Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus Unbeatable Once Again with New Personal Best

Once again, the Belgian national anthem echoed through Lier today. Justin Verboomen and his horse Zonik Plus continue to put Belgian dressage on the map, and themselves in the spotlight. This successful duo consistently surpasses their own performances, and today was no exception. With an impressive score of 86.155%, they won the Grand Prix Freestyle presented by VGP Group, setting a new personal record in the process.

Larissa Pauluis completed the Belgian celebration by taking third place with Flambeau, earning 77.085%. German rider Svenja Kämper-Meyer managed to break up the Belgian dominance, finishing second aboard Amanyara M FRH with 77.300%. These past few days have been an outstanding showcase of Belgian dressage.

“Still feels unreal”

It was at the Belgian Championships in Lier, one year ago, that the meteoric rise of Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus began. Back then, they were crowned national champions in the Medium Tour. This weekend, Verboomen made his debut as part of the Belgian Nations Cup team. What does that mean to the modest Belgian rider? “It still feels unreal. I always believed in Zonik Plus, and if I ever dared to expect something this big from a horse, it was from him.” Following the Nations Cup, Verboomen couldn’t hold back his emotions. “The team competition was incredibly emotional for me. The whole team was so motivated, so many people were there supporting us,and then the sunshine on top of that. It was just really special.

A happy horse

How does Justin Verboomen reflect on CDIO Lier? “This weekend was truly fantastic. I really enjoyed the Grand Prix. Today, I felt I needed to be even more focused to support Zonik as best I could. He’s still not completely used to these big competitions, and today he seemed a little more tired, but he stayed super focused and was so responsive. I’m incredibly proud of him.” And rightly so, the stallion once again delivered a test filled with harmony and ease. What’s their secret? “Zonik is just naturally such a happy horse. I just have to keep him fit, healthy, and happy,” Verboomen says with a smile.

A well-earned break

For now, the stallion will get a break from competition.“We’re not competing at all in June. If everything goes well, I hope to ride in Aachen. Until then, I’ll train him at home, and he’ll do some breeding.” Verboomen is clear about what matters most: “Keeping him healthy is the most important thing. And of course, I hope we can achieve many more sporting successes together.” The European Championships this summer seem well within reach. “I really love Zonik Plus, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Off to the Belgian Championships with Djembe de Hus

Zonik Plus will enjoy a day off tomorrow, but not Justin Verboomen. “Next week is the Belgian Championships, and I’m competing with five horses, so not much rest for me,” he laughs. Which horses will he bring? “I think I’ve got a few very promising ones. I don’t have a lot of show experience with them yet, but the feeling is good.”

One of those promising talents is Djembe de Hus (by Damon Hill). The Belgian Championships begin on Wednesday, with nearly 700 horses set to compete.

Dreams came true

Four incredible days of CDIO Lier have come to an end, and the organizers look back on this first edition with great pride. The Belgian team’s success certainly played a major role. This weekend, dreams came true, and new ones were born. With these Belgian combinations, the European Dressage Championships this summer hold a world of potential. Could they make history once again?

PODCAST - Rikke Dupont gør klar til DM i næste uge med Grand Galiano

Rikke Dupont og Grand Galiano gør klar til deres 2. DM sammen i næste uge - foto: H2R

Den 10-årige DV vallak Grand Galiano e. Grand Galaxy Win / Blue Hors Don Schufro danner sammen med avler parret Lotte og Gert Buchhave og rytter / træner duoen Rikke Dupont og Allan Hansen et “femkløver”, hvor sporten er kombineret med fornøjelse og oplevelser sammen.

Ekvipagen er klar til deres 2. DM i den kommende uge.

Hvis du er nysgerrig for at lytte med om rejsen med Grand Galiano, og mange andre afstikkere så klik her ⬇️

History-making day for Belgium in Lier

The motivation was high for the home nation Saturday at CDIO4* Lier, as the country of Belgium hosted its first ever FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ event. Its athletes left their mark, securing a victory and denying Germany its third straight victory of the season. 

Led by Chef d'Equipe Jeroen van Lent, the Belgium squad of Domien Michiels (Intermezzo van het Meerdaalhof), Charlotte Defalque (Botticelli), Justin Verboomen (Zonik Plus), and Larissa Pauluis (Flambeau) posted a winning total score of 220.825, less than two points ahead of Germany (218.892). The Netherlands finished third (212.131).

"I think everybody was very motivated, but they had to do it here, in this place. It was quite difficult, but we were prepared. We're really happy."

Jeroen van Lent

(BEL)

Verboomen, 37, had never before competed on a Nations Cup team, but he made his debut unforgettable with the 9-year-old stallion, Zonik Plus. In their first outdoor competition of the year, the duo shattered their personal best and posted a score for the Grand Prix test that was nearly four points higher than any other competitor (78.543%). It was truly a breakout moment as they catapulted their team to the top of the leaderboard, receiving exceptional marks from the judges in their canter work, particularly in the pirouette and flying changes. 

"I believe in [Zonik Plus]. He's the whole package. The potential for this kind of horse is amazing."

