HANN NEWS - Dr. Frederic Bünger elected new chairman

The newly elected chairman, Dr Frederic Bünger (left), and Carsten Leopold presented Dr Hinni Lührs-Behnke with the Hanoverian Society’s Golden Pin of Honour. Photo: Hanoverian Society

Delegates' Assembly of the Hanoverian Society

Verden. The delegates of the Hanoverian Society have elected Dr Frederic Bünger as chairman. The present chairman, Dr Hinni Lührs-Behnke, did not stand for re-election after six years in office. In addition, the decision to open the Verden Riding Horse Auctions to all warmblood breedings was approved.

Overall, the Hanoverian Society can look back on a successful year. A major highlight was the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships in Verden, which received widespread praise: “It was a celebration of the horse!” said Dr Hinni Lührs-Behnke. Despite declining figures in the fields of horse breeding and riding, the financial year ended with a positive result.

The new chairman of the Hanoverian Society, Dr Frederic Bünger, comes from a family in which the breeding of Hanoverian horses has played a central role for many generations. He has been active as a judge at mare and foal shows for over 20 years. “I would like to contribute my experience and passion to actively help shape the Society’s goals and further promote the quality of breeding. There are a number of changes on the horizon, in which I see positive aspects and enormous opportunities,” said the veterinarian from Harbarnsen. In recognition of his great commitment and as a token of gratitude for his work, the retired chairman, Dr Hinni Lührs-Behnke, received the Golden Pin of Honour of the Hanoverian Society.

The present Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Henning Schmidt, also did not stand for re-election. Stefan Kallaß from Midlum was newly elected to the Supervisory Board. Subsequently, the Supervisory Board appointed Hendrik Hüsker from Syke as its chairperson. Dr Michael Lühs from Wagenfeld joins the Board for loyalty to/of breeders from Helmut Bäßmann. “Horses should remain the focus of our work on the committees – no more and no less,” emphasised Dr Michael Lühs. The new chairman, Dr Frederic Bünger, had previously served on the Hanoverian committees as a member of the Dressage Breeding Committee. Nils zur Lage from Bersenbrück was elected to fill the position he vacated. The 27-year-old Pferdewirtschaftsmeister, who comes from a successful breeding family, said: “I would be delighted to be able to contribute ideas to the Society’s work on behalf of the younger generation.”

In future, horses from other warmblood populations may also be auctioned at the Hanoverian Society’s riding horse auctions. The 102 delegates approved the Board’s corresponding motion. This will intensify cooperation with a wide variety of training stables and enhance the appeal of the Verden Auctions venue with its modern facilities.

Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour rises to world number one in Dressage Rankings

FEI Press Release
Lausanne (SUI), 01 April 2026

Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour rises to world number one in Dressage Rankings

Caption: Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and Mount St John Freestyle after winning the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2025/2026 qualifier in Herning (DEN) ©FEI/Pernilla Hägg

Following the latest update of the FEI Dressage World Rankings – Athletes, Denmark’s Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour has been confirmed as the new world number one, taking the lead in the standings with 2,029 points. She remains the only Danish athlete ever to reach the top spot, having previously held the position for four consecutive months from February to May 2025.

Laudrup-Dufour moves up from 25th place to take the top position, reflecting a period of strong form at the highest level of international Dressage. Previously, the largest leap to reach world No. 1 was from fourth to first, achieved by Charlotte Fry in January 2023. Laudrup-Dufour has surpassed this record, rising all the way from 25th to the top spot, a rise bolstered by two victories on home soil in March 2026 in Herning, where she won the CDI5 competitions.

The scale of her progression is also reflected in the points gap: the increase required to reach number one compared to her previous ranking amounts to +695 points. For comparison, the next most significant move to the top position was achieved by Justin Verboomen, who went from third place to world number one with a gain of +120 points (September 2025).

