The MEGGLE-Prize at CHIO Aachen 2025 delivered a thrilling dressage competition filled with personal bests and stunning performances. A Belgian newcomer stole the spotlight, pushing Olympic champions off the podium, while a crowd-favorite duo from England captured the hearts of the audience.

Belgian Breakthrough: Justin Verboomen’s Stunning Victory

In only his first international Grand Prix season, Belgian rider Justin Verboomen stunned the dressage world. Riding his self-trained, nine-year-old black stallion Zonik Plus, Verboomen claimed his first-ever win in Aachen, achieving a personal best of 80.745%.

Photo – Justin Verboomen, with his Zonik Plus together with Marina Meggle (CHIO Aachen/Diana Wahl)

Incredibly, this was just the second Grand Prix Spécial for both Verboomen and Zonik Plus. But the pair showed no signs of inexperience as they delivered a powerful, precise performance that earned them the top spot on the podium.

Not a man of many words, Justin Verboomen said after the Grand Prix in the Prize of Family Tesch that he can’t wait to show Zonik Plus’s real potential in the dressage arena Asked if today’s ride showed the horse’s full capabilities, he replied, “Not yet. But you will see it one day!”

Werth and Wendy Take Second with Another Personal Best

German legend Isabell Werth and her Olympic medal-winning mare Wendy followed closely behind in second place. Despite a few mistakes in the one-tempi flying changes, they scored 80.106% — also a personal best for the duo.

Werth, a fierce competitor and the most decorated dressage rider in history, welcomed the rising challenge from younger talents. “It was great sport, and the strong competition makes it spicy,” she said. “That’s the reason I’m still here. I saw Justin in Lier — I knew he wouldn’t try to be a gentleman. And that’s exactly what we love: exciting sport and competitive shows.”

Becky Moody and Jagerbomb Steal the Show

British rider Becky Moody and her self-bred Dante Weltino son, Jagerbomb, claimed third place with a dazzling ride and a personal best of 78.404%. The crowd adored the pair’s lively and expressive performance.

Moody, a bronze medalist with Team Great Britain at the Paris Olympics, praised the electric atmosphere in Aachen. “It’s something else to ride into this arena. The crowd is fantastic and so knowledgeable,” she said. “Jagerbomb was definitely very enthusiastic today — he didn’t want to stand still! But that energy is what makes the rest of his test so special. We’re all striving for that balance between power and calmness.”

The Excitement Continues: Lindt-Prize Next

As the CHIO Aachen continues, all eyes turn to the upcoming Lindt-Prize, where fans eagerly await the next face-off between dressage’s “big three”: Verboomen, Werth, and Moody.

CHIO Aachen’s Head of Sport, Birgit Rosenberg, summed up the anticipation perfectly: “We all know that Isabell Werth is at her best when challenged. That’s when the most successful dressage rider of all time delivers her top performances. It’s going to be exciting!”