The world’s finest young Dressage horses gathered in a well-attended Verden (GER) to contest the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses across three age divisions. The event was dominated by the Dutch KWPN studbook, which collected five of the nine medals on offer.

Photo –  Mette Sejbjerg Jensen riding Proud James, winner in the final for 5-year-old horses at the FEI World Championship Young Dressage Horses – Verden 2025 (© FEI / Leanjo de Koster)

They took gold in the 5-year-old class with Proud James competing with Mette Sejbjerg Jensen (DEN), and in the 6-year-old class with Red Viper under Dinja van Liere (NED). In the 7-year-old class it was the Danish Warmblood mare Quinn G who claimed her third consecutive world title, this time with Great Britain’s Fiona Bigwood. Alongside KWPN’s five medals, the Danish Warmblood studbook also celebrated three podium places, including the gold for Quinn G. After several years in Ermelo (NED), the Championships returned to Verden this year, the most frequent host in the history of the event, marking the first of a three-year run.

5-year-olds: Proud James delivers in style

Mette Sejbjerg Jensen produced a golden and a bronze medal in the 5-year-old class, competing with two outstanding stallions. Gold went to the KWPN grey stallion Proud James, presented by the Danish athlete under the quota of the Netherlands. The bronze was also hers, with the Danish Warmblood stallion Straight Horse Leonardo.

Proud James (sired by Jameson RS2) impressed with his uphill way of going and powerful expression. He was the only horse to break the 90% barrier with a winning score of 90.60%. The jet-black Straight Horse Leonardo, scoring 87.40%, showed natural balance and made every movement look easy.

Showmen

Sejbjerg Jensen was full of gratitude for the opportunity to ride two horses of such quality, smiling throughout both tests. “I’m overwhelmed. But riding such amazing horses makes it easier. We practised every detail in preparation, so I could relax here and enjoy my rides. These medals are really a team effort. Proud James is stunning and has the perfect colour, and Leonardo has a super rideability and is really smart. They are both showmen. In the arena they grow five centimetres and say: ‘watch me!’ They make things easy for me, and they are truly my best friends.”

Between these two stallions, the charming Oldenburg mare Viva Diamond OLD, presented for Germany by Linda Weiß, claimed silver with 89.20%. She impressed with her rideability and focus, particularly in the walk which earned a 9.3.

“She did great, even better than in the qualifier. She had such a good attitude today,” – Linda Weiß (GER)