New "joker" for the German team - Dante´s Pearl OLD & Charlott-Maria Schürmann

Some H2R thoughts about the German team for Aachen. Normally the German championship team will be announced right af Balve.

Isabell Werth & Wendy de Fontaine are this years most obvious pick for the team. If someone has been thinking about Viva Gold as a challenger to Wendy, it´s not gonna be for this championship. He is still to inexperienced for the biggest scene.

With absence from Denoix & Katharina Hemmer it is uncertain if they will be at the list.

Frederic Wandres and Bluetooth OLD could be the 2nd pick among the experienced championship combinations.

Among the "new ones" are Dante´s Pearl OLD & Charlott-Maria Schürmann. Even though they are still not fully settled for the piaffe/passage tours, rest is top quality and at the same time with high scores, and with fine, light, powerful riding. From H2R point of view they will be ready for their championship debut in Aachen.

The final spot must go to Great Escape Camelot & Raphael Netz or Farrington & Semmieke Rothenberger.

Et kig tilbage på DM ugen

Senior DM med overraskelser i toppen og med nye unge ryttere på vej

Carina og Danse viste deres rutine og styrke, selvom de ikke har været ude mere end en enkelt gang internationalt, til World Cup stævnet i Göteborg i februar måned. To skarpe og fejlfrie runder gav dem den mesterskabstitlen og guldmedalje i år. Det er tydeligt at Carina´s timing, i forhold til hvor hun har Danse form mæssigt er optimal, og jo også særdeles vigtigt i forhold til timingen frem mod VM.

Daniel Bachmann Andersen og Flash Gordon er stadig forholdsvis nye sammen, og i år klar til DM debut. De kommer fra deres første udendørsstævne i Hagen, med en 2. plads i CDI4 Grand Prix og en sejr i GP küren, så forventningerne om en topplacering til DM var bestemt ikke urealistiske. En skarp DM Grand Prix, dog med lidt spændinger, og med alligevel kun en minimal margin til Carina og Danse, så var konkurrencen stadig helt åben da Daniel rider ind til küren. En flot kür, men om det var nok til at slå Carina og Danse på målstregen, er jo egentlig uvedkommende, da det helt umulige sker. Dommer ved C, Christine Prip meddeler efter Daniel har hilst af, at Flash Gordon desværre ser ud til at have bidt sig selv, og ekvipagen derfor er diskvalificeret.

Årets podie overraskelse er uden tvivl Anna Zibrandtsen med Quel Filou. Parret er kommet godt fra start i udendørssæsonen med stævnet i Hagen, hvor de viste fine takter. Parret debuterede internationalt tilbage i 2022 og fik dengang et par gode sæsoner. Så kommer 2024 sæsonen, hvor tingene desværre aldrig rigtig kommer til at fungerer. Blot en enkelt international start i 2025 og babypause, hvorefter de også er til start til World Cup stævnet i Göteborg, og så efterfølgende senest i Hagen.

Teamet omkring Anna og Quel Filou i dagligdagen er bl.a. også Anja Kit Andersen som har været en del af teamet i næsten 10 år, hvor hun undervejs har haft flere forskellige funktioner. I billedet til stævnerne kender vi nok Anja bedst som groom (og i Hagen inklusiv barnevogn og headset), men sammen med Anna har de nu også fundet en vej der passer rigtig godt til træningen af Quel Filou.

Anna er selvfølgelig super glad og stolt over sølvmedaljen, men samtidig glæder hun sig over at niveauet til DM endnu engang viser, at de danske ekvipager kan præstere på højt højt niveau.

Tilbage til Hagen stævnet fangede H2R Anna til en lille snak, hvor hun forklarer lidt om hendes træning med Quel Filou.

Favour Gersdorf og Nadja Aaboe Sloth har solidt bidt sig fast i toppen af dansk dressur, og viser også deres styrke med en bronzemedalje. Fra sidelinien ikke deres bedste kür, og på pointene også der de mister deres mulighed for at tage sølvmedaljen. Form mæssigt er Favour og Nadja ikke helt på det niveau, vi så dem i efteråret sidste år og i Doha i februar i år.