Justin Verboomen

(BEL)

Pauluis and her Paris Olympic mount Flambeau held strong as the anchor combination, recovering after a miscue in the flying changes to score 72.478%. Defalque produced the third score for the team, earning 69.804% with her longtime partner, the 19-year-old stallion Boticelli.

With just three riders comprising the German team, all of their scores counted toward the team total, with no drop score available. Isabell Werth posted high marks with the inexperienced Special Blend 3, but mistakes in both their entrance and the rein back brought their score down (71.739%). Katharina Hemmer rallied the group with her 74.857% aboard Denoix PCH, but there was a little too much ground to make up.

"We hope we can stay on this level in Rotterdam, in Aachen and in Crozet (for the FEI Dressage European Championships)," van Lent said. "[This win] is very important...I think in the dressage world, it's very difficult to get to this level. Now, thanks to the riders, the horses, and the [support teams], we are now here for the first time, and we hope we can stay here for a long time at this level."

Germany continues to lead the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ standings, possessing 35 points. The Netherlands sits second with 20 points, followed by Belgium and Portugal, with 19 points apiece. CDIO5* Rotterdam (NED) hosts the next FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ event on 19 June 2025.

FULL RESULTS

Belgian Dressage Team Makes History

For the first time ever, an FEI Nations Cup Dressage competition was held in Belgium today. The Belgian dressage team came out in full force to Lier, determined to make this a historic edition of the prestigious team event. And they succeeded; claiming victory on home soil. Germany took second place, followed by the Netherlands.

The competition remained tense until the very end. After a top score by Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus, Belgium took the lead. Germany, Great Britain, and the Netherlands also delivered strong performances. But it was ultimately Larissa Pauluis, the last rider for Belgium, who secured the win.

 

Dreams come true
“Wow!” said national coach Jeroen van Lent afterwards. “This was something I could only dream of. A huge thank you to the organisers for making this event happen and putting Belgium on the map as a dressage nation.” High praise from the coach. “This was truly a dream for me and for the riders. Everyone was incredibly eager and motivated, but it still has to come together on the day. The riders and their horses really delivered a fantastic performance,” he added, clearly more than satisfied.

 

Talk of the town
The entire dressage world has its eyes on one combination: Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus. They were once again the talk of the town today. With a perfect 10 for a pirouette, Verboomen rode his jet-black stallion to a score of 78.543%. It was his very first outdoor CDI and his debut on the Belgian team. “This feels surreal,” was Verboomen’s first reaction. “Zonik really is the complete package.”

 

A true team effort
Chair of the ground jury, Maarten van der Heijden, said he thoroughly enjoyed the Nations Cup, which featured nine participating countries. “It's already incredibly special to have a Nations Cup dressage competition in Belgium, and then to see them win it as well is just wonderful.” He continued: “This is truly a top-level team achievement. When you're aiming for a team victory, you need more than just one standout combination, it takes depth,” referring to the attention surrounding Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus. “These riders already made history in Riesenbeck and Paris. The level in Belgium is clearly rising.” Van der Heijden also praised the very harmonious riding style of Verboomen and the other Belgian team members.

 

In short, it was a day to remember. Tomorrow, the Grand Prix Special and Freestyle will take place on the final day of CDI Lier.

Everdale wins Freestyle to Music, organizer Wim Verwimp takes third

PRESS RELEASE

What a beautiful way to close the second day of CDIO Lier. The 3* Grand Prix Freestyle to Music was convincingly won by Charlotte Fry and Everdale. Scoring 79.325%, they left Marieke van der Putten and Wim Verwimp behind. For the latter, it was a particularly special third place, Wim Verwimp is one of the event’s organizers.

 

“This is just incredible! It’s always a joy to ride Everdale, and it was really special to be back in the ring with him,” said Charlotte Fry after the test. With a score just shy of 80%, she showed that the 16-year-old stallion is in peak form. “In yesterday’s Grand Prix he was fantastic and super relaxed. Today, in the freestyle, he got a little excited,” she laughed. “But I had a great time, and so did Everdale.” That was clear after the prize giving, as Everdale (by Lord Leatherdale) proudly posed like royalty with his fans.

 

Happy to be in Lier

Charlotte Fry has become a familiar face at CDI Lier, which is a regular stop on her competition calendar in March. “I’m really happy to be back here in Lier. We love coming to the indoor edition, and I’m glad the organizers are now hosting an outdoor edition as well.”

 

A surprise podium finish

Yesterday, Marieke van der Putten placed third in the Grand Prix with the Glamourdale son Kuvasz RS2 N.O.P. Today, she rode her very first international Grand Prix Freestyle with Kuvasz and delivered a top score of 74.080%, earning a well-deserved second place.

The third spot on the podium went to Belgium’s Wim Verwimp and Jedai de Massa, scoring 73.475%. Did the co-organizer of CDIO Lier expect to end up among the top three? “Absolutely not,” he said with a smile, a wonderful reward for the hard work behind organizing this event.

