Emotional victory for Laila Smits and Lest Best P R in Prix St. Georges

/in /door

Laila Smits was an internationally successful youth rider, and after spending several years primarily training young horses, she has now returned to the international stage. This afternoon, she claimed victory in the Prix St. Georges at CDI Lier with her self-trained Gunner KS son, Lest Best P R. “I definitely shed a few tears afterwards,” the Dutch rider said with a smile.

In a strong field of competitors, Laila Smits rode the nine-year-old Lest Best P R (by Gunner KS) to a score of 71.765%. “When I came out of the ring, I just couldn’t believe it, but there it was.” She bought the gelding as a two-year-old from his breeder, Piet Kuipers. “Piet always calls me when he has a nice horse available. So, he called and said, ‘I have one for you.’ One testicle hadn’t descended, which was my luck, otherwise, he would have prepared him for the stallion approval.”

From Z2 to Small Tour
Last summer, the pair was competing at Z2 level before making the step up to the Small Tour. “It turned out that my results from the Young Riders didn’t count towards the Small Tour, so after our debut score of 68%, I had to go back to ZZ-Zwaar to earn ten qualifying points,” Laila laughed.

Respecting his individuality
“He picks up everything so well,” Laila said proudly. However, reaching this level was far from a given. “I often thought I wouldn’t be able to do it. It hasn’t always been easy. I really had to earn his trust, but now that I have it, he does everything for me.” Laila has always taken her time with his training. “I’ve always listened to Lest Best, to what he could handle and what he couldn’t. I do that with all my horses, and with him, it was especially important. I respect him for who he is. And besides, I couldn’t have done this without Marion Schreuder!”

Laila Smits (NED) – Lest Best PR
CDI Lier 2025
© DigiShots

Time to focus on herself
After her Young Riders career, Laila mainly rode young horses. “I really missed this level, as well as these competitions. I hadn’t had horses at this level for a long time, and the young ones kept getting sold. Now, I felt it was time to think about myself and keep a horse.” That decision turned out to be the right one. Meanwhile, the now 30-year-old rider also became a mother. “It’s truly wonderful, and Lest Best is so sweet with my little daughter. But because of my pregnancy, he had a break from competition, I didn’t want anyone else riding him.”

Gaining experience
Looking to gain experience, Laila Smits competed at CDI Lier today. “I really didn’t expect this, not before the test and not after. The field was so strong. I was already really happy with my performance and score, so after that, it didn’t even matter anymore,” Laila laughed. “Together with my dad, I definitely shed a few tears after the test. Everything is finally falling into place. This just shows how important it is to listen to your horse and give them time. Of course, it helps that this horse is my own. You know what else helps? These two,” she said, pointing to her parents. “They always believe in me, just like my partner. That means so much and is incredibly important,” Laila shared emotionally.

Grand Prix dreams
What is Laila’s goal? “Riding Grand Prix is truly my dream! First, I want to gain more international experience in the Small Tour, for both him and myself, and then train towards the Grand Prix.” She was one of the first riders to compete today, meaning she had to wait a long time. “At one point, I just couldn’t handle it anymore,” Laila laughed. “So, I sat in the truck and waited.” The wait was well rewarded with first place. “This might be the only time in my life that Charlotte Fry finishes behind me,” Laila joked.

Simply enjoying the moment
“I really missed these competitions, they’re so much fun. I’m here with just one horse, and I have all the time for him. As a rider, you learn so much from this experience. And it’s just so special to ride in this kind of atmosphere and setting. I’m really enjoying the fact that I can do this again.” On Sunday, the pair will compete in the Small Tour Freestyle. “I want to ride just as well as today and simply enjoy the moment,” Laila concluded.

Results

Laila Smits (NED) – Lest Best PR
CDI Lier 2025
© DigiShots

Three Fantastic Days of Youth Dressage at CDI Lier

/in /door

We have enjoyed three incredible days filled with top-tier youth dressage at CDI Lier. Many young riders made their international debut at a higher level or competed with a new horse, showcasing great talent. For these riders, the focus is on the European Championships this summer, and CDI Lier has proven to be a perfect stepping stone in their journey.

Three in a Row for Sophie Reef in the U25 with Her New Ace, Gideon K.H. “I just can’t quite believe it yet,” responded Sophie Reef after winning her very first U25 Freestyle with Gideon K.H., scoring over 77%. “We hadn’t created our own freestyle yet, but his strengths were also the strengths of Charming Lady, so this freestyle actually fit surprisingly well. I’m just so incredibly happy!”

