First Youth Nations Cups in the books

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On this opening day of CDIO Lier, the youth riders had the opportunity to show their skills in the Nations Cup. The Juniors, Young Riders, and Pony riders started with great enthusiasm and delivered strong performances in the arena. Countries from all over Europe were represented at this international top-level competition, which was clearly reflected in the highly competitive youth classes. It was Denmark that had the upper hand, taking the win in both the Junior and Pony classes.

The Juniors opened the day and immediately made an impression. The Danish team proved to be the strongest, taking the top step of the podium with a total score of 213.233%. All four team members performed well, with Clara Cordes Arnkjaer standing out by achieving the team’s highest individual score with her horse Brianna. The Belgian team, competing as host nation, finished in second place with 208.283%. The Netherlands completed the podium with a total of 204.596%.

Podium Nations Cup Juniors – Denmark
CDIO Lier 2025
© DigiShots

In the Pony class, the Danish riders once again showed their strength. They convincingly secured the win, marking their dominance in two youth divisions. Belgium finished second, followed by the Netherlands in third place in this class, which was sponsored by Ruitersport Dehertoghe Lydia.

Victory for the Netherlands in the Young Riders

The day concluded with the Nations Cup for the Young Riders, in which four countries competed. In this class, held for the Schelstraete Equine Law Prize, the Netherlands took the win with a total score of 207.716%. The Dutch team was strong overall, with Tessa Kole delivering the best individual performance with a score of 71.716%. Denmark finished second with 205.785%, while Sweden took third place with a total of 195.985%.

Podium The Netherlands – Esmee Boers – Montreux, Anniek van Dulst – My First Choice Dutopia, Micky Schelstraete – Manila Grace van de Osseweide, Tessa Kole – Haxegons Nachtwacht
CDIO Lier 2025
© DigiShots

Junior Nations Cup – Sponsored by Baian
1: Denmark
2: Belgium
3: The Netherlands

Pony Nations Cup – Sponsored by Ruitersport Dehertoghe Lydia
1: Denmark
2: Belgium
3: The Netherlands

Young Riders Nations Cup – Sponsored by Schelstraete Equine Law
1: The Netherlands
2: Denmark
3: Sweden

Results

Photos: Digishots

Thamar Zweistra Opens CDIO Lier with a win

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This morning marked the official start of the first day at CDIO Lier, kicking off with the CDI1* Small Tour class. The competition was fierce, featuring top names such as Lottie Fry, Isabell Werth, Marieke van der Putten, and Thamar Zweistra. Riding her stallion Hexagon’s Mr. Magnum (by Expression), Thamar claimed the top spot on the podium with a score of 73.481%.

It was Thamar’s debut at CDIO Lier, and it turned out to be a successful one. “This is my first time here. I think it’s beautiful, they’ve really done a great job”, Thamar said about the event.

“You’d hardly believe he’s a stallion”
Earlier in March, Thamar competed with her eight-year-old Expression stallion at The Dutch Masters, where he won his first international Small Tour. He delivered another strong performance here at CDIO Lier, even achieving a new personal best. “I was really happy. There were still a few small mistakes, but he felt very good and was nice and steady”, Thamar commented.

This up-and-coming talent is not only impressive in appearance but also exceptionally well-behaved. “Mr. Magnum is a stallion, but he’s so well-mannered you’d barely notice. He’s always very eager, super supple, he’s just a fantastic horse”, Thamar said proudly.

Looking ahead to the Nations Cup
This Saturday, CDIO Lier will host Belgium’s very first Nations Cup. Thamar will be part of the Dutch team, riding Hexagon’s Luxuriouzz N.O.P.T., who will be making his Nations Cup debut. “I don’t have any expectations yet for the Nations Cup. He handles a lot of things really well, but sometimes still finds it all a bit exciting. He’s an incredibly talented horse, very eager, and always up for it”, Thamar said, looking ahead to Saturday with hopeful anticipation.