“I am over the moon about Freestyle’s latest performances. To feel how our partnership has grown the past months has been amazing. I truly feel like unit with her now and in Frankfurt and Herning it’s been the best rides of my life. Tests that I’ll never forget, and tests that I would normally expect to have years in between for me this is clearly a sign of the fact that Free & I are becoming true soul partners and when we dance together it’s on a higher level. Feeling very thankful for the enormous support from my whole team” Laudrup-Dufour said.

Behind her, former number one Justin Verboomen (BEL) moves into second place with 1,929 points, closely followed by Germany’s Isabell Werth in third on 1,927 points. Great Britain’s Charlotte Fry takes fourth position with 1,911 points, while compatriot Becky Moody completes the Top 5 on 1,786 points.

Adding to this achievement, Laudrup-Dufour’s leading horse, Mount St John Freestyle, has risen to the top of the FEI Dressage World Rankings – Horses. In second and third place are Zonik Plus (Justin Verboomen) and Wendy de Fontaine (Isabell Werth), both previously ranked world number one among horses.

Quick links:

Full FEI Dressage World Ranking – Athletes

Full Dressage World Ranking - Horses

OLD Elite collection with a lot of fancy names (OnLive Auction 11 April)

The OLD elite collection

From H2R point of view only three highlights with no 1 as a clear top price among the young ones, together with no 5 which shows lots of elevation, quickness and of the ground movements with super interesting HOLST dam line, while no 12 both approved and showing super nice qualities with soft supple movements.

Many of the horses in the collection are horses with fancy names, but unfortunately without obvious Elite qualities from the video presentation.

Here you find the entire collection.

Holder konceptet for bruttogrupper i dressur?

VM i Aachen 2026 med blikket rettet mod OL 2028

Med dagens nyhed om de opdaterede bruttogrupper i dressur, får H2R lyst til at stille spørgsmålstegn ved konceptet.

For lige at bringe klarhed over hvordan det nuværende koncept er, gengives nedenstående fra Sportsplanen 2026.

Hest og rytter bør danne grundlaget for indplaceringen i en bruttogruppe, ikke alene en rytter

Hvis man kigger til Tyskland er konceptet for at være i de enkelte grupper kombinationen af rytter og hest/heste.

Iflg. sportplanen er der 6 kriterier som danner grundlaget for udtagelse til landsholdet, hvoraf 4 af kriterierne omhandler ekvipagen eller hesten.

Et hurtigt kig på den danske A-gruppe vidner om dygtige ryttere med top kompetancer, men umiddelbart svært at se hvordan konceptet følges, hvis man eksempelvis ikke har hesten længere, hesten ude med en skadespause eller måske babypause til rytteren. Den aktuelle A-gruppe liste iflg. H2R:

  • Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour & MSJ Freestyle

  • Nadja Aaboe Sloth & Favour Gersdorf

  • Daniel Bachmann Andersen & Flash Gordon

  • Carina Cassøe Krüth & Heiline´s Danciera

Alle 4 ekvipager med friske resultater som berettiger dem til A-gruppen, og derfor kunne man også med rette kalde gruppen “VM perspektivgruppe”.

Der står ikke angivet noget om indenfor hvilken tidsramme rytteren skal have redet minimum 71% til CDI3 stævne 3 gange, så det bliver for H2R regning at 1 år må være retvisende, selvom 6 mdr vil være mere korrekt.

Alle andre i A-gruppen, med undtagelse af Anna Zibrandtsen med et enkelt resultat over 71% (dec 2025/72,565%), har ikke vist sportslige resultater der umiddelbart berettiger til A-gruppen.

Andreas Helgstrand har alene været til en international start på Kadans (dec 2025/68,978%).

Anna Toosboy Rasch (Everian L med international debut i foråret 2025 med 2 x 67%) og Nanna Merrald (seneste med Blue Hors St Schufro) er begge ude med kommende babypause, mens Lone Bang ikke har været til start på Thranegaardens Rostov siden oktober 2024.

A-gruppen må uanset hvad, være for de ekvipager som aktive på banerne, og som har de bedste resultater, og ikke baseret på fortidens meritter.