Now, we turn our attention to the senior competitions, featuring 1*, 3*, and 4* classes. The upcoming three days promise to be just as exciting, with top-level sport and strong international competition.

Children sponsored by Lydia DeHertoghe
1. Floor Kulik & Bella Rosa 79.565%
2. Bo Leijten & Gentle van Wittensteijn V 75.042%
3. Shirley Vanerom & Ogami van het Beukenhof 74.505%

Floor Kulik (NED) – Bella Rosa
CDI Lier 2025
© DigiShots

Ponies sponsored by Lydia DeHertoghe
1. Hannah Charlotte Isbruch & Dabia Dior 77.442%
2. Nora Feldmann & FS Capelli de Niro 77.083%
3. Victoria Bang Zindorff & Del Classico 76.567%

Hannah Charlotte Ishbruch (GER) – Dabia Dior
CDI Lier 2025
© DigiShots

Junioren sponsored by Field of Ellis
1. Clara Cordes Arnkjaer & Brianna 75.642%
2. Laura Qvist & Hafsjolds Ranger 73.925%
3. Martha Raupach & Francis Drake OLD 73.542%

Clara Cordes Arnkjaer (DEN) – Brianna
CDI Lier 2025
© DigiShots

Young Riders sponsored by Fields of Ellis
1. Anna Teibal Raben & Sparaday 77.876%
2. Mira Dicso & Halesta 75.983%
3. Alix von Borries & Feingefuehl FRH 74.992%

Anna Teibel Raben (DEN) – Sparaday
CDI Lier 2025
© DigiShots

U25 sponsored by VGP nv
1. Sophie Reef & Gideon K.H. 77.392%
2. Ellen Hedbys & Sonnenkonigin 74.142%
3. Lilah Gibbs & Dude III 72.175%

Sophie Reef (NED) – Gideon KH
CDI Lier 2025
© DigiShots

Harrison Ashton Shines in International U25 Debut at CDI Lier

/in /door

CDI Lier proved to be the stage for many young talents making their international U25 debut with their horses. Among them was Sophia Reef, who dominated the competition with two consecutive victories. Another standout combination was Harrison Ashton, who delivered a promising performance in the first-ever international show of his beautiful and talented mare, Million Dreams.

British dressage rider, influencer, and content creator Harrison Ashton made a remarkable international U25 debut at CDI Lier, marking his first-ever competition in Europe since relocating from England to Germany. Riding the talented Million Dreams, or “Milly,” Ashton competed in his first show with her, and at just 10 years old, she was the youngest horse in the U25 category.

Third international show
“It was a fantastic show, everything was so well organized, and the people were so friendly,” Harrison said after finishing fourth in yesterday’s Grand Prix. “It was our first show together and Milly’s first-ever big show. It has been a great start to my career on this continent.” Not only was this their first international competition together, but it was also just the third international show of Ashton’s career.

Promising Millenium Daughter
The just ten years old mare Million Dreams (s.Millenium), owned by Gonzalo Castillo Arroyo and Jesse Honka, impressed in the U25 Grand Prix, securing a fourth-place finish with a score of 68.812%. “I’m very, very happy and looking forward to coming back here at Lier. Milly is truly special to me.” With such a strong start on the international stage, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for Harrison Ashton and Million Dreams.

Harrison Ashton (GBR) – Million Dreams
CDI Lier 2025
© DigiShots

Norbert van Laak to Give Dressage Clinic at CDI Lier

/in /door

This afternoon at 4PM, CDI Lier will host an exciting dressage clinic. Originally, Olympic legend Kyra Kyrklund was set to give the clinic, but unfortunately, due to illness, she is unable to attend.

We are pleased to announce that Norbert van Laak will take her place. Van Laak is a highly respected trainer on the international dressage scene, having served as national coach for the dressage teams of France, Denmark, and Canada. His expertise extends across multiple Olympic Games, European Championships, and World Equestrian Games.

Adding to the excitement, two talented young riders will take part in today’s clinic. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain insights from one of the sport’s top trainers.

Entry is free, so don’t miss out! Join us at 4PM for an inspiring session with Norbert van Laak.

Another victory for German Nora Feldmann and FS Capelli de Niro

/in /door

The second youth competition day at CDI Lier was filled with strong performances and promising talents. With both the Children and Pony riders showcasing their skills, the excitement is building as we head towards the finals. Both classes were sponsored by Lydia DeHertoghe.