Det var skarpt gensyn med Lone Bang Zindorff og Thranegaardens Rostov. Rostov har været ude med en skade og har ikke været til start siden oktober 2024. Parret var meldt til sidste års DM, men måtte desværre melde fra igen, så det var glædeligt gensyn med ekvipagen. Individuelt sluttede de som nr. 2 i küren, med en skarp tur i deres svære kür.

De “nye”

Både Karoline Rohmann og Alexander Helgstrand er “nye” i senior sammenhæng til DM, og de leverede begge flotte præstationer som lover godt for fremtiden.

Et kig på U25 klassen giver også et klart billede af at flere talenter er godt på vej. Sophia Obel havde klogt valgt at støve Foldagers Chablis af til mesterskabet, og lidt overraskende, men også fortjent er de begge dage et mulehår foran Sara Hyrm og Atterupgaards Cooper.

Rammerne for EM 2027 er klar

Den uundværlige opbakning fra sponsorer til stævnet - foto: H2R

Med et veloverstået DM stævne, er det tid til en slags “TRUSTPILOT” fra H2R.

Rammerne på Randbøl Dressage Academy er enestående, og med 2027 EM i sigte næste år er mulighederne for et storslået arrangement også tilstede.

DM set-up´et lignede ikke helt den perfekte “generalprøve” inden EM.

Som tilskuer var teltet på langsiden naturligvis comfortabelt, og lavet i niveau forskelle på rækkerne, men alligevel ikke helt optimalt i forhold til at kunne se banen godt nok. Afstanden til opvisningsbanen var for tæt på tilskuerne i forhold til at kunne mærke det som mesterskabsstemning, og udsigten til noget af absolut den smukkeste natur ned over ådalen var dækket med plastafskærmning. Ståpladser blev enten bag dommer C eller modsat ved A, men ikke rigtig som noget afgrænset eller afmærket areal.

VIP teltet var placeret med ryggen mod den storslåede udsigt, og for nogle pladsers vedkommende uden at kunne se hele banen. Samtidig var adgangen til VIP området halvvejs rundt om banen.

Muligheden for at kunne proviantere sig under stævnet var alene via en enkelt kaffevogn på pladsen, som desværre i løbet af lørdagen igen i år løb tør for kaffe. Hvis man var til lidt snacks eller lignede var udbudet en pose peanuts til 40kr eller et stykke kage til 45kr. Og ellers skulle man helt ind i hallen for at hente forsyninger.

Toilet faciliteter og mulighed for kaffe m.m. ved opvarmningsbanen var desværre også en mangelvare.

De store åbne smukke arealer og top faciliteter, fortjener at blive vist til hele den europæiske elite og deres fans, når EM løber af staben næste sommer.


ATP Plus er et energirigt, oliebaseret tilskud til højt ydende heste, der giver ekstra energi, udholdenhed og styrke. Kan bruges som supplement eller delvis erstatning for traditionelt kraftfoder.

Læs mere om produkterne her.

Interview with Justin Verboomen: “With Zonik, anything feels possible”

The photo shows the current top pair on the international dressage scene—Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus—during the 2025 European Championships in Crozet. (Photo: ALRV/Arnd Bronkhorst).

PRESS RELEASE

2025 was their year. Since then, one can’t imagine top dressage without the Belgian rider, Justin Verboomen, and his ten-year-old stallion, Zonik Plus. The pair experienced a vertical take-off: Victory in the Lindt Prize at the CHIO Aachen, followed by double gold at the European Championships in Crozet. Since then, the duo has been undefeated: Wins in Lyon, at the Top 12 Dressage Finale in Frankfurt, in 's-Hertogenbosch, Fontainebleau and most recently in front of a home crowd in Lier.

The FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 are coming up in August. Will their success story reach its climax there? In our interview, the 38-year-old talks about his exceptional year, his special stallion – and the feeling when riding into the huge Aachen main stadium.