Fremtidsperspektivgruppen

Det kan godt være Alexander Helgstrand ikke har alle resultater til A-gruppen, men sammen med Sara Hyrm, Karoline Rohmann, Cecilie Jensen og Ida Kristine Bjørn, kunne man sagtens lave en ny kategori “fremtidsperspektivgruppen”. Alle 5 ryttere har allerede hentet gode placeringer på seniorniveauet, og de bør derfor have al mulig støtte og opbakning i forhold til kunne udvikle sig optimalt til fremtiden.

Alle ekvipager er interessante - det handler om at udvikle mulige emner til fremtiden

Hvordan og hvornår kan man egentlig blive en del af træningen omkring bruttogrupperne? Den del er desværre en ren gråzone, da der stadig er talentfulde ekvipager derude, som ikke bliver inviteret med.

All eyes on Fort Worth as Zen Elite FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final line-up is set

Becky Moody (GBR) and Jagerbomb during the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Grand Prix Freestyle at the Longines Equita Lyon 2025 (FRA) ©FEI/Lukasz Kowalski

After another exciting FEI Dressage World Cup™ season, featuring the very best combinations in the world, the final line-up for the Zen Elite FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final in Fort Worth (USA) has been confirmed. From 8 to 12 April, Athletes will compete for the title at the impressive Dickies Arena in the Texan city.

Throughout the extended 2025–2026 FEI Dressage World Cup™ season, points were contested across four leagues. A total of 36 qualifiers were held in the Western European League, the North American League, the Pacific League and the Central European League.

Until mid-March, the battle for points remained open in the Central European League, North American League and Western European League. The final combinations secured their tickets during the last qualifiers in Motešice (SVK), Wellington (USA) and ’s-Hertogenbosch (NED). In total, 18 combinations from 15 different Nations have qualified to contest the Final in Fort Worth.

A new champion to be crowned

Defending champion Charlotte Fry (GBR) has confirmed that she will not travel to Texas with Glamourdale (owned by the Athlete and Van Olst Horses), opening the door for a new and exciting contest at the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final.

Fry and Glamourdale won the Western European League qualifiers in London and Amsterdam and finished a close second in ’s-Hertogenbosch, but the pair will not be seen in action in Fort Worth.

Western European League contenders

Nine combinations from the Western European League have qualified to make the journey to Texas. Much attention will be on the FEI Dressage World Cup™ winners of 2024 in Riyadh (KSA), Patrik Kittel (SWE) and Touchdown (owned by Sommarkvarn AB).

Kittel competed in Basel (SUI) last year with Forever Young HRH, but returns to the Final with Touchdown. This season, the pair finished in the top three in Herning (DEN), Stuttgart (GER) and Gothenburg (SWE), although a win eluded them. The experienced Swede will be aiming to change that in Fort Worth.

Strong competition is guaranteed. Becky Moody (GBR) qualified from just three appearances with her homebred Jagerbomb (owned by Moody and Jo Cooper), finishing second in both Lyon and London, and a third place in Amsterdam.

Raphael Netz (GER), fourth in the league standings, competed this season with DSP Dieudonne and the more experienced Great Escape Camelot (owned by Sonja Krall and Theres Boss), with whom he placed fifth in the 2024 Final in Riyadh. Netz will travel to Texas with ‘Camelot’.

He is joined by fellow German Moritz Treffinger (GER), the youngest Athlete in this year’s Final at just 22 years of age. Treffinger also competed with two horses this season, but will ride the chestnut Fiderdance (owned by Gestüt Bonhomme GmbH & Co. KG) in Fort Worth.

The Netherlands will be represented by Thamar Zweistra, who will partner with Kingsdale (owned by Marieke Ponzo Dieu-De Pundert), having competed in the qualifiers in Mechelen and Neumünster with this horse.

Morgan Barbançon (FRA) will present the oldest horse in the field, the 20-year-old stallion Sir Donnerhall II OLD (owned by the Athlete and Marie Carmen Mestre Pons).

