Young riders make their debut, show with Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus on Saturday evening
Belgium is preparing for the start of CDI Lier 2026. From Tuesday 24 February through Sunday 1 March, the Azelhof Equestrian Center in Lier will once again welcome international dressage riders. The ninth edition opens with the youth competitions and will feature a musical show on Saturday evening 28 February by European Champion Justin Verboomen and his top horse Zonik Plus.
The youth riders set the sporting tone at the beginning of the week. From Tuesday 24 February until Thursday 26 February, the international youth classes take center stage. For many young combinations, CDI Lier marks an important first international competition of the season, with the European Championships later this summer on the horizon. Several riders step up to a higher level compared to last year, including Belgian talent Jette de Jong.
“The U25 tests are really demanding”
Jette de Jong has long been regarded as one of Belgium’s most promising young dressage riders and will make her international U25 debut in Lier with Heavenly Charming, a horse with whom she previously progressed through all youth levels and achieved multiple podium finishes. “The U25 tests are really demanding, but I certainly can’t complain about how things are going at the moment,” says Jette de Jong. “Heavenly Charming is trying his heart out and the exercises are improving all the time. If we manage to keep the calm in the test, we consistently produce strong results.” De Jong is no stranger to Lier. “I’m really looking forward to CDI Lier. Last year, apart from my results, I was also very happy with the heated indoor arena. It simply rides a little more comfortably in winter.”
Show by the European Champion with live music
Although European Champion Justin Verboomen will not compete at CDI Lier, he will travel to Lier on Saturday evening 28 February. He will bring his top horse Zonik Plus for a show that has not previously been presented in this form. Verboomen and Zonik Plus made history as the first Belgian combination to win European gold at senior level, claiming both the Grand Prix Special and the Freestyle titles. The pair currently leads the FEI Dressage World Ranking and has established itself among the consistent forces in international dressage. In Lier, they will perform a freestyle accompanied by live music from Verboomen’s partner Jonatan Martinez and To The Music. The show will serve as the prelude to the following 3* Grand Prix Freestyle. Tickets are available online.
For the programme, starting lists, results and tickets:
www.belgiumdressageevents.be
Photo Jette de Jong: Digishots