Results Small Tour
1: Thamar Zweistra, Haxagons Mr. Magnum (73.418%)
2: Marieke van der Putten, About You RS2 (71.863%)
3: Isabell Werth, Skovens Tzarina (70.931%)

Results

Domien Michiels: “We’re giving it everything to make history”

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With his top horse Intermezzo van het Meerdaalhof, Domien Michiels is part of the Belgian team for the very first Nations Cup on home soil. This week from 15 – 18 May at Azelhof Equestrian Center. Alongside Charlotte Defalque (Botticelli), Larissa Pauluis (Flambeau), and Justin Verboomen (Zonik Plus), he is determined to aim for a podium finish.

“I’m really looking forward to it!” says Domien with a smile, fully aware that the first Dressage Nations Cup ever held in Belgium will be a unique event. “It’s fantastic to be part of it. I believe the national coach has selected the strongest possible team we have at the moment, to present ourselves in the best way. The best combinations, competing on home ground!”

Big names
That the fight for a podium place will be fierce is clear: other countries are sending strong teams too, with global stars like Isabell Werth, Charlotte Fry and Patrik Kittel on the starting list. “Hopefully those big names will attract a large audience. For us, a top-three finish should be within reach, but we’ll need to go all in. We’re aiming for a podium place and will do everything we can to make history. Intermezzo is in great shape,” says Michiels with determination.

He is also full of praise for the organisers of Belgium Dressage Events, who will host the Belgian Dressage Championships just one week later at the same venue in Lier. “They keep improving year after year. You can tell the organisation is run by real horse people.”

Belgian Championships: A gathering for everyone
Domien will skip the Belgian Championships with Intermezzo due to its close proximity to the Nations Cup, but he will be competing with Panthero van de Vogelzang in the Medium Tour, and with Sunnyboy van de Kempenhoeve in the seven-year-old division. With many of his students also competing, Domien expects to spend plenty of time coaching in Lier as well.

He’s very much looking forward to the event: “It’s a fantastic championship that really brings everyone together. From grassroots to Grand Prix, everyone is there. It’s brilliant for the sport that young, upcoming riders can watch the higher levels live, it’s such a powerful motivation to keep going.”

You will find the masterlists, program and live scoring here
Tickets

Jeroen van Lent excited for first Nations Cup on Belgian soil

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The 2025 season promises to be an exciting one for Belgian dressage. Not only is the sport continuing to grow in terms of results and visibility, but from 15–18 May, Belgium will for the first time host a leg of the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™, taking place at CDIO Lier. Belgian Dressage Team Manager Jeroen van Lent is enthusiastic: “This comes at an incredibly good moment for our sport.”

The progress Belgian dressage has made in recent years is clear. With consistently strong performances, the momentum is building, and Van Lent sees no reason for it to stop now.
His ultimate goal for CDIO Lier? “Of course, we want to win. But we can’t control what the other teams do. A podium finish is definitely the aim, and maybe even more. For this Nations Cup on home soil, we’ll be sending our strongest team. We want to show up and deliver! We owe that to our supporters.”

A fitting venue
Lier will host the very first Nations Cup Dressage leg in Belgium, and Van Lent is hoping for a large turnout. “We will be standing proud alongside established events like CHIO Rotterdam. Lier is a worthy venue, and like CDI Lier’s indoor edition, I think this Nations Cup Dressage will continue to grow in the coming years.”
Azelhof offers top-class facilities: indoor and outdoor arenas, spacious paddocks, permanent stabling; “it’s a venue you can only admire. I’m very pleased that the team at Belgium Dressage Events has stepped up to take on the organisation of this event,” says Van Lent.

Pushing for a top performance
Although the final list of competitors has not yet been confirmed, it’s already clear that some of the sport’s big names will be making the trip to Lier. “Riders who are still unsure about coming this year will definitely want to be here next year. This is a venue that many other nations can only dream of.”
Van Lent has his top team nearly ready for the Nations Cup: “We’re going for a great result and, of course, we hope the event will be a big success. The riders, the organisers and the public all deserve that. We’re aiming for a top performance, no less.”