 

“Looking Forward to Tomorrow”

Tomorrow at 2.45PM, the very first FEI Nations Cup Dressage on Belgian soil will take place. Alongside Isabell Werth, Charlotte Fry will also compete. “I’m really looking forward to the Nations Cup tomorrow, I think we’ve got a strong team here,” said the fresh freestyle winner.

Marieke van der Putten secures a trio of Grand Prix Horses: “This is truly special”

Dutch dressage rider Marieke van der Putten made her international Grand Prix debut yesterday, not with one, but two horses, and she did so in style. Both horses impressed with scores above 71%. With Zantana RS2 OLD, she claimed an excellent second place, while KuvaszRS2 N.O.P. followed closely in third. “Both horses really performed fantastically,” said a proud Van der Puttenafter her test.

Alongside Torveslettens Titanium RS2, Van der Putten now has two more Grand Prix horses under her saddle. “This isn’t just something ordinary,” she said, referring to the rare privilege of having three Grand Prix horses. “I know how special this really is. I’ve worked incredibly hard for it, years of time and effort, and then it’s just so rewarding to see it all come together.”

 

A good feeling going in

“I already had both horses going really well at home, so I travelled to Lier with a good feeling. Still, I didn’t know how they’d react in a fully dressed-up arena. Especially with Zantana, I found it a bit nerve-wracking, she used to be quite spooky.”

 

“Just wait, he’s the one”

Van der Putten has been riding the ten-year-old Glamourdalegelding Kuvasz RS2 N.O.P. since he was three years old. “I’ve ridden Kuvasz since he was just saddle-broken. From day one, I believed he’d make it to Grand Prix, although not everyone agreed with me,” she says with a laugh. Her belief has now been proven right. “As a young horse he was a bit weak behind. But I always said, ‘Just wait, he’s the one.’ And now it’s finally starting to show.”

Their bond has grown deep over the years. “We’re really a team. He’s a horse that always gives 200 percent. He’d never let me down, and that gives me so much confidence. I used to have to lunge him at home all the time,otherwise, I’d be on the ground within ten seconds. At competitions, I still need to lunge him quickly, let him get a few bucks out, and then he’s ready to go. It’s just part of who he is, and honestly, I find it kind of funny.”

 

A true mare

Van der Putten only started riding Zantana RS2 OLD later on, but they’ve also developed into a solid combination. “It took a while for us to become a real team. She needed to gain confidence in the ring, but it’s so special to feel that she now fully trusts me. She’s such a hardworking mare. Yesterday in the ring, she was incredibly focused.”

 

Excited for today

Today, Van der Putten will ride Kuvasz RS2 N.O.P. in the Freestyle to Music, and she’s chosen Zantana RS2 for the Grand Prix Special. “I’m really curious to see how it goes,neither horse has ever done this before. Zantana is really strong in piaffe and passage, and I felt that might still be a bit too much for Kuvasz at this stage,” she explained.

 

A promising future

These two new Grand Prix horses are a very welcome addition to the Dutch dressage scene. What are her plans for the summer season? “Both horses are still very green at this level, but I’m going to try to ride the observation trials for the European Championships. We’ll see how far we get, but I really believe both of them are top horses for the future.”

 

Enjoying the moment

Van der Putten is clearly aware of how rare her current position is. “I really do feel privileged to have three Grand Prix horses. That hardly ever happens, so I’m very grateful. But we also know things can change in an instant, so for now, I’m just enjoying every minute.” She’s also full of praise for the event in Lier: “It’s a fantastic show, beautifully organized, calm, friendly and just really well done.”

Headlines with Danish pony- and junior teams, Lottie Fry, Marieke van der Putten and Thamar Zweista for day 1 at Lier

Prix St Georg victory for Thamar Zweistra with Hexagon´s Mr Magnus. Strong expressive trot tour with power and suppleness, good walk tour, the canter tour is safe but overall missing bit more clear jump of the ground especially for the series.

Top of Prix St. Georg:

CDI3 Grand Prix with 16 yr old Everdale and Lottie on top. Last time they showed was back in April 2024 in Fontainebleu. A very nice partnership to watch.

Supple trot tour with good expression, a small unbalance into the first passage, but catching quickly the very bouncy and expressive passage showing super regularity, easy into active piaffe at the spot and smooth out, good walk tour, nice 2nd piaffe tour, tiny tensions for passage before entering the canter tour, super line of 2 times, super extended canter, change at the diagonal, super line of big 1 times, nice line with pirouettes, smooth into trot, sharp final centerline. 73,652%

Marieke van der Putten ready with two new international Grand Prix horses

11 yr old Zantana RS2 by Zonik / Sir Donnerhall with Marieke van der Putten in the saddle made their international debut today with a very nice performance. Zantana is a super lightfooted mare, nice contact all the way. Lots of power for the trot tour with good abilities and qualities for piaffe / passage, some tensions creeping in but well managed from Marieke all the way. The canter tour still need a bit more overall relaxation. For sure a new top star for the Dutch team. 72,522%

