In a stunning debut season, Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus make history in Crozet—securing gold in both the Grand Prix Special and Freestyle, and delivering Belgium its first-ever medals at a major senior dressage championship.
Grand Prix Special – A Historic Milestone
At the 2025 FEI European Dressage Championships in Crozet, Belgium had never earned a medal—until Justin Verboomen and his stallion Zonik Plus shattered that record. Delivering a mesmerizing performance in the Grand Prix Special, the duo scored an impressive 82.371%, claiming gold and becoming Belgium’s very first major dressage champions in senior competition. Behind them, Denmark’s Cathrine Laudrup‑Dufour claimed silver aboard Mount St John Freestyle, and Germany’s legend Isabell Werth took bronze on Wendy de Fontaine.
Freestyle Finale – Verboomen Doubles His Triumph
The crescendo of the championships came in the Freestyle final, where Verboomen secured another unforgettable victory. With a career-best score of 89.964%, they topped the podium once again—sending a thrilling message about their arrival on the big stage. Denmark’s Laudrup‑Dufour repeated her runner-up finish, scoring just behind Verboomen, followed by Werth claiming another bronze.
A Breakthrough Story: Rider, Owner, and Champion
Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus’s achievements mark a remarkable rise in their first year at the elite level. Verboomen, who is both the rider and owner of Zonik, cultivated this partnership from the stallion’s early years—taking time to debut internationally only when the horse was ready. Their rise has been meteoric: only months after stepping onto the international stage, they claimed top placements at CDI-W and CDI5* events, culminating in their double gold in Crozet as a fitting capstone to a breakthrough season.
