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Justin Verboomen: the Belgian who turned the dressage world upside down in 2025

When you look back at the defining dressage story of 2025, one name quickly stands out: Justin Verboomen. With his nine-year-old stallion Zonik Plus, the 38-year-old Belgian not only pushed his own limits this season, but also rewrote the record books with a series of milestones and firsts. In early March, he dominated the CDI 4* in Lier. In ’s-Hertogenbosch, he claimed third place in both the Grand Prix and the Freestyle. On top of that, Justin became the first Belgian to feature on Aachen’s Wall of Fame, to win a European title, and to reach number one on the world rankings. Just last week, he added another highlight by winning the Grand Prix Freestyle at the prestigious Top 12 Dressage Final in Frankfurt with an outstanding score of 91.195 percent, after already setting the pace in the Grand Prix.

Verboomen set the tone from the very start of his international career. In 2024, he and Zonik Plus took their first World Cup steps in Mechelen, and it was anything but an ordinary debut. They won the Grand Prix and also claimed a podium place in the Freestyle. What began as sheer amazement among the crowd quickly turned into unrestrained enthusiasm. Interviewers had to wait their turn to speak with the new dressage star, while a growing crowd of freshly made fans queued eagerly for an autograph.

For Justin himself, that first FEI Dressage World Cup in Mechelen was an experience he will never forget. “Jumping Mechelen 2024 was truly an incredible show for me. Winning for the first time was unforgettable. It was the first moment I really felt so much love from the crowd for Zonik and for us as a combination. The fact that it happened on Belgian soil, with so many friends and familiar faces in the stands, made it incredibly emotional and intense.”

In less than a year, Justin and Zonik Plus have improved their scores by more than 17 percent. “The relationship between Zonik and me hasn’t really changed, but Zonik certainly has. He has developed both physically and mentally. He is much calmer at competitions. When he arrives at a show, it already almost feels like home for him, which was not the case a year ago. Back then, he experienced a bit more stress because everything was still so new to him. The biggest difference today is that he relaxes and has become physically stronger. Every day he grows even bigger and stronger… and he is still quite young.”

This year, Justin will bring the impressive Djembe de Hus to Mechelen. Justin explains: “It will be our debut in Mechelen, just like last year when I made my first appearance there with Zonik. Djembe arrived at our stable last spring with the intention of being sold, so our partnership is still very much growing. He is also a very sensitive and emotional horse, in the best possible way. In that sense, he really reminds me of Zonik Plus. I hope I can convey that same sense of emotion with Djembe.”

Anyone who wants to see Justin and many other dressage world stars live in action can head to the Nekkerhal between Christmas and New Year for the FEI Dressage World Cup Grand Prix on Sunday 28 December, followed by the Freestyle on Monday 29 December.