-- BDE press release, edited by Eurodressage - Photos © Dirk Caremans
After making history last year by securing Belgium’s very first FEI Dressage Nations Cup victory, the Belgian team once again lived up to expectations in front of the home crowd at the 2026 CDIO Lier.
Even without the score of top combination Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus, Team Belgium would have secured the win based on the results of its other three riders in the CDIO Grand Prix on Saturday afternoon 23 May 2026. The Grand Prix was convincingly won by Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus, followed by Larissa Pauluis and Flambeau, while Dutch rider Marieke van der Putten finished third.
Some Nerves
Judges Eisenhardt, Smeets, Schwab, Christensen, van der Heijden rewarded Verboomen and his 10-year old Hanoverian stallion Zonik Plus (by Zonik x Hohenstein) with a winning score of 80.391%. Despite delivering another winning performance, 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 also of the entire team.”
When told Belgium had already secured the Nations Cup victory even without his score, Verboomen smiled: “That definitely takes away a bit of pressure.”
‘Best Grand Prix ever’
“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 with Charlotte and Wim as well. And for me personally, this was probably the best Grand Prix I have ever ridden with Flambeau. It was the first time he felt this relaxed and easy to ride in the ring. That felt really special. This is exactly the direction we want to continue in as a team.”
Organizer and Rider
Belgium's third score came from CDIO Lier show organizer Wim Verwimp who piloted the Korean owned Portuguese sport horse Jedai De Massa to a sixth place with 71.630%
“It’s really fantastic to see how this event keeps growing. Last year we hosted the FEI Nations Cup for the first time, and already we had so many international riders," said Verwimp. "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 competing in the Small Tour because of the selection process for the Asian Games. It makes me happy that we can give riders these opportunities here in Lier.”
Nations Cup Debut
For Charlotte Defalque the FEI Nations Cup in Lier marked a new milestone. Together with Larissa Pauluis' Westfalian gelding First-Step Valentin (by Vitalis x Fidermark) Defalque made her debut for Team Belgium in front of the home crowd after premiering Valentin internationally in the 3* tour at the CDIO Fontainebleau in April.
“It’s amazing. I really love this place and I truly enjoy riding Valentin. To make my Nations Cup debut here in Lier is a very special experience for me.”
President of the Ground Jury Alice Schwab praised the overall quality of the competition and especially the harmony seen throughout the Belgian team performances. “It was truly fantastic sport. We saw so many very good rides and excellent riding today. As a judge, it was a real pleasure to sit there and watch. 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 Belgian team performed at a very high level.”
Eyes on Aachen
“It is incredibly important to have shows like this. To repeat the victory from last year here at home is amazing. These riders continue making history for Belgian dressage, and that honestly 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 to have 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 an afternoon of top-level sport in front of the home crowd in Lier.
In total, eight nations lined up for the FEI Dressage Nations Cup in Lier. With 32 points from three straight podiums, including a victory at Fontainebleau (FRA), Germany continues to lead the Nations Cup series. Belgium and Great Britain follow immediately behind with 23 points each.
The FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ continues with its penultimate leg at Hagen (GER) on 03 July 2026.
Related Link
Scores: 2026 CDIO Lier