Olympic Flambeau leads after first round of Belgian Championship

The first Belgian youth champions were crowned today, while the senior riders kicked off their competition with the first round. Following their Nations Cup victory last week, Larissa Pauluis and Flambeau (by Ampère) have set their sights firmly on the Belgian Championship title.

Other members of the winning Belgian Nations Cup team are not competing this weekend, but Justin Verboomen did bring a new ace: the ten-year-old Djembé de Hus. With a score of 72.522%, Larissa Pauluis claimed victory in the Grand Prix. The top rider already took the national title in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Last year’s champion was Flore de Winne and her amazing Flynn FRH, who secured a hattrick last weekend in the U25 with his new rider.

Nine-year-old Lestor finishes second
Wim Verwimp, co-organizer of both the Belgian Championship and CDIO Lier, placed third aboard Jedai de Massa (by Don Juan de Hus), scoring 70.217%. Finishing between Pauluis and Verwimp was Jeroen Devroe, who secured second place with the nine-year-old Lestor (by Ghandi), the youngest horse in the field. Their test earned a score of 70.652%.

A promising future for Verboomen
Alongside the dressage sensation Zonik Plus, Justin Verboomen recently welcomed another highly promising horse to his stables: Djembé de Hus (by Damon Hill). “This is such an incredibly good horse!” Verboomen said after the test. He finished fourth with a score of 70.217%. “It was a shame Djembé seemed so bothered by the weather and wind. That created tension, which led to some mistakes.” This resulted in tension in the walk and an error in the one-tempis. It was only the second Grand Prix for this new combination.

Quality and potential
“I’ve only had him in the stable for a month, and we’ve only done one Grand Prix together before, he was really relaxed then,” Justin explained. “Of course, the atmosphere wasn’t like it is here.” According to Verboomen, the gelding has already shown clear improvement. “The passage and piaffe have gotten a lot better, he really is a horse with so much quality and potential!” Ultimately, Djembé de Hus is intended for sale. “Unfortunately, yes,” Verboomen admitted. As for tomorrow’s expectations? “I think he’ll be much calmer because the weather is expected to be better. I’m really looking forward to riding the freestyle with him. He’s a fantastic horse.”

Suraya Hendrikx leads the Small Tour
The Big Tour will conclude tomorrow at 16:00 with the Grand Prix Freestyle. Ahead of that, the Small Tour final will take place, with Suraya Hendrikx currently in the lead. Hendrikx and Benicia (by Benicio) won the first day’s test, while today’s Inter I was won by Justin Verboomen and Bollinger (by Bon Coeur). Last year, that duo took home the Diamant Cup. “Bollinger was really on form today,” said Verboomen. “He always needs a bit of time to settle in at competitions.”

Youth Champions Crowned
This morning, the Children combinations competed in the final round of the Belgian Youth Championship. The title went to Elise van Os and Reliv van ’t Amaryllishof (by Ferdeaux), who impressively won all three tests. In the Pony class, Helena Theeuwes became Belgian Champion with her chestnut pony Matteo (by Mr Right). The Juniors also held their final today, where Amber Hennes and NESA Stables Allegro v/h Trichelhof (by Apache) were crowned champions. Barbara Minneci, with a composed and harmonious ride aboard Stuart, was crowned Belgian Para Dressage Champion.

 

Results

Photos: Digishots