Also representing the Western European League are Carina Cassøe Krüth (DEN) with Heiline’s Danciera (owned by Poul Thøgersen), Bettina Kendlbacher (AUT) with Broadmoars Don Alfredo AWÖ (owned by Broadmoar KG) and Alexa Fairchild (BEL) and Fairplay (owned by the Athlete and AF Equestrian LDA).

North American League

The North American League remained competitive until the final qualifier. Over 10 events, three Final tickets were available.

The 23-year-old Christian Simonson (USA) had already secured his place well in advance with the stallion Indian Rock (owned by Zen Elite Equestrian Center). The pair have been unbeaten since April 2025, winning qualifiers in Myakka City, Ocala and Wellington, all on home soil.

Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu (CAN) secured her ticket with Jaccardo (owned by Jill Irving). After winning in Toronto (CAN), she also delivered strong performances in Florida (USA). It will be her first FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final.

At the final qualifier in Wellington (USA), Kevin Kohmann (USA) claimed the last available spot with his gelding Duenensee (owned by Diamante Farms), qualifying for his third consecutive Final.

Central European League

The Central European League spanned 13 qualifiers between May 2025 and early March 2026, with just two Final places on offer.

Sandra Sysojeva (POL) topped the standings with 80 points aboard Maxima Bella (owned by Sysojeva, Piet Lenskens and Dominika Krasko Bialek). The striking black mare became a firm crowd favourite, with the pair winning four qualifiers this season. They finished seventh in the 2025 Final in Basel.

Justina Vanagaite-Samuile (LTU) also qualified with Nabab (owned by Vanagaite-Samuile, Jurga Girniute-Bogdaniene and Ramunas Bogdanas). She previously competed in the Finals in Omaha (USA, 2023) and Riyadh (KSA, 2024).

Pacific League

The Pacific League consisted of three qualifiers in Australia: Werribee in March, Sydney in October and Werribee again in December.

Overall winner Mary Hanna (AUS) will not travel to Fort Worth with Ivanhoe, opting to skip what would have been her seventh FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final, despite winning the December qualifier in Werribee.

Her absence opens the door for second-placed Serena Ireland (AUS), who will compete with Royalty R (owned by the Athlete). Ireland placed third in Werribee in March and second at the same venue in December.

Non-league and FEI Extra Starting Place

The non-league starting place has been allocated to Julio Mendoza Loor (ECU) with Jewel’s Goldstrike (owned by Mendoza Loor and Jessica Mendoza), as the highest-ranked non-league Athlete on the FEI Dressage World Ranking List.

Mendoza Loor and his eye-catching chestnut competed in qualifiers in Lerma St Vincent (MEX) in November and Wellington (USA) in February, finishing third on both occasions.

The first FEI Extra Starting Place goes to Yessin Rahmouni (MAR) with Kind of Magic. This relatively new combination only made their CDI debut in Kronenberg (NED) at the end of November 2025, progressing through Lier to The Dutch Masters in ’s-Hertogenbosch. At just their third international show and first FEI Dressage World Cup™ qualifier, they immediately secured qualification for the Final. It will be Rahmouni’s second FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final appearance, following his participation in Leipzig in 2022 with All At Once, the sire of his current horse Kind of Magic.

The second FEI Extra Starting Place, allocated to fill the empty slot left by Charlotte Fry as title defender, goes to Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) and Alive and Kicking (owned by the Athlete), who is also sired by All At Once after participating at CDI-W events in London (GBR) and Amsterdam (NED) this season.

The Definite Entries list for the Zen Elite FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final can be found here 

Four top stallions from Van Olst Horses with Lottie Fry at Zuchthof Klatte stallion show Saturday

Lottie Fry & Ilegro bronze medal winner at WCYH 2025 in Verden - photo credit: Kristine Ulsø Olsen

Busy Lottie Fry was showing four stallions from Van Olst Horses at Zuchthof Klatte Saturday.

Even when your not Premium member at Clipmyhorse, you have the possibility watch the show via the link here.

