Domien Michiels: “We’re giving it everything to make history”
With his top horse Intermezzo van het Meerdaalhof, Domien Michiels is part of the Belgian team for the very first Nations Cup on home soil. This week from 15 – 18 May at Azelhof Equestrian Center. Alongside Charlotte Defalque (Botticelli), Larissa Pauluis (Flambeau), and Justin Verboomen (Zonik Plus), he is determined to aim for a podium finish.
“I’m really looking forward to it!” says Domien with a smile, fully aware that the first Dressage Nations Cup ever held in Belgium will be a unique event. “It’s fantastic to be part of it. I believe the national coach has selected the strongest possible team we have at the moment, to present ourselves in the best way. The best combinations, competing on home ground!”
Big names
That the fight for a podium place will be fierce is clear: other countries are sending strong teams too, with global stars like Isabell Werth, Charlotte Fry and Patrik Kittel on the starting list. “Hopefully those big names will attract a large audience. For us, a top-three finish should be within reach, but we’ll need to go all in. We’re aiming for a podium place and will do everything we can to make history. Intermezzo is in great shape,” says Michiels with determination.
He is also full of praise for the organisers of Belgium Dressage Events, who will host the Belgian Dressage Championships just one week later at the same venue in Lier. “They keep improving year after year. You can tell the organisation is run by real horse people.”
Belgian Championships: A gathering for everyone
Domien will skip the Belgian Championships with Intermezzo due to its close proximity to the Nations Cup, but he will be competing with Panthero van de Vogelzang in the Medium Tour, and with Sunnyboy van de Kempenhoeve in the seven-year-old division. With many of his students also competing, Domien expects to spend plenty of time coaching in Lier as well.
He’s very much looking forward to the event: “It’s a fantastic championship that really brings everyone together. From grassroots to Grand Prix, everyone is there. It’s brilliant for the sport that young, upcoming riders can watch the higher levels live, it’s such a powerful motivation to keep going.”
You will find the masterlists, program and live scoring here
Tickets
