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Legendary dressage horses and their riders head to Mechelen
A Belgian standout and a field of international heavyweights
Dressage enthusiasts can once again enjoy a strong programme, culminating in the FEI Dressage World Cup Grand Prix on Sunday 29 December, followed by the Freestyle on Monday 30 December. Alongside international stars, Belgian dressage riders will also have the opportunity to test themselves against the world’s best, supported by an enthusiastic home crowd.
One of the standout names on the entry list is undoubtedly Justin Verboomen, the revelation of Jumping Mechelen 2024. As a newcomer at the highest level, he impressed across the board and has since continued that trajectory with double European gold in Crozet, France, a first in Belgian dressage history. He also added victories at CHIO Aachen and the World Cup in Lyon to his résumé. Recently, Verboomen was named FEI Best Athlete 2025, an exceptional honour.
Belgian dressage chef d’équipe Jeroen Van Lent is looking forward to the days between Christmas and New Year in Mechelen. “I am very pleased with this year’s line-up,” he says. “Germany will be represented by top riders such as Klimke and Schneider, and the Netherlands also have put together a very strong team.” Among them is Emmelie Scholtens, who won the FEI Dressage World Cup in 2019 with Desperado N.O.P., by Vivaldi.
“The way Wim has returned to this level is remarkable. He is certainly one to watch at Jumping Mechelen.” – Jeroen Van Lent
“For Belgium, it is also great to welcome back Wim Verwimp,” Van Lent adds. “After his return to Grand Prix level in 2024, he achieved his first major international victory in Aachen with Jedai de Massa, a stallion by Don Juan de Hus.” The pair won the Grand Prix Freestyle with 70.565 percent and later earned bronze with a score of 74.330 percent. “The way Wim has returned to this level is remarkable. He is certainly one to watch at Jumping Mechelen.” Van Lent also underlines the depth of Belgian talent. “On home soil, we have a wide pool of combinations capable of performing at the highest level.”
