday at Eurexpo, the audience in the stands witnessed a truly memorable series of performances, capped by the victory of the reigning European champions, Justin Verboomen (BEL) and Zonik Plus, who seemed to be almost floating through the air during their routine, while setting a personal record in the process. As the best ranked French rider, Pauline Basquin, took 5th place with Sertorius de Rima Z*IFCE.

Light as a feather
Justin Verboomen will certainly remember his first visit to Lyon. With a score of 81.195 %, the Belgian rider and his nine-year-old stallion beat their personal best in a Grand Prix competition in the International Arena at Equita Lyon, in front of a delighted audience. And it was a well-deserved score, given the performance of the European champions in only their fourth indoor competition! In keeping with their impressive outdoor performances over the last few months, the two partners once again demonstrated their incredible lightness and fluidity. "After the European Championships, I tried to work a bit more with Zonik at home, in really peaceful conditions. As much as possible, I tried to release the tension and pressure that had built up over previous events. I think it paid off today, because he was super relaxed. Every time he goes out in a competition, he matures and I feel he's still improving. Last year, on the indoor circuits, he got very hot and was affected by the décor. In Lyon, the arena is wide and open, so it's really nice to ride here. That's the overwhelming feeling I have after this class, above and beyond the personal record. I'm really proud of my horse. He is very sensitive and gives a lot. He's always had this ability to really focus on me and my encouragements. So, we've tried to build on that over the years. Considering this is my first time in Lyon, I must say I'm delighted. The conditions are perfect, in terms of how were welcomed and the quality of the stables, where the horses feel really great. We'll see what happens tomorrow in the Freestyle, but I hope to have fun and that my horse will be calm and relaxed on the slightly more difficult exercises that are part of the routine, especially the transitions. I'll try to help him with my gentle encouragements." 

The world number 4, Great Britain's Becky Moody, riding Jagerbomb, a horse she bred herself, confirmed her consistent performances this season by taking second place with a score of 76.196%.  She finished ahead of Sandra Syosjeva, the world number 10 from Poland, riding Maxima Bella, who posted a score of 72.630%.

Sertorius de Rima Z*IFCE back in the groove
The French rider Pauline Basquin and her faithful Sertorius de Rima Z*IFCE finished in 5th place with a solid routine that scored 72.326%. Pauline was generally satisfied with her performance in the Grand Prix: "I'm happy because I'm starting to find my feeling again with Sertorius. He was very comfortable during the trot and passage. I still have this slight issue in the canter, where he tends to take me to the middle lines, which was the case at the European Championships. Today, I made two mistakes, on my zig-zag line and on my pirouette line. It's something I need to sort out, but since he never makes the mistake in training, it's not easy. It's more a question of balance than technique. That really motivated me not to make a mistake on the line of tempi changes; you always have to look at the positive side of things (laughs). We just missed out on a place on the podium, but that's sport. I'm really going to give it everything in the Freestyle tomorrow. Above all, the aim is to have fun and to try and get closer to 80%. I know that the audience here in Lyon will help me. I love coming to Equita Lyon, it's a competition that we really enjoy. My horse feels good there. The stables are very comfortable and quiet. The atmosphere is incredible. At the same time, it's also great to see other disciplines and events, like the western riding, pony-games, dressage clinics, show-jumping, etc.“

Another French rider competing in the class was Alexandre Ayache, riding Ruling Olivia. They were the first couple to perform their routine and put in a very solid performance, scoring 70.022% and finishing in 8thplace.

Results of the FEI World Cup™ Dressage, Grand Prix presented by CRE- ARA
1.    Justin Verboomen (BEL) & Zonik Plus - 81.195%
2.    Becky Moody (GBR) & Jagerbomb - 76.196%
3.    Sandra Sysojeva (POL) & Maxima Bella - 72.630%

Photo: ©PSV Photos - J. Morel

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