Also international debut for 10 yr old Kuvasz RS2 by Glamourdale / De Niro, well performed without any technical issues, good trot tour, bit tensions hind for piaffe tours, good walk tour, and a really nice like Glamourdale canter tour, super series with power and uphill. 71,848%

Deneuve & Isabell Werth has not shown since Troisdorf October 2023 where they made their Grand Prix debut. No technical issues except for the entering halt and halt for rein back without immobility and the walk tour becomes somewhat short and on the toes. Nice angle for piaffe tours with some tail activity. 70,565%

"Ung i Ridesport" er klar med deres egen forening

Den nye bestyrelse i “Ung i Ridesport” - fra venstre: Aya Valeria Glob Laurvigen (suppleant), Victoria Bonefeld (ansvarlig for sociale medier), Kristian Würtz Green (næstformand), Caroline Elsner (formand), Tobias Thorning Jørgensen (ansvarlig for events og PR), Josephine Gert Nielsen (sekretær), Sofie Sand (kasserer) og Laura Jarlkvist Rasmussen (ansvarlig for events og PR). Foto: H2R

Tirsdag aften var der stiftende generalforsamling i den nye forening “Ung i Ridesport”.

Middelfart Ridecenter lagde lokale til, og der var næsten ikke en stol ledig. Det vidner om at de unge mennesker gerne vil sporten, og at de også er klar til at stå på egne ben i et fællesskab, hvor man bakker hinanden op.

Arrangementet var åben for alle, så udover størsteparten som var potentielle nye “Ung i Ridesport” medlemmer, var der også forældre med yngre ryttere, samt en god håndfuld DGO´er (Den gamle ordning).

Aftenens program blev præsenteret af initiativtagerne til foreningen. Super velforberedte, entusiastiske og målrettede unge mennesker, som hverisær kunne byde ind med kompetancer til foreningen.

Tankerne omkring foreningens tilblivelse fik ekstra grobund sidste efterår efter et møde i DRIF (Dansk Rideinstruktør Forening), hvor bølgerne gik højt. Det var som om flere fra den ældre generation ikke ville at se tingene i nutidens lys, med de udfordringer som ridesporten var og er i, fortæller nogle af deltagerne fra mødet.

Bjarne Nielsen og Lisbet Seierskilde tog tilhørende med på udviklingen i ridesporten - foto: H2R

Lisbet Seierskilde og Bjarne Nielsen klar til at tage alle med på en både historisk og nutidig tur

Fundamentet for hvordan deres tilgang til sporten og hestene har været. Under vejs med gode afstikkere og spørgsmål fra tilhørene.

Bjarne fortæller bl.a. at hans rejse begyndte i 1974 på rideskolen, og det var her langt de fleste ryttere startede deres karriere. På rideskolerne var der kun spiltove, og her stod hingstene også side om side med hopper og vallakker. Der var sammenhold på rideskolen, og man blev dagligt inspireret af dem som var dygtigere end en selv.

Lisbet er født og opvokset med hestene og startede sin ridekarriere tilbage i 1999 med ponyen Hamlet som blev indkøbt til kr. 6.000 inkl. sadel og hovedtøj, og herfra arbejder Lisbet sig solidt frem og bliver tilbudt at ride superponyen Cha-Cha, en aftale som dengang blev lavet med et håndslag. Hun har selv været en del af ungdomseliten og var på OL teamet i 2012 i London med hjemmeavlet hest. Vigtigheden i træningen er at bygge det op sten for sten, og acceptere at ikke alle dressurheste bliver Grand Prix heste, fortæller Lisbet.

Bjarne fortæller at udviklingen til det mere ekstreme i forhold til gangarter kom sammen med Totilas, og derfra kunne man se markedet for salg af heste med ekstreme gangarter eksploderede, samtidig med tidlig entré i topsporten blev mere normalen. Idag har fokus har flyttet sig til et klart mere sundt og naturligt bevægelsesforløb, sammen med fokus på korrekt træning i harmoni og med afspændthed. Som et aktuelt eksempel nævner Bjarne den britiske OL reserve ekvipage Jagerbomb og Becky Moody.

Kig altid indad når du træner hesten, det er vores ansvar og kun vores ansvar. Samtidig er træning på “hestens præmisser” blevet et ord vi ofte ser, og der vil Bjarne godt med et helt livs hesteerfaring gøre det klart, at det er os mennesker som er i den anden ende af snoren, og dermed også har ansvaret både overfor hesten og os selv. Så træning på “hestens præmisser” bør altid være med nødvendig viden og fornuft.

Det nye fællesskab

Det fællesskab de unge efterlyser idag, er jo ikke nødvendigvis det fællesskab, som mange fra den lidt ældre generation har haft via tiden på den lokale rideskole, hvor det hele startede, men et fællesskab hvor de deler passionen for hestene på tværs af dicipliner. Mødes til faglige og sociale arrangementer, erfaringsudveksling, online events og fælles ture til stævner eller lignende. Det handler om at bakke hinanden op i et fællesskab, og hvor nye standarder for ridesportens udvikling udklækkes, og hvor det at træne og uddanne en hest i fremtiden, ikke skal forsvares med istedet anerkendes, uanset diciplin.