Videoclip

Ilegro ⬇️

Pjethro ⬇️

Real Dream ⬇️

Kjento ⬇️

Remember to mark you calendar Van Olst Horses Online Stallion show

Sunday April 5, 2.00 PM CET

where you will have the chance to watch the full range of stallions from Van Olst Horses.

Still a Secret 2026 SWB Stallion Performance Test Winner

Still a Secret with Linnea Cöster is named this year’s Stallion Performance Test winner in dressage. Photo: Roland Thunholm.

Part of news from SWB stallion Performance test

In dressage, Still a Secret, b. 2022, by Secret out of Bellissima – Benaggio, bred by Caterina Schulz-Beelitz and owned by Lövsta Stuteri AB, ridden by Linnea Cöster, is named the winner with a total score of 21.5. The stallion demonstrated three very good gaits, good balance and rideability, as well as promising development potential, which was appreciated by both the breeding evaluation board and the test riders Mads Hendeliowitz and Theo Hanzon.

SWB warmly congratulates the breeders, owners and presenters of this year’s winners, as well as everyone involved in the training and preparation of the stallions. We also thank all participants, officials and partners including Ridskolan Strömsholm, SWB Mälardalen, ClipMyHorse.TV, Agria and Horsepartner for contributing to another successful stallion performance test at Strömsholm.

Here you can find comments and scores for all stallions that were awarded premiums or accepted.

Source: SWB.Org

Flere danske ekvipager med international debut i weekenden i Sverige

Vegas Volt og Michael Søgaard - Screenshot / Equisport.tv

Det internationale stævne i Flyinge i Sverige med international debut til flere danske ekvipager

En af de ekvipager som var til start og klar til international debut var berider Michael Søgaard med den 12-årige vallak Vegas Volt e. Blue Hors Veneziano / Don Gregory.

Parret viste to rigtig fine ture med mange gode kvaliteter, desværre en lidt dyr fejl i Grand Prix´en i zig-zag galoppen, og lidt rigeligt på tæerne i skridtturen. Fine vinkler i piaffe turene med god aktivitet af jorden, samtidig med god kvalitet i passage, og har nemt ved at komme ind og ud. Fine serier, mens pirouetterne stadig mangler lidt mere styrke og balance. Tydeligt mere afspændt i küren, og en super spændende hest for fremtiden, som går med naturlig power og kvalitet. Ekvipagen bliver placeret som nr. 5 i både Grand Prix og kür med 66,805% og 71,170%

Katrine Kraglund som fornyligt har overtaget Miss Holstein´s Marikka var også klar til international debut. Marikka har dog tidligere været til start internationalt tilbage i 2024, sammen med Nadja Aaboe Sloth en enkelt gang. Katrine rider sin chance og får vist to fine ture, den første dag lidt vel godt fremme, men teknisk får Katrine løst det fint. Begge dage placeret som nr. 2 i Grand Prix med 68,102% og i küren med 73,410%.

Hannoveraner Avlsforeningen i Danmark afholder generalforsamling 25. april 2026

PRESSEMEDDELELSE

Generalforsamling 2026

Kære medlemmer.

Vi inviterer jer hermed til generalforsamlingen i Hannoveraner Avlsforeningen i Danmark d. 25. april 2026 kl. 11 på Katrinelund (Hesterøroddevej 107 7990 Ø. Assels Danmark).

Vi kan samtidig oplyse, at samme dag afholder Katrinelund deres årlige Hingsteshow, så der er derfor mulighed for at deltage i begge dele og lave en hyggelig tur ud af det.

På generalforsamlingen vil der være spændende indlæg fra Hannoveraner International, hovedforbundet i Tyskland.

Vi regner med at slutte generalforsamlingen af ca. kl. 13 med en forfriskning og en sandwich, hvorefter hingsteshowet starter kl. 14.

Hvis det ikke er muligt for jer at deltage fysisk, vil vi forsøge os med at lave en online adgang, hvilket dog kræver, at I meddeler os dette gerne via denne mail.

Online mødedeltagelsen vil ske via Teams, hvilket ikke kræver at I har Teams installeret.