Last year was extremely special for you: First the victory in Aachen and then double gold at your first European Championships. How did you experience the year?

They were incredible experiences. But I don't put myself under pressure anymore, so to speak, just because we are competing at the European Championships or a big tournament. I really do just try to perform well, prepare as best I can and stay calm. And I know that if everything really comes together, if everything runs smoothly with Zonik, then there's no reason why it shouldn't go well.

Now everyone’s eyes are cast on the World Championships in Aachen. Is that also your next big goal?

Of course, that is my goal. We made a few changes to our daily training routine over the winter. And I am really looking forward to being able to demonstrate in the dressage arena one day what we are achieving in our training sessions. But there is still plenty to do before then.

The special feature for all the dressage riders at the World Championships is that they will be riding in the setting that is usually reserved for the show-jumpers – namely in the Main Stadium. What do you imagine it will be like to ride into this arena for the first time in front of such a huge crowd?

I am just imagining it now… (grins) The walk to the dressage arena will be much longer, of course. Zonik will like that. I am sure he will enjoy it.

Does Zonik like being the centre of attention?

Yes, yes (he says without hesitation). It doesn't bother him at all – on the contrary. He doesn’t get stressed at all in such situations, not by the spectators, the applause, etc. I think he will feel very much at home there.

Listening to how you talk about him: He is a special horse for you, isn't he? Can you remember the first time you saw him?

I met Zonik in Portugal when he was a two-year-old and I fell in love with him immediately. Really – the second I saw him come out of the stable and head towards the outdoor arena. So beautiful, so full of energy. I knew straight away: That's him. He was presented to us there running free. I fell in love with him instantly; it was love at first sight. Zonik is truly a special horse. I feel like anything is possible with him.

Even at the World Championships in Aachen? You can experience it LIVE: Secure your tickets now for dressage at the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 – from the online shop, by phone on +49 241 9171111 or directly at the offices of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein


5* Dressage Nations Cup Returns to Falsterbo – Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour Leads World-Class Line-Up

PRESSMEDDELANDE - 27 MAJ 2026

5* Dressage Nations Cup Returns to Falsterbo – Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour Leads World-Class Line-Up

Falsterbo Horse Show continues to strengthen its position as one of Europe’s leading destinations for international dressage as the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ 5* returns in 2026. With world number one Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and crowd favourite Patrik Kittel already confirmed, Falsterbo is set to host dressage at the very highest level this summer.

Alongside the World Championships in Aachen, Falsterbo Horse Show will this year be the only event in the world to host 5* Nations Cup competitions in both jumping and dressage during the same meeting. Thanks to partner Novare’s increased investment in dressage, the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ regains its prestigious 5* status in Falsterbo and will this year offer €100,000 in prize money.

Several of the world’s leading combinations are expected to use Falsterbo as an important preparation ahead of the World Championships in Aachen later this summer. Both Sweden and Denmark have announced that they intend to compete with their championship teams in Falsterbo. Belgium has also confirmed its participation, while two additional nations will qualify through the FEI world rankings, currently expected to be Germany and the United States.

– International interest in dressage at Falsterbo has grown significantly this year. With a 5* Nations Cup, the World Championships just around the corner and Falsterbo’s unique atmosphere and incredible crowds, the event has become a very attractive destination for top riders. Interest in competing in Falsterbo has been exceptionally high so far, says Josephine Sjölin, Sport Manager at Falsterbo Horse Show.

World-Class Line-Up Taking Shape

World number one Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour has already confirmed her participation and is looking forward to presenting a brand-new freestyle program in Falsterbo this summer:

– I’m beyond excited to be back at Falsterbo Horse Show and very excited to present our new freestyle for the very first time. I love competing in Sweden, and I believe it will be the perfect preparation for the World Equestrian Games later this summer, says Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour.

It has also previously been confirmed that Swedish crowd favourite Patrik Kittel will return to Falsterbo together with Touchdown, winner of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final and finalist at the Olympic Games.

