Flambeau crowned Belgian Champion for the third time

Belgium’s leading lady in dressage, Larissa Pauluis, has claimed her fourth national Grand Prix title this afternoon. “I was really happy with Flambeau today,” Pauluis said after her winning freestyle performance. Scoring 76.275%, she took the victory in the freestyle to music and secured the gold medal.

Silver went to Wim Verwimp, who rode Jedai de Massa to a strong 74.150%. Since returning to international Grand Prix last September, Verwimp has consistently delivered top results. That hard work paid off today with a silver medal at the Belgian Championships. “Incredible, isn’t it?”, he said afterward. Verwimp didn’t just ride at both CDIO Lier and the Belgian Championships in the past two weeks, he also served as director of both events. “Who would’ve thought!”, he laughed, clearly enjoying his spot on the podium.

Bronze for Verboomen
Third place went to Justin Verboomen and Djembé de Hus, a highly talented horse that only joined Verboomen’s stable a month ago. Riding to music of Zonik Plus with a high-difficulty freestyle, the duo scored 73.375%. “This horse is incredible. I just hoped I could present him without mistakes, he has so much more to give,” said Verboomen. It was only their third test together, and their first ever freestyle.

Building confidence
“He’s so talented that I dared to dream big before this weekend. But I can’t work miracles, I’ve only been riding him for a month,” Verboomen said realistically. “I’ve spent the last few weeks getting to know him and learning how to understand him. After this weekend, especially with the tough weather, I’ve learned even more.” The strong wind created tension for Djembé de Hus. “He’s quite introverted, and the wind gets to him. I hope to give him more confidence in the coming months.” With Zonik Plus and now Djembé de Hus, Verboomen has two highly promising Grand Prix horses in his stable.

Historic weeks for Belgian dressage
Pauluis and her 15-year-old Flambeau were unbeatable this weekend. “Last week was a huge moment for Belgium,” she said, referring to the historic Nations Cup victory. “But I wasn’t fully happy with my rides. Flambeau was very hot and not listening like he can. That’s why I made a last-minute decision to compete him again this weekend. Despite his age, he could use a bit more work,” Pauluis added with a laugh.

Road to the European Championships
The European Championships this summer are the next big goal for the Belgian team. “I truly believe we can achieve something really special there as a team. That’s why it was important for me to ride Flambeau this weekend.” What’s next? “I’m planning to ride in Rotterdam and then we’ll compete in Aachen as a team. After that, the horses will get some rest so we can peak at the Europeans.” Asked what her hopes are, Pauluis beams: “We really want to do something historic for Belgian dressage.”

Dreaming of more
The past two weeks have been memorable for Belgian dressage, and Pauluis certainly agrees. “Last week, I was ranked above Isabell Werth, who would’ve thought?”, she laughed. Flambeau has already taken her to the Olympics, a Nations Cup victory, and now a third Belgian Championship title. Where does she still dream of?  “More. To become even better. As a top athlete, you always want more,” Pauluis concluded.

Verboomen takes Belgian Small Tour title
In the Small Tour, the Belgian title went to Justin Verboomen and Bollinger, just ahead of Suraya Hendrikx and Benicia, who claimed silver by a narrow margin. Bronze went to Tommie Visser and Quinten Begijnhoeve. “I was really happy with Bollinger. Yesterday, I truly enjoyed our test. Today he was a bit tired, but still performed beautifully,” said Verboomen. “I hope to move him up to the Medium Tour soon. I’ll give him all the time he needs, I have a lot of trust in his future.”

Results

Photos: Digishots