Belgian rider stuns the dressage world in his Grand Prix debut season

The crowd in Aachen erupted with emotion as Belgian show jumper–turned-dressage sensation, Justin Verboomen, delivered a career-defining performance aboard his self-schooled stallion Zonik Plus. Not only did they capture the 2025 Lindt-Prize, but they also won over hearts and made history at the CHIO Aachen, one of the sport’s most prestigious stages.

Photo – Justin Verboomen, on his Zonik Plus, as well as Ernst Tanner, Dr. Adalbert Lechner and Michal Spiller (Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Lindt & Sprüngli AG, CEO of Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG and Managing Director of Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli Deutschland GmbH), Chief Judge Katrina Wüst and ALRV President Stefanie Peters (CHIO Aachen/Jasmin Metzner)

Grand Prix Breakthrough

Verboomen and Zonik Plus are in their first-ever Grand Prix season, and this appearance marked their debut at the World Equestrian Festival in Aachen. In a stunning upset, the Belgian duo defeated reigning Olympic silver medalist Isabell Werth and her mount Wendy de Fontaine—the most decorated dressage rider of all time.

Verboomen posted a score of 89.40%, narrowly edging out Werth’s 88.44%. Third place went to Germany’s Frederic Wandres aboard Bluetooth OLD, while Great Britain’s Becky Moody took fourth with Jagerbomb (85.490%).

This marks the first time a Belgian pair has won the Lindt-Prize at CHIO Aachen, further cementing Verboomen’s performance as one of the season’s biggest surprises.

The Harmony That Won It All

What made the victory so memorable wasn’t just the score—it was the way it happened. Verboomen and Zonik Plus displayed textbook harmony, fluidity, and emotional connection in their freestyle performance.

“Dressage should feel like dancing—two partners moving as one,” Verboomen said after the test. “I wanted the ride to feel smooth and emotional. I wanted people to get goosebumps.” Judging by the crowd’s thunderous standing ovation, he succeeded.

The freestyle was choreographed to custom-composed melodies that reflected the pair’s unique bond. Verboomen discovered Zonik Plus as a two-year-old in Portugal and has trained him personally ever since. That years-long relationship was on full display as they entered their final centerline to the rhythm of the clapping audience—Zonik Plus never flinched.

The Crowd Goes Wild

As Verboomen halted and saluted, the stadium exploded. Cheers, whistles, and a roaring ovation filled the arena even before the final score was revealed. When the 89.40% flashed across the board, the noise reached new heights.

“I’m overjoyed,” Verboomen said, fighting back emotion after the prize-giving. “My horse was unbelievable. I had an amazing connection with him today—that was my number one goal this week.”

Gracious in Second

Despite her second-place finish, Isabell Werth was pleased with her ride on Wendy de Fontaine. “Yesterday, Wendy was on fire. Today she was more relaxed,” said Werth. “I’m happy with how she’s developed throughout the week. The canter was much better, and the transitions were excellent.”

On being beaten by Verboomen? Werth was characteristically gracious: “I love to compete. Sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes not. That’s the sport.”
Wandres Finds the Podium Again

German rider Frederic Wandres, who won team gold at the Olympics, returned to the podium with a solid freestyle ride on Bluetooth OLD. “It was a tough week—the heat at the start and now the rain made things challenging,” he explained. His freestyle music, themed “All You Need Is Love,” debuted in the arena for the first time. “I didn’t even have a chance to test it. But it worked perfectly.”

A Glimpse of What’s to Come

Birgit Rosenberg, CHIO Aachen’s Head of Sport, was enthusiastic about the level of sport displayed. “The big winner today is the sport itself. There was a lot of criticism leading into this week, but today’s performances were the answer,” she said. “The horses, the riders, the teams, the grooms—everyone gave everything. This is a preview of what we can expect next year at the World Championships.”

All CHIO Aachen 2025 results.