The FEI Dressage Nations Cup includes Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestyle and will take place during the final weekend, July 11-12. Five judges from this summer’s World Championships in Aachen will also judge in Falsterbo, further underlining the exceptionally high sporting standard of this year's competition.

In addition to world-class sport, Falsterbo Horse Show, held July 4-12, offers a unique summer experience with shopping, restaurants, family activities and some of Sweden’s most beautiful beaches just minutes from the showgrounds.

Belgium wins FEI Dressage Nations Cup once again on home soil

PRESS RELEASE

After making history last year by securing Belgium’s veryfirst FEI Dressage Nations Cup victory, the Belgian team once again lived up to expectations in front of the home crowd in Lier. Even without the score of top combinationJustin Verboomen and Zonik Plus, Team Belgium had already secured the win. The Grand Prix itself was convincingly won by Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus, followed by Larissa Pauluis and Flambeau, while Dutch rider Marieke van der Putten finished third.

President of the Ground Jury Alice Schwab praised the overall quality of the competition and especially the harmony seenthroughout the Belgian team performances. “It was trulyfantastic sport. We saw so many very good rides and excellent riding today. As a judge, it was a real pleasure to sit there andwatch. Of course, there was one absolutely outstanding combination. The harmony between Justin and Zonik Plus is something very special to see. But overall, the entire Belgianteam performed at a very high level.”

Pressure takes away

Despite delivering another winning performance, Justin Verboomen admitted the day started with some nerves. “I was a little stressed before my test today because of the warm weather conditions, but we tried to adapt where possible. We were lucky to warm up indoors. Zonik Plus is a horse full of surprises”, Justin laughed afterwards. “Not everything went exactly as planned, but I’m really proud of the result and alsoof the entire team.” When told Belgium had already securedthe Nations Cup victory even without his score, Verboomensmiled: “That definitely takes away a bit of pressure.”

Nations Cup debut

For Charlotte Defalque, the FEI Nations Cup in Lier marked a very special milestone. Together with First-Step Valentin, theBelgian rider made her debut for Team Belgium in front of thehome crowd. “It’s amazing. I really love this place and I trulyenjoy riding Valentin. To make my Nations Cup debut here in Lier is a very special experience for me.”

‘Best Grand Prix ever’

Larissa Pauluis once again underlined the strength andprogression of Belgian dressage. Together with Flambeau, shedelivered what she described as her best-ever Grand Prix performance. “I’m really proud to be part of this team. We truly do this together, and the level within the Belgian team keeps growing all the time. Today you could see that withCharlotte and Wim as well. And for me personally, this was probably the best Grand Prix I have ever ridden withFlambeau. It was the first time he felt this relaxed and easy toride in the ring. That felt really special. This is exactly thedirection we want to continue in as a team.”

CDIO Lier is growing

That feeling of growth was shared by rider and show director Wim Verwimp, who watched CDIO Lier once again attractcombinations from all over the world. “It’s really fantastic tosee how this event keeps growing. Last year we hosted the FEI Nations Cup for the first time, and already we had so manyinternational riders. This year the event has grown even more, and that makes me very proud, both as show director and as part of the Belgian team. We also have many riders competingin the Small Tour because of the selection process for theAsian Games. It makes me happy that we can give riders these opportunities here in Lier.”

Eyes on Aachen

With the World Championships in Aachen slowly appearingon the horizon, Belgian Chef d’Équipe Jeroen van Lent sees a team growing in confidence at exactly the right moment. “It is incredibly important to have shows like this. To repeat thevictory from last year here at home is amazing. These riderscontinue making history for Belgian dressage, and thathonestly makes my job as Chef d’Équipe quite easy”, he laughed. “Of course Aachen is still a long way away, but I hope we can maintain this form and maybe improve even a little more towards the championship. We are very fortunate tohave combinations like Justin and Zonik Plus performing at this level, and that makes me very proud.”

