2025 was their year. Since then, one can’t imagine top dressage without the Belgian rider, Justin Verboomen, and his ten-year-old stallion, Zonik Plus. The pair experienced a vertical take-off: Victory in the Lindt Prize at the CHIO Aachen, followed by double gold at the European Championships in Crozet. Since then, the duo has been undefeated: Wins in Lyon, at the Top 12 Dressage Finale in Frankfurt, in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Fontainebleau and most recently in front of a home crowd in Lier.

The FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 are coming up in August. Will their success story reach its climax there? In our interview, the 38-year-old talks about his exceptional year, his special stallion – and the feeling when riding into the huge Aachen main stadium.

Last year was extremely special for you: First the victory in Aachen and then double gold at your first European Championships. How did you experience the year?

They were incredible experiences. But I don’t put myself under pressure anymore, so to speak, just because we are competing at the European Championships or a big tournament. I really do just try to perform well, prepare as best I can and stay calm. And I know that if everything really comes together, if everything runs smoothly with Zonik, then there’s no reason why it shouldn’t go well.

Now everyone’s eyes are cast on the World Championships in Aachen. Is that also your next big goal?

Of course, that is my goal. We made a few changes to our daily training routine over the winter. And I am really looking forward to being able to demonstrate in the dressage arena one day what we are achieving in our training sessions. But there is still plenty to do before then.

The special feature for all the dressage riders at the World Championships is that they will be riding in the setting that is usually reserved for the show-jumpers – namely in the Main Stadium. What do you imagine it will be like to ride into this arena for the first time in front of such a huge crowd?

I am just imagining it now… (grins) The walk to the dressage arena will be much longer, of course. Zonik will like that. I am sure he will enjoy it.

Does Zonik like being the centre of attention?

Yes, yes (he says without hesitation). It doesn’t bother him at all – on the contrary. He doesn’t get stressed at all in such situations, not by the spectators, the applause, etc. I think he will feel very much at home there.

Listening to how you talk about him: He is a special horse for you, isn’t he? Can you remember the first time you saw him?

I met Zonik in Portugal when he was a two-year-old and I fell in love with him immediately. Really – the second I saw him come out of the stable and head towards the outdoor arena. So beautiful, so full of energy. I knew straight away: That’s him. He was presented to us there running free. I fell in love with him instantly; it was love at first sight. Zonik is truly a special horse. I feel like anything is possible with him.

Even at the World Championships in Aachen? You can experience it LIVE: Secure your tickets now for the dressage at the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 – from the online shop, by phone on +49 241 9171111 or directly at the offices of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein.