Verboomen makes history with double gold in FEI European Championships
The European Dressage Championships made its debut in France at Jiva Hill Stables in Crozet, set against the majestic Mont Blanc.
The Freestyle finale of the Jiva Hill Stables FEI Dressage European Championship was a true nail-biter. The top three combinations all delivered tests of exceptional quality, yet none escaped without errors. In the end it was Justin Verboomen (BEL) who, after taking gold in Friday’s Grand Prix Special, also claimed the Freestyle title aboard his own stallion Zonik Plus. With Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (DEN) in silver and Isabell Werth (GER) in bronze, the podium mirrored that of the Special.
Verboomen will be welcomed home as a hero: never before had Belgium won a medal at a major Dressage Championship. By collecting two golds in one weekend, he has written history for his nation. Scoring a new personal best of 89.964%, the modest Belgian could hardly believe what he had achieved.
26th Team gold for Germany
Already on the opening day it was clear that Germany and Great Britain would be battling for the title, and until their final two team athletes it remained a neck-and-neck race.
Everything came down to the last two starters for Germany and Great Britain: would it be Werth with Wendy de Fontaine, or Charlotte Fry (GBR) with Glamourdale (GBR), to secure gold for their nation?
Werth was first to go with Wendy de Fontaine (owned by Chateau de Fontaine and Madeleine Winter-Schulze). Riding with all her trademark professionalism, she produced a fault-free performance. Without taking the very last risks, but with a mare of such outstanding quality, Werth could afford to play it safe. The scoreboard showed 79.224%, the second-highest score of the team competition.
That left Fry, who needed 78.728% with Glamourdale (owned by the rider and Van Olst Horses) to put Great Britain ahead. They entered the arena boldly, with Fry riding full of risk in the extensions. But the daring strategy also brought mistakes: Glamourdale spooked after the canter strike-off, the piaffes lacked a little conviction, and balance was lost in the first pirouette. The final mark of 75.869% was still an excellent result, but left the defending champions with silver.
Denmark thus repeated their team bronze from Hagen (2021) and Riesenbeck (2023), this time on 223.385%. After silver at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, they once again showed their depth.
Individual Grand Prix
The highest score of the entire Grand Prix came from Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (DEN) and Mount St. John Freestyle (owned by Mount St. John Equestrian and Laudrup-Dufour & Zinglersen ApS). Their 80.823% was untouchable, securing bronze for Denmark.
Verboomen makes history with Grand Prix Special triumph
Belgium had never before claimed a medal at a major Dressage championship, whether in team or individual competition. That changed today when Justin Verboomen (BEL) made history in Crozet (FRA) by winning gold in the Grand Prix Special at the Jiva Hill Stables FEI Dressage European Championsip with his exceptional stallion Zonik Plus. Their 82.371% score left no doubt. Silver went to Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (DEN) and Mount St John Freestyle, while bronze was awarded to Isabell Werth (GER) and Wendy de Fontaine.
Verboomen doubles up with Freestyle gold in Crozet thriller
The arena fell silent as the Special gold-medallists returned: Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus. Their harmonious, emotional test captured the audience. A bold moment came when Zonik Plus transitioned into canter out of a half-pass in trot, and the crowd exploded as they finished. Their 89.964% secured gold by the slimmest of margins.
Dinja van Liere (NED) experienced an emotional test with Hermes (owned by Joop van Uytert), finishing on 77.782% in what she revealed would be their last performance together. Tearfully she shared: “Hermes has been great the whole week. We wanted to give it all today. It was a difficult ride, because it was our final one. I can’t say much more now, but I am sure he will have a great future ahead of him.”
With sold-out crowds for both the Special and the Freestyle, the Jiva Hill stables FEI Dressage European Championship in Crozet ended on the highest of notes, and with a new star rising to the very top: Belgium’s Justin Verboomen with Zonik Plus.