Top three

Belgium ultimately secured the FEI Dressage Nations Cup victory with a total score of 225.543, finishing ahead of Great Britain on 213.391 and Germany on 211.804 after anafternoon of top-level sport in front of the home crowd in Lier. Individually, Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus claimed a convincing Grand Prix victory with 80.391%, followed byLarissa Pauluis and Flambeau on 73.522%. Dutch riderMarieke van der Putten finished third together with KuvaszRS2 on 72.978%. In total, eight nations lined up for the FEI Dressage Nations Cup in Lier. The action at Azelhof continuestomorrow with the Grand Prix Special and the Freestyle toMusic still on the programme.

UVM og DM tidsplan - onsdag til søndag i næste uge

Hvornår skal du se hvad, hvis du vil se UVM iagttagelse og DM i næste uge?

Derudover går der også landsklasser, uofficielt DM i lille-tur og Para DM.

Link til start og resultater her.

Der vil være live stream via Clipmyhorse. Tidsplanen er endnu ikke online for hvilke baner der streames fra.

Onsdag

Torsdag

Fredag

Lørdag

Søndag


EQUILANNOO Performance Plus Mix 20 kg. hestefoder til sportsheste

OLD***PR: Oldenburg Stable Sales – the auction comes to the horse***OLD

Press Release

Starting in June, Oldenburger Pferde Vermarktungs GmbH is launching the Oldenburg Stable Sales, a marketing concept that reimagines the traditional auction: The horses remain in their familiar surroundings—yet are still part of a professional auction.

On a recurring basis, dressage and show jumping horses, leisure horses, and successful competition horses aged three and older will be offered in the familiar online auction format.

The difference: The entire collection is professionally photographed and filmed at a central location in Vechta. The current pre-purchase veterinary examination also takes place during this event. In addition, authentic home videos from the horses’ daily lives provide a realistic overall picture—not just from the presentation, but directly from the stable.

During the marketing phase, the horses remain with their owners and can be tried out there in their familiar surroundings. The auction team in Vechta handles the scheduling of these appointments. Additionally, the entire collection will be presented at a central showcase event in Vechta.

Bids can be placed directly online starting on the listing date, and a “Buy Now” option is also available.

Oldenburger Pferde Vermarktungs GmbH manages the entire sales process—from coordination to settlement—and, as usual, assists buyers and sellers with export-related matters. A reduced seller’s fee makes this format even more attractive.

X-rays (no more than six months old) are required for participation.
The established elite auctions will remain unchanged and continue to represent the pinnacle of Oldenburg horse sales.

The Oldenburg Stable Sales create a complementary system that combines proximity to the horse, maximum flexibility, and the security of professional auction management.

Big dreams need a big stage: Only 100 days to go before the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026

PRESS RELEASE

Big dreams need a big stage: Only 100 days to go before the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026

Goosebump moments, powerful emotions, unforgettable experiences: With this promise, the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 are approaching fast. From August 11th to 23rd, the Allianz Park will be transformed into what is arguably the world's most captivating stage for equestrian sport – a place where athletes surpass themselves, where dreams come true and where spectators become part of something that is difficult to describe in words.

The countdown begins today: In just 100 days’ time history will be written again in Aachen. For 13 days, the Allianz Park will become what it excels at more than any location: a stage for gold, silver, and bronze, for truly great sporting moments and for the special magic that only Aachen conjures up. Six disciplines – show jumping, dressage, eventing, driving, vaulting and para-dressage – will all be taking place in one central location. The best horses, the best riders, the best sport – all staged in the most spectacular atmosphere equestrian sport has to offer. Aachen promises nothing less than this: pure, unforgettable emotions.

An AI video that invites you to dream

For the 100-day countdown, the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein (ALRV), has created a special project together with Gravity Digital: an AI-based video that whisks the viewers off to a world where big dreams are commonplace – and sometimes even become a little bit of reality.

Starring: "Kiss Me", Brianne Beerbaum's eleven-year-old gelding. The setting: Aachen's Main Stadium. And what happens there defies all imagination. Jumps, dancing, carriages – and even somersaults. Everything is possible. Everything is a dream. Or perhaps not?

