The FEI Dressage World Cup™ Grand Prix presented by CRE-ARA – the first of the three FEI World Cup™ stages to be held at this year’s Longines Equita Lyon, Concours Hippique International – lived up to all its promises. On Thursday at Eurexpo, the audience in the stands witnessed a truly memorable series of performances, capped by the victory of the reigning European champions, Justin Verboomen (BEL) and Zonik Plus, who seemed to be almost floating through the air during their routine, while setting a personal record in the process.
Light as a feather
Justin Verboomen will certainly remember his first visit to Lyon. With a score of 81.195 %, the Belgian rider and his nine-year-old stallion beat their personal best in a Grand Prix competition in the International Arena at Equita Lyon in front of a delighted audience. And it was a well-deserved score, given the performance of the European champions in only their fourth indoor competition!
In keeping with their impressive outdoor performances over the last few months, the two partners once again demonstrated their incredible lightness and fluidity. “After the European Championships, I tried to work a bit more with Zonik at home, in really peaceful conditions,” explained Verboomen. “As much as possible, I tried to release the tension and pressure that had built up over previous events. I think it paid off today, because he was super relaxed.
“Every time he goes out in a competition, he matures and I feel he’s still improving. Last year, on the indoor circuits, he got very hot and was affected by the décor. In Lyon, the arena is wide and open, so it’s really nice to ride here. That’s the overwhelming feeling I have after this class, above and beyond the personal record. I’m really proud of my horse. He is very sensitive and gives a lot. He’s always had this ability to really focus on me and my encouragements. So, we’ve tried to build on that over the years.
“Considering this is my first time in Lyon, I must say I’m delighted. The conditions are perfect, in terms of how were welcomed and the quality of the stables, where the horses feel really great. We’ll see what happens tomorrow in the Freestyle, but I hope to have fun and that my horse will be calm and relaxed on the slightly more difficult exercises that are part of the routine, especially the transitions. I’ll try to help him with my gentle encouragements.”
World number 4, Great Britain’s Becky Moody, riding Jagerbomb, a horse she bred herself, confirmed her consistent performances this season by taking second place with a score of 76.196%. She finished ahead of Sandra Syosjeva, the world number 10 from Poland, riding Maxima Bella, who posted a score of 72.630%.
Results HERE.
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