“Ung i Ridesport” vil sporten, både på hobby- og elite niveau. Kærligheden til hestene skal vises, også til omverdenen, for der er så mange derude, som hver dag forsøger at gøre sit bedste sammen med hesten som deres partner. “Ung i Ridesport” vil være synlige og aktive på de Sociale Medier.

Online afstemning

Efter kort pause var der 2 minutters taletid til hver af bestyrelseskandidaterne som fik mulighed for at fortælle hvad de kunne byde ind med i en ny bestyrelse.

Det blev besluttet at bestyrelsen skulle bestå af 7 personer, og i og med at der var 8 kandidater til bestyrelsen blev, den person med færrest stemmer valgt som suppleant. De unge stemmeberettigede (18-30 år) var lynhurtige til at downloade app´en til afstemningen og mindre en 5 minutter senere var resultatet klar.

Ideer

Som afslutning på den stiftende generalforsamling udtrykte den nye bestyrelse stor taknemmelighed for den opbakning aftenens arrangement havde fået, og de var nu klar til at tage fat på de nye spændende opgaver.

Sidst var der opfordring til at komme med input til arrangementer og events, og her blev der meldt ind med forskellige spændende ting:

  • Mediehåndtering - at kunne forklare sig og ikke skulle forsvare sig

  • Ridelejr med el uden hest

  • Webinar og fysiske arrangementer (evt øst/vest så man kunne følge med online)

  • Hjælpegruppe for støttemedlemmer

Alle input er meget velkommen på Instagram, Facebook el. mail.

Foreningens formål er at:

1. Skabe et inkluderende og engagerende fællesskab for unge under 30 år med interesse for ridesporten som sportsgren, hvor de kan dele deres passion og bidrage til sportens udvikling gennem moderne og nytænkende tilgange.

2. Være talerør for unge ryttere og sikre, at deres stemmer bliver hørt både i Dansk Rideforbund og i den bredere offentlighed.

3. Bidrage konstruktivt til udviklingen af ridesporten ved at:

  • Kommentere på og give perspektiver på nye regler og initiativer i ridesporten.

  • Formidle og inddrage ny viden og forskning i relevante debatter.

  • Udnytte digitale medier og teknologi til at styrke kommunikationen om sporten og dens image.

4. Fremme en positiv og ansvarlig sportsånd ved at understøtte god dyrevelfærd, fair play og et inkluderende fællesskab.

5. Bygge bro mellem generationer ved at skabe dialog mellem unge ryttere og erfarne aktører i sporten for at kombinere innovative idéer med eksisterende ekspertise.

6. Afholde arrangementer, der engagerer og inspirerer unge i ridesporten, herunder:

  • Temadage med relevante faglige oplæg.

  • Fælles ture til ridestævner og andre ridesportsbegivenheder.

  • Inspirationsaftener med oplægsholdere fra branchen.

  • Digitale møder og webinarer, hvor unge ryttere kan udveksle erfaringer og få viden om aktuelle emner.

7. Samle unge, der deler et fælles engagement i ridesportens værdier, og som anerkender hestens rolle som sportspartner – herunder afvise holdninger, der grundlæggende modarbejder sportens eksistensgrundlag.

PRESS RELEASE CDIO Lier - We’re giving it everything to make history

Domien Michiels: "We're giving it everything to make history"

With his top horse Intermezzo van het Meerdaalhof, Domien Michiels is part of the Belgian team for the very first Nations Cup on home soil. From 15 – 18 May at Azelhof Equestrian Center in Lier. Alongside Charlotte Defalque (Botticelli), Larissa Pauluis (Flambeau), and Justin Verboomen (Zonik Plus), he is determined to aim for a podium finish.

“I’m really looking forward to it!” says Domien with a smile, fully aware that the first Dressage Nations Cup ever held in Belgium will be a unique event. “It’s fantastic to be part of it. I believe the national coach has selected the strongest possible team we have at the moment, to present ourselves in the best way. The best combinations, competing on home ground!”

Big names

That the fight for a podium place will be fierce is clear: other countries are sending strong teams too, with global stars like Isabell Werth, Charlotte Fry and Patrik Kittel on the starting list. “Hopefully those big names will attract a large audience. For us, a top-three finish should be within reach, but we’ll need to go all in. We’re aiming for a podium place and will do everything we can to make history. Intermezzo is in great shape,” says Michiels with determination.

He is also full of praise for the organisers of Belgium Dressage Events, who will host the Belgian Dressage Championships just one week later at the same venue in Lier. “They keep improving year after year. You can tell the organisation is run by real horse people.”

Belgian Championships: A gathering for everyone

Domien will skip the Belgian Championships with Intermezzo due to its close proximity to the Nations Cup, but he will be competing with Panthero van de Vogelzang in the Medium Tour, and with Sunnyboy van de Kempenhoeve in the seven-year-old division. With many of his students also competing, Domien expects to spend plenty of time coaching in Lier as well.