This AI video is a wonderful preview of what awaits us at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen," explained ALRV Board Member, Philip Erbers. “On the one hand, it showcases the biggest possible stage for equestrian sport, where riders can fulfill their ultimate dream – winning a World Championship medal in Aachen. On the other hand, it makes it clear that our spectators can participate in this World Championships in a variety of ways: live on-site, of course, but also via diverse digital offerings that place them right in the heart of the action.”

The AI-generated clip has succeeded in creating a visual dream that will make the hearts of the Aachen audience beat faster. The full video is available under here.

The stage is set – the world is invited

“Big dreams need a big stage” – and Aachen has one. In 2026, the Allianz Park will become the meeting place for the world elite, a place where top athletic performances and emotions go hand in hand, where tears of joy, pride and emotion are part of the experience. The joyful anticipation is rising. The horses are already pawing at the ground. The riders are counting down the days. “And we, too, can hardly wait to experience these unforgettable moments together with people from all over the globe,” Erbers commented, looking forward to the days between August 11th and 23rd.

That is when the world of equestrian sport will gather on the biggest stage it knows. Be there LIVE and secure your tickets for the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 from the online shop, by calling the hotline on +49 241 9171111, or from the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein offices.

World Cup Grand Prix Mariakalnok - Maxima Bella, Times Kismet and Gotilas du Feuillard

Maxima Bella & Sandra Sysojeva - screenshot/Clipmyhorse

Maxima Bella and Sandra Sysojeva - super halt, from there a soft and powerful trot tour, WOW 1st piaffe tour, balance power at the spot with super transitions, good walk tour, direct in passage at M, 15 piaffe step at the point and easy effortless in and out, nice into canter, small error hind for 2 times, bit conservative extended canter, well balanced zigzag, super 1 times, bit tension right hind in to 1st pirouette, tiny over turn 2nd, good diagonal, WOW final centerline. 76,457%. The power and at the same time without tension gives a top picture.

Times Kismet and Jessica von Bredow-Werndl with their just 3rd international show together and here with World Cup debut. Jessica clearly chosen a bit smaller event for a start of their GP career together. Jessica entering the arena in walk, and when she is asking for trot Kismet is bit against the hand, but nothing more. But unfortunately exactly same issue occurs in the program when asking for the transition from collected walk to passage at M.

Nice entering halt, expressive diagonal, both half passes missing bit more go and flow, left bit unbalanced, good halt with rein back, super extension, nice back to passage, good passage, nice into good piaffe, missing bit more clear transition out, nice passage, need bit more let go and suppleness over the top line for extended walk, bit unbalanced collected walk, against the hand for transition to passage, nice passage, nice into 2nd piaffe, good piaffe, good transition out, good into canter, good 2 times, look tiny bit bigger to right than left, full risk extended canter, bit swing change, well balanced zigzag, 17 one times, lost balance hind towards first pirouette, but well managed with a good pirouette, nice control and balance 2nd pirouette, good into trot, super expressive soft extension, tiny bit insecure into piaffe, 10 piaffe steps, bit tense at end, nice passage, super halt. 72,304%

Gotilas de Feuillard and Corentin Porttier with super solid and easy going performance, a small technical issue creeping into end of 2 times, rest pretty much spotless - score 72,109%. Last weekend with come-back in Grössendorf with double victories for Grand Prix and freestyle.

Three Grand Prix horses educated by Charlotte Dujardin at international level this weekend

Also World Cup debut for Imhotep with Diana Porsche finishing no 4 with 71,370% and only their 2nd international event.

Successful U25 debut for Alive and Kicking with Rose Oatley in Mannheim, and also here at Mariakalnok with Times Kismet and Jessica von Bredow-Werndl.

Highlights from Mannheim with Viva Gold OLD and Alive and Kicking

Sceenshot / Clipmyhorse

Mannheim - Grand Prix

All eyes on Viva-Gold OLD and Isabell Werth as they were at the list for CDI4 Grand Prix yesterday in Mannheim. Yesterday was just their 2nd international event, as they made CDI3 debut in Herning with impressive scores and wins.