Tickets

Photo Justin Verboomen: Digishots

Zonik Plus defeats Maxima Bella once again in front of a home crowd

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The Belgian victory of Justin Verboomen and his fantastic Zonik Plus was the crowning moment of six incredible days at CDI Lier. “I am so proud of Zonik Plus,” said an emotional Justin Verboomen after his win. With a score of 81.420%, they edged out Poland’s Sandra Sysojeva and Maxima Bella by less than one percent.

Dressage fans eagerly anticipated the showdown between the two nine-year-old sensations of the moment: Zonik Plus (by Zonik) and Maxima Bella (by Millenium). In yesterday’s Grand Prix, it was already a neck-and-neck battle in favor of Zonik Plus, and today, he once again proved he could triumph over the spectacular mare.

A beautiful conclusion
The audience was treated to dressage of the highest level this afternoon. With excellent balance and a highly harmonious performance, Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus secured a Belgian victory, a more perfect ending to CDI Lier could hardly be imagined. Justin Verboomen was not the only rider to surpass the 80% mark. Poland’s Sandra Sysojeva delivered an impressive freestyle with Maxima Bella, earning a score of 80.570%. The final rider, the Dutch Marlies van Baalen, performed a strong freestyle with Habibi VDB (by Blue Hors Don Schufro), receiving a score of 77.460%.

So proud
“There were more spectators today than yesterday, but Zonik Plus didn’t mind. He remained fully focused on me throughout the entire freestyle,” said Justin Verboomen after his win. The Belgian rider was visibly emotional after securing victory in front of a home crowd. “The entire extended trot tour felt amazing, I really enjoyed it. And I’m just so proud of Zonik. He stays so calm in these conditions and this atmosphere, despite not having much experience at this level. He’s really starting to settle into it all, which will help him save even more energy for the tests in the future.”

Zonik Plus versus Maxima Bella
This was the first time the two nine-year-olds had the chance to compete against each other. “I think Maxima Bella is an incredible horse, with so much power and strength,” Justin said. “But of course, I think Zonik Plus is amazing too. Zonik has a very uphill build, great balance, and a beautiful frame. Maybe that made the difference today,” Justin explained. In about a week and a half, the pair will compete at The Dutch Masters. “I’m really looking forward to it. The competition there will be even tougher, and it will be interesting to see where we stand. I don’t have a chance to qualify for the World Cup Final, so my goal is to really enjoy the ride.” The 4* Grand Prix Freestyle was sponsored by Stephex.

CDIO debut
From May 14 to 18, the CDI Lier organization will host CDIO Lier for the first time, marking a historic moment as Belgium’s very first Nations Cup dressage competition.

Results

Tommie Visser and Karma Begijnhoeve Win 1 Freestyle to Music*

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The final day of CDI Lier started this morning with the freestyle to music for the 1* combinations. Belgian rider Tommie Visser secured the first victory of the day for the home crowd. He rode his mare Karma Begijnhoeve to a score of 74.340%. Prix St. Georges winner Laila Smits finished second, while Belgian rider Suraya Hendrikx completed the podium.

“Lier is always top-notch. I think this is one of the best, if not the most beautiful, indoor dressage competitions,” Tommie Visser praised CDI Lier. “I always love coming here; I think it’s truly fantastic.” And it seems Karma Begijnhoeve agrees. The ten-year-old Desperado daughter became Belgian champion in the Small Tour last summer and today claimed victory in the Small Tour freestyle to music.

Last-minute decision
“I had a few small mistakes in the Prix St. Georges. I had only entered Karma at the last moment because I was bringing my other horse for the Grand Prix. I figured since I was coming anyway, I might as well bring her too,” Visser explained. Because of this, they lacked a bit of routine. Additionally, their last competition had been the Belgian Championships in May. “I could definitely feel that; she was a bit on fire.”