He’s very much looking forward to the event: “It’s a fantastic championship that really brings everyone together. From grassroots to Grand Prix, everyone is there. It’s brilliant for the sport that young, upcoming riders can watch the higher levels live, it’s such a powerful motivation to keep going.”

Program and masterlists

Tickets

PODCAST - Morten Kappel avler rideheste til sig selv

Morten Kappel ejer familiens slægtsgård hvor han har driver træningsstald, og gennem mere end 20 år været aktiv avler.

Mortens filosofi er bl.a. at han vil avle på indholdet og ikke bare indpakningen. Hoppestammerne hos Morten har bevægelse, rammer og god indstilling til at ville arbejde. “Det skal være heste med godt temperament, og i min verden det er en kæmpe fejl, når man hører om avlere der tager ex tager en hoppe hjem og indsætter i avlen, som har været svær i tilridning eller generelt svær i uddannelsen. Processen biver alt for lang og bekostelig,” mener Morten.

Fun fact om Morten:

  • Han er super interesseret i og nørdet omkring genetik

  • Han red sin første MB da han var 30 år og Grand Prix debut da han var 40 år

Lyt med her og få et indblik i hverdagen hos Morten, historien, avlsmål og meget andet.

DM stævnet med stort program

DM ugen

Et kæmpe program for DM ugen der allerede starter om onsdagen med de første heste til UVM iagttagelse.

Som noget helt nyt afvikles også et uofficielt mesterskab, Stutteri EVO lille tur. Et tiltag som helt sikkert giver en ny dimension med mange nye “DM stjerner”.

Kyra Kyrklund giver en clinic (kl. 12.30 lørdag) og lørdag aften går Peter A.G. på scenen. 

Oversigtsplan ⬇️⬇️

Foreløbig deltagerliste DM GP

Foreløbig deltagerliste DM LILLE TUR

PR Westphalian Podcast - First english Episode released

PRESS RELEASE

Münster: For one year now the Westpahlian Studbook is hosting its own podcast. After more than 40 episodes and 65.000 Downloads in more than 70 countries, the first english episode is released. Breeding director Thomas Münch talks about the basic know how of Westphalian horse breeding.

In this podcast host Britta Knaup talks with her guests about the tasks of the Westphalian Studbook, how to find the right stallion for the mare, what happens behind the scenes at the Westphalian auctions and about the Westphalian Horse breeding in generall. Guests are among others employess of the Westphalian Studbook, breeders, stallion owners owners, stud managers and riders of Westphalian horses.

The podcast is released all over the world and can be listened to on all streaming plattforms. To reach out to even more listeners throughout the world, the first english episode of this podcast has been released. Throughout the time there will be more episodes in the english language. In this episode though the Westphalian Studbook starts with some basics of the know how of Westphalian horse breeding. In the next part some special horses and their pedigrees will be pointed out.

Britta Knaup talks to one of the Westphalian breeding managers Thomas Münch. He will share his know how of Westphalian horse breeding, how to find a perfect match of mare and stallion, what the right conformation of a horse looks like and how to start your breeding career at the Westphalian studbook.

The podcast can be found on the website of the Westphalian Studbook here:https://westfalenpferde.de/en/westfalia-is-us/westfalenpferde-the-podcast/

And also on Spotify, Apple podcasts, Amazon Music, YouTube and all other general streaming plattforms.

Frederic Wandres puts the finishing touches to Germany´s domination

Frederic Wandres et Bluetooth Old, vainqueur du Grand Prix Libre PKM

PART OF PRESS RELEASE

Germany will remain the big winner of the Compiègne’s 2025 Internationaux de Dressage with a grand slam in all the CDIO 5* classes. A member of the Olympic gold medal winning team last summer in Versailles and third in the World Cup in Basel this winter in his only indoor competition with Bluetooth, his 15-year-old gelding, Frederic Wandres perfectly lived up to his status as favourite. Already outstanding on Saturday in the Nations Cup, he repeated his performance on Sunday, obtaining unanimous approval from the judges and a score of 81.240%. ‘‘I'm very pleased with my test,’’ said the 37-year-old rider. ‘‘I've been partnering Bluetooth for a number of years now. He’s nearly always able to give his best, he never has a bad day. I’ve got confidence in him and he’s got confidence in me. Nobody thought he’d reach this level. But given plenty of time and work, he’s just become better and better and is now my top horse. To start with he was in the shadow of Duke of Britain, but his time to shine has come quickly. The Games were obviously our ‘‘highlight’’.  Since then, we’ve continued working on many elements. Together with his owner, we really want to give him time. Compiègne is his first outdoor competition since Versailles. I was here last year with Duke (winner of the Grand Prix) and knew that the conditions would be ideal. The crowd was wonderful and gave their support to everyone."

