A night to remember: Verboomen and Zonik Plus move Lier

It is not the first time Justin Verboomen and his Zonik Plus have mesmerised an audience, but Saturday evening in Lier carried an extra dimension. The grandstands were more crowded than ever before for a dressage moment at CDI Lier. Spectators filled the arena and were treated to an evening that will long be remembered.

With their harmony and the pure trust between them, making even the most technically demanding movements appear almost secondary, the pair brought a remarkable stillness to the main arena. Accompanied by live vocals of To The Music, Justin and Zonik Plus danced through the ring while You Raise Me Up was performed by Justin’s partner, Jonatan Martinez. That personal touch added a special layer to the performance and made the moment even more meaningful.

For someone who does not naturally seek the spotlight, Justin undeniably owned it that evening. Not through grand gestures, but through quiet precision and an exceptional unity with his horse. “Sharing this performance with my husband meant a lot to me. I enjoyed every second, the music, Zonik Plus, and the crowd.”

Zonik Plus has built an impressive fan base, yet his greatest admirer remains his own rider. “Every day when I see him in the stable, I still have to pinch myself that he is really my horse. I understand why people are fans of him, but I don’t focus on that. I simply enjoy my passion every single day. Working with my horses is what truly makes me happy,” said Verboomen.

What touched so many people that night was the absolute harmony and calm the pair bring into the arena. The combination of top-level sport and live music, set against the backdrop of packed stands, created a unique atmosphere in Lier. An evening where sport and emotion came together, and where inspiration was felt throughout the arena.

Photo’s: Digishots