Verboomen Writes History with Grand Prix Special Triumph at 2025 European Dressage Championships

-- FEI press releasen edited by Eurodressage - -- Photos © Astrid Appels/Eurodressage - No reproduction allowed - NO SCREENSHOTS!
(The extensive Eurodressage report is here)

Belgium has never before claimed a medal at a major senior dressage championship, whether in team or individual competition. That changed today 29 Auguqt 2025 when Justin Verboomen (BEL) made history in Crozet (FRA) by winning gold in the Grand Prix Special at the 2025 European Dressage Championships 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.

Early tension in Crozet

From the very first athlete entering the arena for the Special, the atmosphere was electric. The top 30 combinations from the Grand Prix faced a range of weather conditions – from sunshine to showers – that kept both athletes and spectators on edge.

One of the earliest challengers was Charlotte Fry (GBR) with her World Champion and Olympic bronze medallist Glamourdale (by Lord Leatherdale x Negro). After a disappointing day in the Grand Prix, Fry was determined to fight back, taking maximum risk in the trot tour. With energy, power and courage, the highlights were outstanding extensions, one-tempi changes and lateral work. However some shaky transitions and a less consistent piaffe held the score to 75.289%. It was enough for an early lead, but far from the podium by the end of the day.

Hemmer delivers Test of a Lifetime

Next into the arena was Katharina Hemmer (GER) with Denoix PCH (by Destano x Pik Noir). Completing the test of her life, the chestnut gelding showed relaxation, uphill movement and a harmonious, classical picture with not a single mistake. Their 78.678% kept them at the top of the leaderboard for a long time and eventually secured them fourth place.

“I am so amazed,” smiled Hemmer afterwards. “It doesn’t often happen that you can truly enjoy your test while riding it, but today was one of those days. Denoix wanted to do everything right, he really gave it all.”

Great Britain’s Becky Moody and her home bred Jagerbomb (by Dante Weltino x Jazz) were also looking to make amends after mistakes in the Grand Prix. Their beautiful, still contact was textbook. While his passage may not be the most scopey, it has the rhythm of a metronome. With 77.796%, Moody finished just behind Hemmer in fifth.

Carl Hester (GBR) once again gave a masterclass in classical riding with Fame (by Bordeaux x Rhodium), though tension in the walk left him just short of Moody’s score.

Norway’s Isabel Freese and Total Hope (by Totilas x Don Schufro), third in this year’s World Cup Final in Basel (SUI), impressed again with a solid Grand Prix Special that scored 74.316% for tenth place, easily qualifying for Sunday’s Freestyle. Frederic Wandres (GER) and Bluetooth OLD (by Bordeaux x Riccione) followed with a fault-free performance. His piaffe, passage and pirouettes still lacked some power and have room to develop further. Their 75.942% left them in seventh.

Verboomen’s Moment of Magic

Then it was time for the sensation of the moment: Justin Verboomen (BEL) and Zonik Plus (owned by Verboomen). You could hear a pin drop in the stadium as spectators held their breath. The lightness, suppleness, and perfect balance between collection and relaxation captivated the crowd and the judges alike. Always with his ears pricked, attentive yet soft in every step, Zonik Plus danced his way to 82.371%.

With Werth, Laudrup-Dufour and Van Liere still to go, Verboomen’s victory was not yet certain, but the Belgian had thrown down a historic challenge.

Isabell Werth (GER) and Wendy (by Sezuan x Soprano) gave it their all, but mistakes crept into the one-tempi changes in the canter tour, keeping them just shy of 80%. Their 79.027% secured bronze for the most decorated athlete in history.

“We started this season quite late and I can feel we are not yet at peak form,” Werth admitted. “It was a challenge to reach the podium, but there were many things that pleased me today. In the Freestyle I want to take more risk – I will go for it!” she laughed.

Werth continued, "I’m sorry, I’m not part of the young generation! But anyway, I did my best to defend my position today! I’m really happy with Wendy de Fontaine. I expected it to be an easy competition today. In reality, it was very close and tough, which made it really exciting for all of us. And of course, when you’re here, it’s about giving your best and trying to win. I expected great performances from Justin and Cathrine, of course. So for us, it was important to go into the arena and give everything. I lost a bit of energy in the transitions. I did my best. I’m not yet at the level I’d like or should be at right now, because we started a bit late in the season due to a small injury. That made the path to peak form more difficult. Nevertheless, Wendy de Fontaine did many good things, and I was really happy with her passage and piaffe work."

Mount St John Freestyle and Laudrup-Dufour Deliver

Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (DEN) and Mount St John Freestyle (by Fidermark x Donnerhall) then entered the arena to breathless anticipation. Their performance was a joy to watch, soft and elastic, but a major mistake in the one-tempi changes – scored as low as 3.7 – proved costly. Even so, the rest of the test was of such high quality that they still posted 81.687% to secure silver.

“She felt absolutely wonderful," said Dufour. "She was so soft, I really could present her in the most supple way. It’s very hard to predict anything with such an incredible group of riders competing this week! I’m really, really proud of my silver medal today. Justin showed amazing sport, and so did I, actually! But I made a mistake in my one-tempi changes. The fact that this sport allows new combinations like Justin and his amazing horse to emerge is something that really motivates me a lot. In a way, it was horrible watching my competitors, because I wanted to be on the top step of the podium, but at the same time, it gave me so much motivation and really pushes me to keep improving. So yes, I’m really proud of my silver medal today."

Final competitor of the day was Dinja van Liere (NED) with Hermès, who took double individual bronze at the World Championships 2022 in Herning. As always, Hermès delivered a strong piaffe and passage, but some points were lost in the trot tour. Their 75.486% left them outside the medals.

A Golden Day for Belgium

Verboomen was left almost speechless after clinching his historic medal, one that delivered not only personal glory but also Belgium’s first ever Dressage gold.

"I’m really struggling to realize what’s happening! My horse is still young, and I didn’t expect this to happen so soon," he said, adding "but I’m very happy! I bought Zonik Plus when he was just 2 ½ years old, and we’ve done everything together. From the beginning, he showed exceptional qualities, great balance, and a very good temperament. He still has all that, so we try to protect it. He’s an incredible horse."

Tomorrow is a rest day for human and equine athletes in Crozet.

On Sunday the action continues with the Grand Prix Freestyle – don’t miss it, starting at 11:30

Eurodressage took photos of all competitors in Crozet. No reproduction allowed - NO SCREENSHOTS!

Related Link
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2025 European Dressage. Championships