The only French lady rider competing in this class, Pauline Basquin, second last year in Compiègne and France’s leading rider in this discipline (n°15 in the World rankings), once again got her 15-year-old gelding, Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE, to dance. The rider from the Cadre Noir de Saumur finished second again this year on 77.355%. ‘‘The piaffe is still tricky, but I can feel that Sertorius is gradually regaining confidence, and that's the most important thing. There may be a few adjustments to make to this freestyle. The audience applauded during the performance and were very enthusiastic. I felt that the atmosphere carried me. I'm delighted to have given the spectators such enjoyment.’’  Portugal demonstrated why it merited its impressive second place on Saturday, this time with Maria Caetano who was third on Hit Plus (76.805) and Joao Miguel Torrao who was  fourth on Lirio MVL (75.555).

The Eurovia Grand Prix Special goes to Mathias Alexander Rath

Earlier in the day, Germany's Mathias Alexander Rath, riding Destacado FRH, won the Eurovia Grand Prix Special. With a score of 72.511, he finished ahead of Marlies van Baalen of the Netherlands on Habibi Old (71.319) and Carina Scholz with Blue Horse Veneziano (70.617). ‘‘I'm pleased with my horse because it was his first Special since his return to competition,’’ confided the former rider of the legendary Totilas. ‘‘It was of importance to do this test here because we're going to the German Championships next, where we'll be competing in the Special. This gives us a lead on what we still need to work on.’’ 

Making their debut for the French team, Bernard Bosseaux with Rilkadora Z (66.681) and Caroline Godin with Querida de Hus (65.106) finished in 9th and 14th place respectively. Although France's overall performance at this CDIO 5* event could be described as mixed, with a sixth place in the team competition on Saturday, selector Jean Morel again explained his strategy. ‘‘The horses for the Paris Olympic Games will not be in Los Angeles, four years is a long time. We therefore absolutely must get a new team going and in the process, test new pairs. All nations are doing the same. The World Championships at Aachen in 2026 are the next big goal. We'll need to finish in the top eight to immediately qualify for the 2028 Games and prepare for them serenely."

Full results: Click here

Triumphant return for Bluetooth OLD as Wandres leads Germany to victoru in Compiegne

After a career year culminating with a gold medal with Germany at the Paris Olympic Games (FRA), Frederic Wandres made a conscious decision to give his partner Bluetooth OLD a rest at the end of the 2024 season, and the pair came out for just one competition in January before taking another break from competition. Following those nearly-five additional months of downtime, Bluetooth OLD returned in triumphant fashion at Compiegne (FRA), leading Germany to a CDIO5* FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ victory.

Fans had to wait until the very last test to see the pair in action, but the performance was worth the wait. With particularly high marks for the extended trot, extended canter, and piaffe, Wandres and Bluetooth received the best score of the day—on a day where just three scores above 70 percent were awarded. Their 75.696% mark comfortably lifted Germany to the top of the leaderboard as the nation assumed a dominant lead in the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ standings. 

Led by chef d'equipe Monica Theodorescu, the German squad of Wandres (Bluetooth OLD), Raphael Netz (Dieudonne), Carina Scholz (Blue Hors Veneziano), and Matthias Alexander Rath (Destacado FRH) finished on a winning total of 215.522. Portugal finished second (209.152), followed by the Netherlands (207.783).

"We just did one World Cup show over the winter, because we wanted to be fit and super shining in the summer for the next European Championships. We hopefully improved a little bit at home and tried to show it today...I'm very happy."

Frederic Wandres

(GER)

Before Wandres entered the arena, things were closely bunched, as eight nations competed for Nations Cup glory. The Netherlands held the lead for a lengthy duration, thanks to a 72.522%-score from Marlies van Baalen (Habibi DVB). But Portugal took over the top spot just before Wandres' test, impressing as all three of its best scores were above 69%. It put just enough pressure on Wandres, who needed to score above 69.326 to land Germany on top of the podium.

"There's always a little bit of pressure. That's also necessary for me to get my blood pressure up a little bit," Wandres shared. "But I have to say, after Paris when we won the gold medal, you can really take a breath and say, 'Come on, you've handled so many difficult situations already...Try to shine, because you can do it.' Then the pressure is a positive pressure for you."

Wandres did have to gather himself somewhat after a small blunder, when he dropped his reins at the opening salute. 

"Maybe another horse would have made something else out of that situation. [Bluetooth] was completely calm and waiting for me until I picked up my reins again, and then he was ready to start and deliver a good test," Wandres said. "You know you can really trust him, and the horse trusts you to shine together when it's time to shine...He gives you so much confidence, like he knows everything."

"I think the horse deserved a 10 for the halt, because he was just waiting. 'Are you ready?' So this was a bit of a funny moment, especially that it happened to Frederic, because he likes to have everything really under control. He completely lost control, but horses help us in many ways," Theodorescu said. "I love the horse: He's so beautiful, and he's shining and brilliant, and he did a very good test."

Theodorescu knew she could rely on her anchor combination, while she saw improvement from her squad's less experienced partnerships. Netz's horse Dieudonne was competing in a five-star competition for the first time. Scholz has only known Blue Hors Veneziano for a few months. Rath impressed with 12-year-old Destacado FRH, whom he's had since the stallion was just a 2-year-old; they finished third individually (71.239%). 