The ‘wrong’ Freestyle
Good preparation is half the battle, but in Tommie Visser’s case, it meant riding an old freestyle instead of one especially for Karma Begijnhoeve. He laughed: “Yeah, this was really a bit amateurish. Rob used to ride Karma and had a custom freestyle made for her. And we completely forgot about that. Yesterday, I said to Rob: ‘How stupid are we that we didn’t even think of that?’” Fortunately, the Belgian rider, who previously lived in the Netherlands, found the situation hilarious. “Because of that, I didn’t ride entirely in sync with the music since this freestyle doesn’t match her trot very well.” Despite this, Tommie was very pleased with his test. “The pirouettes went much better than on Friday. I had practiced them with Anky yesterday, so ‘thanks, coach!’” he laughed. “Karma is just such a fun horse to work with. The best thing about her is that she always gives her all. When I just look at her, I think: ‘She’s got something special.’”

From Lier to The Dutch Masters
The next stop for Tommie Visser and Karma Begijnhoeve is The Dutch Masters in one and a half weeks. “At least I’ve now realized in time that I should probably ride a different freestyle at The Dutch Masters,” he laughed. “The Dutch Masters is also an amazing competition, a different type of show compared to Lier. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Moving up to Grand Prix
And the plans for the rest of the season? “The reason I haven’t competed much is that I’ve been working on moving up to Grand Prix. So we’ll see how that goes in the coming months. My other horse didn’t do really well in the Grand Prix; he just lacks competition experience. Honestly, I simply don’t compete often enough,” Tommie admitted. Why not? “I always think things need to be a little better before I leave home, that I should practice more first. But I’m now realizing that competing itself is also part of the practice,” he concluded with a laugh.

Top 3
With a score of 72.910%, second place went to Small Tour winner Laila Smits, who rode her self-trained nine-year-old Lest Best P R (by Gunners KS). Belgian rider Suraya Hendrikx secured third place with the Benicio daughter Benicia, scoring 72.040%. The class was sponsored by FlyMyHorse.

Results

Tommie Visser (BEL) – Karma Begijnhoeve
CDI Lier 2025
© DigiShots

Mega Score for Semmieke Rothenberger and Farrington in 3 Freestyle*

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“I really didn’t expect this, to leave the arena as the winner on both days in such a strong field. I’m just super, super happy,” said Semmieke Rothenberger after her victory in the freestyle to music. The German rider delivered an impressive performance, leaving a strong impression on the judges with her test. Her freestyle was rewarded with a mega score of 79.235%.

The entire podium was filled with riders who had all recently made the transition from U25 to Grand Prix, yet they have already managed to establish themselves at the highest level.

From Juniors to Grand Prix
Second place went to Germany’s Anna Schölermann, who made her international Grand Prix debut with her U25 European Championship horse, Bon Scolari (by Bon Bravour). Her freestyle earned her 72.470%. The Dutch rider Rowena Weggelaar followed closely behind, securing third place with Don Quichot (by United) on a score of 72.340%. A fun fact: Rowena has been competing with Don Quichot since her Junior years, making their journey to Grand Prix even more special.

Unbeatable in the Freestyle
With a significant lead, victory went to Semmieke and her 15-year-old Farrington (by Jazz). “I have always believed in this horse, and at home, I can already feel what is possible. I’m incredibly happy that we were able to start the season like this.” Luckily, Semmieke also had the chance to enjoy the ride. “I really had so much fun out there. He’s like a Ferrari, he just takes you with him, and it’s such an amazing feeling when a horse wants to work for you like that. The small mistakes we had today were simply because he wants to go so much. That willingness is something truly special about him,” she praised her ‘Ferrie.’ It wasn’t the first time Farrington had performed this freestyle; he had already won with it in Balve and Peelbergen. “So far, he’s been unbeatable in the freestyle,” Semmieke laughed, looking ahead to the rest of the season with excitement.

