Panthero van de Vogelzang and Domien Michiels win Platinum Cup Final

After last week’s success in the Nations Cup, it’s time for another Belgian dressage celebration this week: the Belgian Championships. Nearly 700 horses and 400 riders will compete over five days. As proven last week, dressage in Belgium is thriving.

Today, the first finals were held: the Diamond Cup (ZZ-Zwaar), Brilliant Cup (Prix St. Georges), and Platinum Cup (Inter A/B). The future looks bright for Domien Michiels and Panthero van de Vogelzang. After two previous wins in the Platinum Cup this week, they added another victory today in the freestyle to music. The freestyle was awarded a score of 73.150%. Second place went to Justin Verboomen with Da Vinci (72.060%), followed by Tom Heylen and Quberon van het Beukenhof (71.960%).

On to the Grand Prix
“Simply fantastic,” was Domien Michiels’ first reaction. “It’s our first time at this level, and then to win three days in a row, that’s just an incredible feeling. He kept working so hard for me, he’s a fantastic horse with an amazing attitude.” Michiels has been working with the ten-year-old BWP-approved stallion Panthero van de Vogelzang (by Belantis) since he was three. “He was approved as a three-year-old, and he’s been with me ever since. I’m hoping for a great future together.” The pair has progressed through all levels, from young horses to the Small Tour, and now the Medium Tour. “And hopefully, the Grand Prix next.”

Goosebumps last week
“I took my time with Panthero, and now it’s starting to pay off. You can see his talent emerging, and he’s become stronger. Once Intermezzo retires, Panthero can take over,” Michiels laughs. Asked if he had a chance to enjoy last week’s success, he bursts out laughing. “Uh, no. I was home for one day and had a lot of washing and prep to do. But it was amazing, last week really gave me goosebumps.”

Four rides, four wins
Belgian dressage is in the spotlight after last week’s Nations Cup win on home soil. “I’ve had a fantastic two weeks, and Lier is becoming my second home,” the top Belgian rider says with a smile. “I absolutely love it, and then to win again today.” The success didn’t stop with the Platinum Cup. “I also rode Sunny Boy van de Kempenhoeve in the seven-year-olds today, and he won too. So I’ve had four rides and four wins. It couldn’t get any better, I’m done for the day, I’m calling it. It’s been amazing,” Domien adds with a laugh.

Sixteen students
He’s not entirely done though. Tomorrow, he’ll be coaching sixteen students. “I have a lot of pupils competing in the Belgian Championships, so I’ll definitely still be around.” Tomorrow’s program includes the finals for Ponies, Children, and Juniors. The Big Tour riders will also enter the arena for the first time, including Olympic horse Flambeau with Larissa Pauluis.

Results