"'[Destacado FRH] has improved a lot, is a lot stronger, more connected and in a better frame. He did a very good test, I think," Theodorescu said. "The horse has a lot of possibilities with trot work, the canter is really very, very strong and good, and the collection is getting better. It's all coming there."

For Theodorescu, the Nations Cup is an important opportunity for her to utilize different combinations in a team setting and evaluate how they handle pressure.

"There is a bit more pressure in the Nations Cup than any other Grand Prix. It's always good to integrate new, younger riders and new pairs with a strong one like Frederic [and Bluetooth]," Theodorescu said. "This is one of the top Nations Cup events of the year, so it's very important for me to get experience with these riders and horses."

After winning the opening leg of the series in Wellington (USA), Germany holds a commanding lead in the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ standings with 25 points. Portugal has moved into second (13 points), followed by the Netherlands (11). The FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ resumes at CDIO4* Lier (BEL) on 16 May 2025. 

FULL RESULTS

Summary on Horses & Dreams 2025 in Hagen

During Horses & Dreams in Hagen H2R as usual did some running live comments from the different classes at Facebook, and looking back into one of the top outdoor shows there´s been a lot of excellent presentations. Not talking about the exact performances but more likely the overall impressions from some of the top presentations during the days.

The weather was typical Hagen weather starting with winter season and changing to summer season.

Wednesday - well balanced and top timing for young Semmieke Rothenberger with Farrington for the CDI3 Grand Prix

One of the main goals riding a Grand Prix or any other competition test is being able to performe without technical issues. This goal is very often succeeded by young and very experienced Semmieke Rothenberger. She is always super well prepared with her horses - a nice treat to watch.

For the CDI3 Grand Prix as was the opener of this years Horses and Dreams in Hagen Semmieke showed her 15 yr old gelding Farrington by Jazz / Samba Hit I. It was just their 3rd senior Grand Prix together and at the same time their 3rd Grand Prix victory.

New partnership

For the CDI3 some exciting new combinations showed. Isabell Werth with Special Blend, 10 yr old by Sezuan/Hotline, Patrik Kittel with 11 yr old Dante´s Herzchen by Dante Weltino / Hochadel and Jessica von Bredow-Werndl with 10 yr old Diallo by Dancier / Floriscount.

All three riders with top experience bringing it all into the arena with best guidance for their horses.

Werth´s Special Blend brings a lot of talent, and as we know Werth is also using her time in the arena to educate and adjust in order to bring things together. For Special Blend the walk is at the moment not fully relaxed and balanced.

Kittel shows a very talented Dante Weltino daugther still with some insecure moments for the piaffe tours.

Jessica is showing Diallo without any weaknesses, walk, trot, canter, piaffe and passage. Steady contact, nice frame and sharp hindlegs.

Super interesting to follow the three new combinations and from H2R point view Diallo look like a clear successor for Dalera even though there´s no horses like Dalera for Jessica.

Thursday

Denoix PCH and Katharina Hemmer is a clear treat to watch. Sometimes a bit of a handful for Hemmer, but in Hagen they were really bringing everything together. At the same time the weather conditions were more than challenging for the entire day but they were both fully focused on the job all the way for the Grand Prix and for the freestyle. A treat becauce of the lightness, obedience, correctness, suppleness and harmony.

Friday with top analysis from Sönke Rothenberger about his own Grand Prix performance

Fendi and Sönke Rothenberger is back on track with their Hagen performances.

Listening to the analysis Sönke did at Clipmyhorse with Kim Kreling after his Grand Prix performance the overall goal was to make Fendi more comfortable and being able to “breeth” more during the entire performance which succeeded. Many super interesting comments from Sönke about his performance where he really takes us along for the exact feeling during the exercises.

Louisdor Preis qualifier

Here you have next generation of German top horses.

A look down the list of placed combinations it was pure nice presentations. Below the ranking from the preliminary test. For the final Juliane Brunkhorst with DSP Diamante Negro stood out with a clear victory with Charlott-Maria Schürmann with Dante´s Pearl OLD placed 2nd. Both now qualified for the Louisdor Preis final and both were also in the final for Nürnberger Burg Pokal final in December.

Nürnberger Burg Pokal qualifier

Winner of both preliminary and qualifier for the final was 2024 World Champion young horses Life Time FRH with Charlott-Maria Schürmann. The first day really shining with power and expression all the way while he looked a bit tired for the qualifier.

Other highlights were Majestic Taonga by Toto jr / Jazz, lots of potential for the future, like also Bombastik and Veuve Clicquot showed great potential.

Dante Weltino OLD offspring took the stage

Impressive “collection” of Dante Weltino offspring in Hagen. All with expression, power, super contact and showing great abilities.

CDI3 - Dante´s Herzchen with Patrik Kittel

CDI1 - Dancelli with Beatrice Hoffrogge

Louisdor - Dante´s Pearl OLD with Charlott Maria Schürmann and Deltana with Frederic Wandres

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