Werth does as very few others during her performances - she educate her horse. The green moments together with just 10 year old Viva Gold being adjusted through the test. In the corners, before every single exercise, in the exercise - she is there all the way for each step!.

Nice halt, power balanced diagonal, crossing uphill balanced half passes, lack bit balance for halt tiny dropping pole for rein back, good diagonal, super into passage at V, nice passage expressive, easy active piaffe, smooth strong transitions, good extended walk active ground covering, good collected walk, direct to passage, taking the time for 2nd piaffe, super managed from Werth keeping the balance and clear transitions, good passage, good into canter, super active 2 times, good extension, error change parallel hind for collection, nice zigzag, tiny error begin and end of 1 times, super sit 1st pirouette, activ canter, even better control 2nd pirouette, good into trot, good diagonal, super final centerline.

Simone Pearce with top horse

10 year old Will Marq and Simone has developed a very nice partnership where Simone is able to show a high quality performance without technical issues. Much better overall balance and strength with a great start of the outdoor season scoring 72,087% into 2nd place.

Alive and Kicking & Rose Oatley - photo: screenshot / Clipmyhorse

U25 - new partnership shines

The 12-year old mare Alive and Kicking has most recently changed ownership and rider. Yesterday Rose Oatley kicked off her U25 international season with an impressive debut together with Alive and Kicking.

Not only the mare is top educated by Charlotte Dujardin, but it truely look like a top match with Rose Oatley. Super harmonius overall picture, where Alive is under her aides all the way, in a nice frame and contact and with super nice collection, smooth in and out of piaffe tours with nice balance even though Alive keeping her front legs bit to much back under the body it does not affect the balance. Only tiny thing was one times where she miss the last two, and a small tension hind for the subsequent corner. Winner with 74,118%.

Super exciting and strong combination for this years U25 championship.

Belgium once again hosts the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™

Belgian dressage continues to grow in popularity, largelydriven by the outstanding success of its riders. Following the historic victory in the 2025 FEI Dressage Nations Cup™, held on Belgian soil for the first time and won bythe Belgian team, with Justin Verboomen setting personal best after personal best through exceptionally harmonious performance with Zonik Plus, Belgium is once againeagerly looking ahead to CDIO Lier, taking place fromMay 21 to 24.

With just three weeks to go, the first big names have already confirmed their participation. Following CDIO Lier, whichfeatures the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ as well as Nations competitions for all youth categories, the Belgian Championships will take place from May 27 to 31. For nearlyten days, Azelhof in Lier will be the stage for Belgiandressage.

Strong interest

Interest in both the CDIO and the Belgian Championships is high, with many countries applying to compete in Lier. “For many combinations, this is a crucial moment in preparation forthe World Championships. The Nations Cup adds an extra dimension, as riders are not only competing for themselves, but also for their country,” explains show director Wim Verwimp. “We once again expect a very strong field of competitors and sport at the highest level. At the same time, we are particularly pleased with our new partnership with Lotto. Their involvement allows us to further grow the event and continue facilitating the sport at this level.”

Reliving history

Last year marked a historic moment for Belgian dressage during CDIO Lier, and this year they will do everything possible to defend their title. In the first FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ of the season, Justin Verboomen already showed he is in top form. Scoring well above 90%, he once again improved his personal best. 

Would you like to witness the very best dressage has to offer? Join us at CDIO Lier from May 21 to 24.

For tickets and the full programme, visit: www.belgiumdressageevents.be

52 young horses ready for 2nd Dutch selection for WCYH

5 year old KWPN approved stallion Renzo by Kjento / Rousseau with Lottie Fry ready for 2nd selection - photo credit: Timo Martis Photography

First Dutch selected took place 21 and 23 April in Ermelo, where a total of 52 young horses were selected for 2nd selection, which takes place 26 and 27 May. For the final selection at 22 June 12 combinations will be invited.

The Dutch selection commitee are: Johan Hamminga, Alex van Silfhout and Janine van Twist.

Kjento is the stallion with most offspring among the 5 year old and 6 year old, with a total of 6 offspring.