Results

Semmieke Rothenberger (GER) – Farrington
CDI Lier 2025
© DigiShots

Zonik Plus and Justin Verboomen Reign Supreme in Belgium

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Silence fell over the Azelhof Equestrian Centre as Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus performed their test. After their world-class performance at Jumping Mechelen, all eyes were on this fantastic duo, and expectations were high. With great harmony and an incredibly friendly and elegant presentation, Justin guided Zonik Plus to an impressive 75.761%. This narrowly put them ahead of the other black pearl of the 4* Grand Prix, Maxima Bella, ridden by Poland’s Sandra Sysojeva.

“I’m really proud of my horse; he gave me such a great feeling. Compared to Mechelen, he was even better to ride—more focused on me,” Justin praised his nine-year-old stallion. “Zonik Plus is always so cheerful and always wants to give his best. He’s such a joy to be around.”

Feels like home
The arenas in Lier seem to suit the stallion well. Last summer, the duo became Belgian champions in the Small Tour, and since then, they have been stacking up top results. “The Belgian Championships were an incredible experience for us. It wasn’t even planned, we only decided to go a few weeks in advance. I was really impressed by the arenas and the organization; everything was just perfect. And now, once again, it feels like home. The stables are so comfortable for the horses, which is especially great for a stallion.”

“It’s a feeling I can’t put int words”
Justin Verboomen bought the stallion as a two-year-old from the breeder. “The first time I saw him, I thought, ‘Oh my god, this horse is from another planet.’ I couldn’t believe the breeder was willing to sell him, so I quickly shook his hand,” Justin laughs. “From the start, I had complete trust and belief in this horse. Zonik Plus gives me a feeling that I simply can’t put into words.”

Fantastic home crowd
After his test, Justin was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd that had clearly enjoyed his performance. How does it feel to compete in front of a home crowd at events like this? “It’s an amazing feeling, and I’m really proud of the way we rode today. Zonik Plus has so much talent, both mentally and physically. Performing these exercises comes so naturally to him.” And that’s exactly how it looked.

European Championships as the Goal
“As a child, I dreamed of riding at this level. But in the past two years, my perspective has changed. As long as I can keep doing this, it’s amazing. If not, it’s not the end of the world. Right now, I’m fully enjoying it, and I hope to continue for a long time with Zonik Plus. But nothing in life is certain. This year, the European Championships are our goal.” First, we get to enjoy this pair once more in tomorrow’s freestyle to music.

Top 3
Right now, two incredible young dressage horses are making waves in the sport. One is Zonik Plus, and the other is the mare Maxima Bella (by Millenium). Today, they faced off for the first time in the arena, and the competition was tight. Poland’s Sandra Sysojeva, who won the 5* Grand Prix in Doha last week, finished second today with Maxima Bella, scoring 75.413%, just 0.348% behind Zonik Plus and Justin Verboomen. In third place was Germany’s Katharina Hemmer, who scored 72.587% with Denoix, a son of Destano.

Results

Denise Nekeman and Kansas STH triumph in the Inter I at CDI Lier

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Denise Nekeman and her talented gelding Kansas STH (by Dante Weltino) have just secured victory in the Intermediaire I. With a score of 69.235%, the combination left world champion Charlotte Fry behind. “He is such an incredibly talented horse.”

“I was very happy with my test, but you could see that he still found it a bit exciting. There were still a few mistakes. Kansas is such an incredibly talented horse with a lot of quality, so you can afford a few small errors sometimes,” said Denise Nekeman after her test. “The really high scores are not quite there yet at competitions like this, but the more experience he gains, the more relaxed he will become, and then those higher scores will come too. He has so much potential, and if he can already win with mistakes, I am sure there is a lot more in him. He can improve so much more,” Denise praised Kansas STH.

Grand Prix as the goal
The pair have been together for about two years now, starting in the Z2, progressing to the Small Tour, and with only one goal: “Riding Grand Prix!” But before that, Denise wants to give Kansas more experience. “I really want to give him time. He can already do all the exercises, but he still needs to learn to relax more in competition. The exercises are all there, and of course, I would love to show them, but we are not quite ready for our Grand Prix debut yet,” Denise explains. “But if everything goes well, it will come quickly,” she says confidently.

