The tension was palpable at the final FEI Dressage World Cup™ Western European League qualifier of the season. In ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Charlotte Fry (GBR) and Glamourdale emerged victorious once again, securing their ticket to the Final with a perfect record of three wins out of three appearances. However, her compatriot Becky Moody (GBR) and Jagerbomb came within touching distance. Belgium’s rising star Justin Verboomen (BEL) wowed the crowd and finished in third place.
Fry and Moody dominated in a sold-out arena in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, going head-to-head in a battle of British excellence. The reigning World Champion Fry edged out her fellow Brit in both tests, delivering a flawless Freestyle performance that scored 89.705%. Having already claimed victories in London and Amsterdam, Fry amassed a total of 60 points, comfortably securing her place at the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final in Basel in three weeks’ time.
Becky Moody and her home-bred Jagerbomb, as well as Belgium’s Justin Verboomen with Zonik Plus, are still uncertain of their Final spots, potentially lacking the necessary points.
Home athletes take a back seat
With many top combinations travelling to ‘s-Hertogenbosch for the final opportunity to secure points, the start list featured an exceptionally strong field. This left the Dutch home athletes playing a more supporting role, particularly after home favourite Dinja van Liere (NED) withdrew before the Grand Prix. The best Dutch result came from Marlies van Baalen (NED), who, with her home-bred Habibi DVB N.O.P., produced a harmonious Freestyle to harp music, scoring 77.525%. While their test impressed in terms of harmony, they lost points in the walk section.
Belgium, however, made a much bigger impact, with three Belgian athletes finishing in the top seven. Domien Michiels (BEL) and Intermezzo van het Meerdaalhof (owned by Marc Steeno) delivered a faultless Freestyle with soft contact and a powerful canter tour. Larissa Pauluis (BEL) followed with a dynamic and energetic performance aboard Flambeau (owned by Marie Christine Pauluis, Jean Pauluis, Caroline and Emmanuelle Lepage), with deep bass tones resonating through the arena. Scoring 79.895%, Pauluis secured a fifth-place finish and earned enough points to book her place in the Final.
Yet, it was Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus who led the Belgian charge. Following a runner-up finish in Mechelen, the pair impressed again in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, claiming third place. Their piaffe and passage were breathtaking, and their Freestyle was rewarded with 84.160%. “Already when Zonik Plus was young, I knew he had so much potential. He is a fighter, a winner,” said a slightly reserved Verboomen. Despite his strong performances, he may fall short on points for a Final spot, having only contested two qualifiers.
Basquin and Nowag-Aulenbrock
The second half of the competition saw scores soar, with fewer mistakes, and ever-more refined technical and artistic execution. Pauline Basquin (FRA) and Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE (owned by Institut Français du Cheval et de L’Equitation) added valuable points to their tally following their victory in Madrid, securing their ticket to Basel. Their test was highlighted by lightness and harmony in the trot tour, earning them 78.555% and an eighth place.
Bianca Nowag-Aulenbrock (GER) and the ever-cheerful Florine OLD (owned by Elisabeth von Wulffen) also clinched their spot in the Final. The striking chestnut mare confidently pranced through the test with ears forward, although marks were lost in the piaffe. Their 78.965% score and sixth-place finish sealed their qualification.
Werth gears up for her 26th Final
Dressage queen Isabell Werth (GER) remains atop the FEI Dressage World Cup™ standings with 75 points. Riding DSP Quantaz (owned by Madeleine Winter-Schulze and Victoria Max-Theurer), she had to settle for fourth place this year in ‘s-Hertogenbosch after winning here in 2024. However, her place in the Final was never in doubt. The German legend is now set to contest her astonishing 26th FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final.
British stars take centre stage
The leading roles in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, however, belonged to Charlotte Fry and Becky Moody. Fry brought the crowd to its feet. Glamourdale (owned by the athlete and Gertjan van Olst) was in outstanding form, showcasing a breathtaking combination of beauty, uphill balance, power, elegance, and harmony. “I don’t get emotional very often, but today when the crowd started clapping and cheering, it just got me,” said Fry, who shed a few tears after her performance.
“Today was going to be our day. Glamourdale rose to the occasion. He is such a showman. Lucky for me, he is perfect in every way: he has the conformation, the character, the determination, the showmanship. I just have to make sure to sit there and make everything look pretty.”
Becky Moody and Jagerbomb (co-owned by Moody and Jo Cooper) delivered a personal best, scoring 87.545%, much to Moody’s delight. “I’m so proud of him! He is a truly exceptional horse. His heart is his most talented part: he always gives absolutely everything. I’m so lucky to have him,” she beamed.
All eyes on Basel
Reigning FEI Dressage World Cup™ champion Patrik Kittel finished 11th in ‘s-Hertogenbosch with Forever Young HRH. However, as the defending champion, he is automatically qualified for the Final.
The start list for the 38th FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final will take shape very soon, so don’t miss a hoofbeat…
Full results here.