Tilmelding gerne inden 21 april på linket:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HDyVjVh7x/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Vi håber på jeres opbakning til arrangementet og vi ser frem til at se jer.

De bedste hilsner

På vegne af bestyrelsen

Sara Sikkersoq Jensen

Formand

Dagsorden kan findes på hjemmesiden:

https://hannoveranerdanmark.dk/2026/03/22/generalforsamling-2026/

DERUDOVER VIL JEG GØRE OPMÆRKSOM PÅ, AT KÅRINGEN I ÅR VIL FOREGÅ DEN 20. JUNI PÅ STUTTERI EVO OG DEN 21. JUNI PÅ STUTTERI G - AVL AF HESTE. MERE INFORMATION OM DETTE VIL KOMME SENERE.

VIDEO OF FULL STALLION SHOW - 33 years with stallion station at Gestüt (family) Sosath

Hof Sosath is mainly with top jumping stallions and still with a serious dressage collection, as 10 dressage stallion were presented at the show.

When in comes to the passion for the horses and the sport Gerd Sosath just makes the history and philosophy on each horse so interestering, that you barely forget when he is actually talking about jumping stallions.

From H2R point of view when you see the first stallion as a foal Casino Grande, he could actually be interesting combining with a great dressage mare.

Dressage stallions presented:

  • 2018 Federer by Farrell / Livaldon

  • 2022 Fine Future by Federer / Ampere

  • 2012 Bon Coeur by Benetton Dream / Sandro Hit

  • 2023 Sir Franklin by So Perfect / Franklin

  • 2012 Donkey Boy by ERA Dancing Hit / Milan

  • 2022 Donkey Amout by Donkey Boy / San Amour

  • 2016 Vivaldos by Vivaldi / Desperados

  • 2023 Venedig by Vivaldos / De Niro

  • 2021 Bondolo by Bonds / Totilas

  • 2013 For Dance by For Romance / Rubiloh

German schedule for selection for WCYH in Verden

German Young Horse selection for WCYH in Verden 5 - 9 August

First selection is 8 - 10 June taking place in Warendorf, and 2nd af final selection will be 30 June, also in Warendorf.

As usual the first part is with mandatory traning with groups of 2-3 combinations where both national team coach Monica Theodorescu und Hans-Heinrich Meyer zu Strohen will give advices for the subsequent preliminary test riding the day after.

A total of 8 horses for each age group will be selected and made public after the final selection 30 June.

Source/link: Dressursport.kim

Horse welfare - the most important part of Marcel Jordan Horse Transport

Advertorial

A new book on the welfare of our beloved horses during transport, written by Marcel and Bea Jordan founders and owners of Marcel Jordan Horse Transport. With over 35 years of experience, they bring deep expertise that goes far beyond simply moving horses from A to B.

The book tells the importance and key points of transporting our horses the best possible way, in order to be safe, sound and fit when reaching their destination.

The part in the book “Care counts” just made my personal travel experience with Marcel Jordan to something very special. The way you constantly recieves informations during the transport of your horse, is just second to non.

Here below a few small part from the book ⬇️

If you want your own sample of the book you buy it directly from Marcel Jordan for €34,95 + shipping costs - info@marceljordan.com

Grande Prize 2026: For Dance

For Dance was awarded the Grande Prize 2026. Photo: Beelitz

For Dance: From a good family

Grande Prize 2026

Verden. The Grande Prize 2026 has been awarded to For Dance by Romance/Rubiloh. The typy bay, bred by Angela and Uwe Butkus of Overath, received the award during the stallion presentation at the Sosath station in Lemwerder.

Stallions are often in the spotlight. Particularly in dressage, the mares and dam lines behind them are far too rarely given due consideration. They have a lasting influence on the hereditary qualities of their offspring. This year’s Grande Prize winner, For Dance, meets the breeding criteria for a highly competitive dam line to a remarkable degree. The dam of the 13-year-old For Romance/Rubiloh son (breeder: ZG Butkus, Overath) is none other than the 2022 Hanoverian Mare of the Year, St.Pr.St. Reverie. The appearance of her sons For Dance and First Choice B at her award ceremony during the Hanoverian licensing remains unforgettable.