A cuddle bug in the stable
The ten-year-old Dante Weltino son shows great commitment and work ethic in the ring. “As calm and sweet as he is in the stable, he is just as hot when I ride him,” Denise laughs. “It doesn’t matter how long I ride him, he just keeps going. I really like hot horses,” she adds with a smile. “He is such a cuddle bug in the stable, and he is also very smart. Sometimes I only think about an exercise, and apparently, I change something in my posture because I haven’t even given the aid yet, and he is already executing the movement.”

Trained by Hans Peter Minderhoud for 16 years
The Dutch rider has been training with Hans Peter Minderhoud for more than half of her life. “Hans Peter has been through everything with me,” Denise laughs. “I love that he knows me so well. Often, a half-word is enough, and I am still learning from him.” In addition to Hans Peter Minderhoud, Denise is also coached by Yessin Rahmouni. “Yessin comes to our home twice a week to train with me. Hans Peter was here in Lier yesterday to help me, which was really great. I started training with Nicole Werner when I was twelve and moved to Hans Peter when I was fifteen. That was already sixteen years ago.”

Top 3
The Inter I class was sponsored by NV Ambaro. With a score of 69.235%, the victory this morning went to Dutch rider Denise Nekeman and Kansas STH (by Dante Weltino), placing ahead of world champion Charlotte Fry and Everest (by Especial), who made their international debut this week and scored 68.059%. In third place was Ukrainian rider Iryna Kharchenko with Fanto (by Fantastic), whose test earned 67.382%.

Results

Semmieke Rothenberger and Farrington claim their first international Grand Prix victory

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German rider Semmieke Rothenberger had a dream start to the season tonight with her horse Farrington (by Jazz). The duo secured victory in the 3 Grand Prix at CDI Lier*, finishing 3% ahead of runner-up Helen Langehanenberg. Charlotte Fry followed closely in third place with Nespresso. This marks the first international Grand Prix win in their promising career.

“Super, super happy!” Semmieke exclaimed after her test. “I was here last year with Flanell and was so impressed by this competition. The conditions are amazing, so this year I thought, ‘I’m bringing Ferri!’ He felt completely at home in the main arena. It really gives you the feeling of a big event, and he loves that. The more spectators, flowers, and lights, the more he shows off!”

No limits for Farrington
This was not only Semmieke and Farrington’s first international Grand Prix victory, but also only their third Grand Prix ever. “This was our first show of the year, and what a way to start the season! I had such an amazing feeling. Of course, there are always things to improve, but it almost feels silly to say that when you win with such a score.” Looking ahead, Semmieke has no doubts about her horse’s potential. “I truly believe this horse has no limits. He has so many possibilities, and when he feels good and at home, the options are endless.”

From U25 to Grand Prix: a strong team
Semmieke and Farrington have been a combination for three years, starting in U25 before making the step up to Grand Prix. “It’s amazing that his former rider, Nico Nyssen, is always there to support us. We have such a great team around us, it really feels like ‘Team Ferri Ferrari’! I always call him Ferrari at home because he has so much ‘go’,” Semmieke laughed. That energy comes with an exceptional character, she emphasizes. “He truly has a heart of gold. He always wants to work and do his best. We had two big mistakes today, but only because he tries so hard. He’s always in a good mood, ears forward, never a bad day. Even if I’m having a rough day, he’s standing there like, ‘Hey, everything okay?’ He’s just really special.”

Looking forward to the Freestyle
With this victory in the books, the German rider is excited for tomorrow’s Freestyle to Music. “We have such fun music, and it’s always amazing to dance with him. Tomorrow, we’re just going to enjoy it!”

Top 3
Semmieke’s victory came in a highly competitive field. Former World Champion Helen Langehanenberg secured second place with Magnanimous (by Millenium), scoring 70.484%, while reigning World Champion Charlotte Fry took third with Nespresso (by Negro) on 70.609%.

Results