The silver medal went to Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour of Denmark with Mount St John Freestyle, scoring 81.678 percent. German dressage legend Isabell Werth, the most decorated rider of all time, secured the bronze with Wendy de Fontaine on 79.027 percent.

An Emotional Victory

Verboomen could hardly contain his happiness on the way to the prize-giving ceremony.
“It’s unbelievable. I’m speechless. I can’t believe what just happened in this arena.”

The Belgian rider explained that he felt a special connection with Zonik Plus when he first discovered him as a two-year-old in Portugal. Since then, they have grown together.
“He’s become much calmer. He’s fantastic,” said Verboomen. Reflecting on the emotional ending to their test, he added:
“He’s only nine years old. I had put a lot of pressure on myself, but even so he did an amazing job.”

Tension Until the Final Rides

The third day of the championship offered great spectacle, despite the rain that forced fans to watch under umbrellas. In addition to the medals, eighteen spots were at stake for Sunday’s Grand Prix Freestyle.

For a long time it seemed that Germany’s Katharina Hemmer with Denoix Pch would keep the lead, followed by Britain’s Becky Moody with Jagerbomb, and world number one Charlotte Fry with Glamourdale. But the leaderboard was shaken up as strong combinations entered the arena.

German rider Frederic Wandres scored 75.942 percent with Bluetooth OLD, pushing Fry off the podium. Shortly after, Britain’s Carl Hester improved that result with 76.383 percent on Fame.

Then came the highlight: Verboomen delivered a phenomenal test with Zonik Plus. When the record score of 82.371 percent appeared on the board, emotions erupted – and he could no longer be overtaken.

Battle for Silver and Bronze

Isabell Werth fought hard with Wendy, but an error in the one-tempis cost her valuable points. She finished on 79.027 percent, which earned her the bronze medal.

Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour then showed a harmonious test with Mount St John Freestyle. The mare displayed her power and elegance, but with 81.687 percent, the Danish rider had to settle for silver.

The Netherlands’ Dinja van Liere closed the session with 75.486 percent, finishing in eighth place – enough to secure a spot on Sunday, but no threat to Verboomen’s golden position.

Reactions from the Medalists

Werth, who had already won gold with the German team earlier in the week, said with satisfaction:
“The goal was to be on the podium, and that mission was accomplished.” She pointed out that she had started late in the season due to a minor injury to her horse, but emphasized the progress in their piaffe and passage.

Laudrup-Dufour was equally delighted with her silver:
“I am extremely happy with this result. She gives me the most wonderful invitation to present her in the softest way.” A small imbalance in the one-tempis may have cost her the gold.

After a day of rest, the combinations will return on Sunday for the Grand Prix Freestyle, starting at 11:30 local time.

Results