The career of the exceptionally typey For Dance began at the 2015 Verden licensing. He left the stallion sales wearing the premium sash, heading for Lemwerder. The Sosath stallion station became his new home, both in terms of breeding and sport. For Dance completed his 3-day-test in Schlieckau. His average score for inner values was 9.5, and he achieved an 8.5 in the test under the testrider. Among the basic gaits, the canter stood out particularly with a score of 9.0. In the performance test a year later, rideability was once again the highest mark on his report. In competition, his path with Rieke Harms as a four-year-old initially led to the Bundeschampionat final, which he finished in fourth place. As a five- and six-year-old, the stallion qualified for Warendorf once again. At the age of seven, Ninja Sosath took the saddle on the highly talented bay and continued to develop him. A year later, the pair became German Amateur Champions in Münster-Handorf. When his first offspring came under saddle, they impressed with their father’s attitude and rideability.

Last year, the oldest For Dance offspring were eight years of age and performed impressively for several breeding societies, as expected for their age. The Westphalian mare Frieda NRW (dam’s sire Fidermark) became Vice-Bundeschampion in 2024 with Greta Busacker and placed in the final of the Nürnberger Burg-Pokal in 2025. Representing Oldenburg, Fame and Glory OLD (dam’s sire Farewell III) has already placed at S-level internationally for Spain with Maria Gomez Guzman. In para-sport, the once-licensed stallion and former Verden auction foal For Memory (dam’s sire Destano, breeder: Kurt Bolte, Okel) shines at the highest level with the American rider Cynthia Screnci. These successful horses exemplify the special hereditary traits of For Dance, which can transform a good horse into an exceptional sport horse. Other breeding societies also value the stallion’s hereditary qualities. In Oldenburg, he has already been honoured as a Hauptprämienhengst and Future Sire. This is now followed by the award of the Grande Prize from the Hanoverian Society, which is linked to the hope that his offspring may have a lasting positive influence on Hanoverian breeding. The stallion meets the requirements, and his use in breeding is recommended.

Verboomen and Zonik Plus edge out Fry and Glamourdale in thrilling ’s-Hertogenbosch finale

Justin Verboomen (BEL) riding Zonik Plus - winners at the FEI Dressage World Cup™  - s' Hertogenbosch (NED) ©FEI/Leanjo de Koster

The final qualifier of the FEI Dressage World Cup Western European League in ‘s-Hertogenbosch (NED) turned into a direct duel between the world numbers one and three: Justin Verboomen (BEL) and Charlotte Fry (GBR). In the end it was Verboomen with Zonik Plus who came out on top, while Fry and Glamourdale had to settle for second place. Home favourite Marieke van der Putten (NED) finished third with Zantana OLD RS2.

In the sold out Brabanthallen in 's-Hertogenbosch, traditionally the final qualifier of the Western European League, crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of two outstanding black stallions: Zonik Plus and Glamourdale. What followed was a battle of titans in which both combinations proved closely matched.

Lightness versus power

Verboomen and Zonik Plus were narrowly the best of the two in both the Grand Prix and the Freestyle, but Fry and Glamourdale were never far behind.

The margins were minimal, yet in the end the elegance, lightness and apparent ease of Verboomen and Zonik Plus prevailed over the power, expression and scope of Fry and Glamourdale. Both combinations made a small mistake in the tempi changes, but the overall standard remained extremely high.

Verboomen secured victory with 89.205%, while Fry finished just behind on 89.085%. The Belgian athlete appeared noticeably happier after the Freestyle than he had been after the Grand Prix.

“For the Grand Prix and already from the moment we arrived here, Zonik Plus felt very good. But once we were in the arena during the Grand Prix he became a little distracted and tense. We still won, but I wasn’t completely satisfied. Today in the Freestyle Zonik was much calmer, softer and more relaxed. That relaxation was exactly what I was looking for, and it made a big difference today,” explained Verboomen.