5 year old selected

  • Dante’s Empire (v.Dante Weltino) & Moisés Jover Azuar

  • Lord Charmeur (v.Lord Europe) & Janina Tietze

  • Pepijn van het Brabantshof (v.Boet 516) & Shannon van Manen

  • Radetsky H (v.Lennox U.S.) & Cynthia Eggenkamp

  • Ratina-Ray (v.Fürst Dior) & Demy Kurstjens

  • Ready to Rumble (v.Le Formidable) & Saskia Poel

  • Real Dream (v.Dynamic Dream) & Charlotte Fry

  • Red Rock (v.Mowgli V.O.D.) & Geertje Hoogendoorn

  • Rendez-Vous (v.Kjento) & Moisés Jover Azuar

  • Renzo (v.Kjento) & Charlotte Fry

  • Rituals De La Fazenda (v.Magnum De La Fazenda) & Thalia Rockx

  • Rivivi Litchy US (v.Vivino) & Moisés Jover Azuar

  • Robijn Vda (v.Vitalis) & Cynthia Eggenkamp

  • Rockstar (v.Le Formidable) & Saskia Poel

  • Rockstar Millionaire (v.D’Avie) & Cynthia Eggenkamp

  • Roebel (v.Romanov) & Kim Noordijk

  • Roller-Coaster DH (v.Johnny Depp) & Rosa Vlaar

  • Rose-Bel Taonga (v.Kjento) & Franka Loos

  • Roseville (v.Blue Hors Monte Carlo TC) & Jesslin Vinkesteijn

  • Royal Esther Svn (v.Glock’s Toto Jr) & Danielle Heijkoop

  • Rubinella Dh (v.Jameson Rs2) & Isabel Lienesch

  • Rufus Van ’T Houtsche (v.Jameson Rs2) & Lotje Schoots

6 year old selected

  • Fiji (v.For Romance) & Kim Alting

  • Franzmann (v.Fürstenball) & Beatrice Arturi

  • Mattie P Fan Dulve (v.Pier 448) & Danielle Heijkoop

  • Oege van Cayenne Stables (v.Yme 507) & Zoë Kuintjes

  • Panamera (v.Vivaldi) & Astrid Langeberg

  • Paulo WM (v.Kjento) & Marieke Cobben

  • Perfect Ritme (v.Lord Europe) & Kim Noordijk

  • Pina Colada (v.Governor) & Kirsten Brouwer

  • Pitch Perfect (v.Le Formidable) & Vai Bruntink

  • Pjethro (v.Kjento) & Charlotte Fry

  • Plenza (v.Kensington) & Daria Sushchinskaya

  • Prada ND (v.Kjento) & Lieke Knook

  • Prosecco TC (v.Joop TC) & Lennart Bos

  • Puy du Fou (v.Donier) & Sophie Welmers

  • Pythagoras Wk (v.All at Once) & Franka Loos

  • Roman Empire (v.Romanov) & Bart Veeze

  • Tie Break (v.Glock’s Toto Jr) & Leonie Richter

7 year old selected

  • Hexagon’s Oprahmanda (v.Diamond Hit) & Tessa Kole

  • Jedokus Hof (v.Nane 492) & Bennie van Es

  • O Curro (v.Havanna II) & Marijke van Schaik

  • Oberon (v.Kensington) & Daria Sushchinskaya

  • Obredho (v.Johnson) & Brecht D’Hoore

  • Obsession Taonga (v.Vitalis) & Lara van Nek

  • Ocarl (v.Glock’s Toto Jr) & Thalia Rockx

  • Odi Murona (v.Blue Hors Farrell) & Tessa Kole

  • Oliviera 3 (v.Sezuan’s Donnerhall) & Marina Welbers

  • Olympia W (v.Ebony) & Vai Bruntink

  • Ortisei (v.Glock’s Toto Jr) & Julia Groenhart

  • O’Toto van de Wimphof (v.Glock’s Toto Jr) & Diederik van Silfhout

  • Ozstralis Cottinglee (v.Sir Donnerhall) & Kirsten Brouwer