Justin Verboomen: a model of discretion

Justin Verboomen was crowned European champion in Crozet, and was the revelation in Aachen this year, becoming one of world dressage’s most promising riders with his partner Zonik Plus. It has been a meteoric rise for this Belgian rider with rare sensitivity, who is more at home in the calm atmosphere of his stables than in the spotlight. He looks back on this unexpected season that has made him one of the most prominent figures in his discipline, with modesty and a clear perspective.

Your 2025 season marked a real turning point, with Crozet and Aachen. For many, 2025 is already ‘Verboomen’s year’. What was it like for you to suddenly find yourself in the spotlight and how did it all come about?
Justin Verboomen: It was all really unexpected. We started with the first small international show in November 2024. Nothing was planned for the 2025 season, and everything worked out really well in the end. We were invited to Mechelen, and it went really well. We decided to also compete in Lier to stay fairly close to home and avoid too much travelling for the horse. Everything fell into place very naturally, but absolutely nothing was ever planned from the outset.

Does this success give you true satisfaction, or does it create extra pressure to continually perform at your best?
 J.V.: The pressure has always been there. But I put pressure on myself — I don’t need anyone else to do it for me! And now, when I look at the videos and the results, I tell myself that there is still so much room for improvement in terms of relaxation and precision. These aren't necessarily easy things to work on, but in any case, I'm working at home to keep getting better.

If you had to sum up your 2025 season in one word, what would it be?
J.V.: Just... unreal.

You achieved more than the symbolic 80% mark for the first time in the Grand Prix Special in Aachen: what areas do you feel you can still improve on to take your performance to the next level?
J.V.: It will mainly come down to the horse's precision and relaxation. He is still very young and hasn't competed much in his life. I think that the more he competes, the more he will be relaxed quickly at showgrounds. And I really hope I can help him as much as possible so that we can keep progressing together.

Tell us about how you first met Zonik Plus. What immediately struck you about him?
J.V.: I was travelling in Portugal and looking for a horse. I had seen several, but none of them really caught my eye. At the end of the day, a friend said to me: “I may have found a horse for you.” We went to visit a stable, and the horses were coming out one after the other to go into the outdoor arena... and then Zonik appeared. As soon as I saw him in the distance, I said to myself, “It can't believe they want to sell this horse.” He was just magnificent: expressive, with three great gaits and a sensitive nature that I connected with instantly.

They say a dressage horse reflects its rider — what do you think Zonik Plus says about you?
J.V.: We share a profound sensitivity, which he demonstrates daily. This is what touches me most about him. He's such a gentle, kind horse. There's not an ounce of malice in him — or in few horses, to be honest — but he's always positive, in a good mood. He's a ray of sunshine.

If you had to choose one word to define your relationship with Zonik Plus, what would it be?
 J.V.: It's difficult to sum it up in one word. It goes beyond a single word. I really love my horse. He's my lifelong companion. Without him, I probably wouldn’t have achieved what we have this year. Everything that's happening today is largely thanks to him. I’ve always felt a genuine affection for this horse and this year has only reaffirmed the strength of our bond.

You were propelled onto the podium this year, sometimes even ahead of iconic figures like Isabell Werth. How did you navigate such a sudden change?
J.V.: It happened so quickly. A little too quickly, in my opinion. But it was so unexpected. My goal was just to do the best I could. It's worked so far. We'll see what happens next.

Things are moving fast for you, yet you often emphasise the importance of being patient when you work. Can you give us a concrete example of a movement or training phase where you deliberately waited before going further?
J.V.: In the end, it wasn't so much about waiting to perform movements, because Zonik was so talented very early on... But it was more about starting to compete at Grand Prix level. He was definitely ready for a long time, but I preferred to wait, then wait a bit longer, take my time and do very few shows to give him a little more time and allow him to mature.

Dressage standards are evolving towards even more precision and harmony. How do you view this evolution?
J.V.: The evolution of these standards has probably worked in our favour this year. And in a way, I strive for this harmony in my daily work with all my horses, returning to movement in its purest form. Competing at shows makes this difficult, as the environment is very different from the stables, but we keep striving for it.

You’ve become the new face of Belgian dressage—do you think a signature ‘Belgian style’ exists, or is it still emerging?
J.V.: No, I don't think there is a ‘Belgian style’ as such. I meet up with the other Belgian riders, discuss things, exchange ideas and we’re all working towards this goal of even greater harmony. And I think that applies to all riders, whether they’re Belgian or not. I’m obviously aiming for this goal too, in my own way.

You made a spectacular debut on the World Cup circuit. What are your goals now?
J.V.: My main goal is the 2026 World Championships. Apart from that, nothing has been decided yet for next year: I want to see how Zonik develops and I’ll adapt the programme accordingly. The aim is for him to continue to progress calmly.

You’re described as a being discreet rider, and not always comfortable in the spotlight. How are you coping with this newfound fame?
 J.V.: To be honest, not very well. I like being at the stables, in a calm environment, surrounded by the people I work with. That's where I feel most comfortable and focused. I have nothing against journalists, but it's true that this part of the job is harder for me.

Throughout your career, have there been moments when you doubted if you could reach this level?
J.V.: Yes of course. I think we all have doubts every day, especially with horses. It also depends on who you cross paths with: coaches, horses and owners. I've been lucky to meet people who have helped me enormously — and Zonik too. But yes, there are moments when you say to yourself, ‘Will I ever achieve this?’

This career is wonderful but it’s very demanding. What sacrifices have been the toughest for you to accept?
 J.V.: Personal sacrifices, especially involving family and friends, are inevitable, as what we do demands so much time and effort. You have to be completely dedicated.

When you're not riding how do you manage to unwind and find a balance?
 J.V.: I can unwind most easily at home. I'm lucky to live in a really beautiful place where I'm surrounded by my animals, my dogs, and my family. That's where I can relax. I thrive outdoors—tending to nature, breathing in the fresh air. I’m a man who needs to live outside.

Are there any personalities, equestrian or otherwise, who particularly inspire you in your approach to riding?
 J.V.: If I had to name one personality from the equestrian world, it would obviously be Carl Hester, whom I greatly admire for his precise and classic riding style. There are many others I could mention. But if I had to name just one, it would be him.

What has been your career highlight so far: Crozet, Aachen... or a more personal memory that no one else is aware of?
 J.V.: This year I think it would definitely have to be Aachen. It was the first time I had competed in such a big show. I was struck by the reactions of the audience, who seemed to feel exactly what I feel when I'm riding Zonik. I found it incredibly moving. The German audience was there, cheering on this little-known Belgian rider, it was incredible.

What do you enjoy most about dressage: competing, working at home or performing in front of an audience?
J.V.: I definitely prefer working at home, trying to improve things every day, honing the sensations I experience with my horse, understanding him a little better. Competing represents the culmination of this work, but it is by no means the ultimate goal. Horses continue to be central to everything I do. They are what drew me to this sport. My father was a rider and trainer, and I grew up around them. Their companionship and sensitivity inspired me to learn from and deepen my bond with them. And I think what really inspires me is focusing on precision rather than winning