Fry pleased despite narrow defeat

For Fry and Glamourdale the feeling was similar. They too were far happier after the Freestyle than after their Grand Prix test.

“Glammie felt amazing today, just incredible. We had amazing moments, some of the best I’ve ever felt on him. The trot half passes and the extended canter just felt like flying. Just a few small blips snuck in, which was a shame, but it’s good to know there’s more for the future. So hopefully one day we can beat Justin,” Fry said with a smile.

Personal best for Van der Putten

Dutch leading athlete at the moment, Marieke van der Putten, guided Zantana RS2 OLD to a new personal best of 82.175%. The talented mare showed impressive ability to collect, and Van der Putten believes there is still much more to come from the combination.

“I was super happy with her. In the beginning of the freestyle she was a bit too excited, but the rest for now couldn’t be better. Especially with the canter work I was really happy,” said Van der Putten.

World Cup Final picture taking shape

Two more combinations broke the 80% barrier in ’s-Hertogenbosch. Raphael Netz (GER) scored 80.810% with DSP Dieudonné, presenting the eager black stallion with great harmony. Charlotta Rogerson (SUI) also surpassed the 80% mark with Bonheur de La Vie, scoring 80.270% just as she had done on home soil in Basel.

From the Western European League, the top nine combinations qualify for the FEI Dressage World Cup Final in Fort Worth (USA), with final confirmations of all combinations expected in the coming days.

Following the last qualifier in ’s-Hertogenbosch, Verboomen leads the World Cup standings. His compatriot Larissa Pauluis sits in second place, while Patrik Kittel (SWE), who was not present in ’s-Hertogenbosch, completes the top three.

FULL RESULTS

Zonik Plus vs Glamourdale for the wins in s´Hertogenbosch

Zonik Plus and Justin Verboomen winner of last leg of World Cup season 2025/2026 - screenshot/Clipmyhorse

H2R comments about Zonik Plus vs Glamourdale from s`Hertogenbosch performances

The combination of softness, power, quality and accuracy makes a winner.

From the start list Zonik Plus and Glamourdale were the top contenders for the last leg.

For both the Grand Prix and the freestyle it became very close race, both tests with a small surplus for Zonik Plus from the judges. No doubt Zonik Plus and Justin Verboomen has been unbeatable. Even though the two stallions hardly only has the color and abilities in common, they both shows freedom, expression, balance and super frame. The obivious differences from H2R point of view was power, accuracy and quality of the exercises this weekend which wasn´t completely reflected on the scoreboard.

In the Grand Prix Zonik Plus was not fully concentrated, and at the same time showing some tensions which was reflected in more minor issues (not directly technical errors) 78,457%. Glamourdale showed a strong Grand Prix, where piaffe tours could be more active and lost of balance for 2nd pirouette 78,022%.

Glamourdale & Lottie Fry 2nd place for both Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle - screenshot / Clipmyhorse

Glamourdale freestyle with power, freedom, expression, balance and super frame. Top quality of extensions, half passes, passage and 1 times. Small error for 2 times, successful repeated in the jokerline and piaffe pirouette missing more energy, final result 89,085%.

Zonik Plus freestyle with expression, freedom, balance and super frame. Unfortunately not the same power and natural forward search as we´ve seen them before. Looks as if Justin has to ask a bit more for the piaffe, like also the passage and extensions missing bit more natural power. Half passes missing bit more suppleness and flow, while the series becomes very tense, with a small error for 1 times, but repeated for jokerline without errors. Pirouettes are definitely in a league of their own, final result 89,205%.

It is not an easy task to sit in the judges chair, and the sport will always be a combination of judging each exercise combined how your eyes see the full picture. (You simply cannot put your personal subjective assessments away).

AI in dressage

We are living in a world where AI has become a part of our everyday, but not many of the dressage sport lovers would like AI to replace our judges. Could AI be kind of add on for the future judging, to ask about exercises like extensions, series, walk, half passes, piaffe, frame or use of tail and position of ears. All elements measureable in terms of correct development of AI for the future.

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