In the Children’s class, Floor van Kulik and Bella Rosa (s.Belissimo M) delivered an outstanding performance, securing first place with 78.125%. Yesterday winners Elise van Os and Reliv van ’t Amaryllishof (s.Ferdeaux), followed closely in second place with 76.425%, while Linda Schuchmann and Vintage 3 (s.Veneno) claimed third with 75.175%.

The Pony riders also put on a great show. After winning yesterday, Nora Feldmann and FS Capelli de Niro continued their strong form, taking another victory with 72.702%. Victoria Bang Zindorff and Del Classico finished in second place with 72.207%, while Helene Theeuwes and Matteo 5 completed the podium with 71.487%.

Tomorrow promises to be another exciting day at CDI Lier. The top 15 Pony riders will compete for victory in the Freestyle Final, while the Children’s riders will take on the Individual Test.

Results Children
Results Ponies

U25 winner Sophie Reef combines family business and top-level sports

/in /door

She rode her first Grand Prix test at the age of fifteen, works in the family business, and is determined to prepare her new horse for the Grand Prix level. At 24 years old, Sophie Reef seems to be on the right track, yesterday, she won her international U25 debut with her new ace, Gideon K.H. “Who would have expected that?” laughs Sophie Reef.

Dressage enthusiasts will certainly recognize the name Gideon K.H. The now 14-year-old Rhodium son was successfully competed in the Grand Prix for a year and a half by Swedish Olympic rider Juliette Ramel. “Gideon, or Gidy as we call him at home, came into our lives completely by chance. We had been searching for a new horse for me for quite some time, alongside Charming Lady. Through mutual connections, we ended up at Juliette Ramel’s stable, and the first time I got on Gideon, we just clicked immediately. It gave me goosebumps,” Sophie Reef explains.

Successful U25 Debut
Since early December, they have formed a partnership, and after several national competitions with scores above 70%, Sophie chose CDI Lier for her international U25 debut with the gelding. “This is my last U25 year. After last summer’s European Championships, Charming Lady retired. It would be amazing to secure a spot on the team in my final U25 year. Additionally, I hope to compete in some major shows in the Netherlands this year, the European Championship selections, and of course, the Dutch National Championships. We’re also planning to breed with Charming Lady.”

Messages from Juliette Ramel
Sophie is still in contact with Juliette Ramel. “Yes, she just texted me congratulations, so nice! I also trained with Juliette a few times in the beginning, which was really helpful. She gives such great tips, and we connected very well. Juliette even offered for me to continue training with her, but it’s almost a three-hour drive for us, so that’s not really practical. But she said we could bring him over anytime, for example, if we went on vacation,” Sophie laughs. “Juliette found it hard to say goodbye to him. He really is such a sweet and lovely horse,” she says fondly.

A Single Glance is Enough
Sophie is highly driven and radiates a sense of calm. “Mom gets a little more stressed when I have to ride,” she laughs. Her mother adds, “Sophie is a real competitor.” “Really?” “Yes!” Sophie’s trainer, Sabine Egbers, is with her at CDI Lier. “I’ve been training with her since I was eight, and sometimes, we only need a single glance to understand each other. Sabine gives me a lot of confidence.” Additionally, the squad rider trains with national coaches Monique Peutz and Joyce Heuitink. “This combination works really well; it complements each other perfectly.”

Grand Prix Rider at Fifteen
What many riders dream of—competing in Grand Prix—Sophie achieved at just fifteen. How did she do it? “I asked my mom how to ride passage and piaffe, so she let me try on her horse,” Sophie says. “And she picked it up right away,” her mother adds. “At sixteen, Sophie already won an Inter II test with Silencium 2—back then, she was still riding for Germany.” Three years ago, Sophie switched to representing the Netherlands. After Silencium 2, she competed in U25 with Charming Lady, with last summer’s European Championships as a career highlight. She also rode Straight Horse Don Zuan in U25 classes. “Genua TC was also ready for that level, but unfortunately, we had to put him down.” Both Charming Lady and Genua TC were previously competed by Jeanine Nieuwenhuis.

Horses with Mom, Work with Dad
Equestrian sport is her passion, which she practices at a professional level. The love for horses was instilled in Sophie from an early age. “Both my mom and dad rode a lot themselves. But now, I do equestrian sports with my mom.” When she’s not riding, she works in the family business, Reef Quarzsandwerke. “That’s mostly with my dad,” Sophie laughs. “It’s nice that my dad is my boss because it allows me to take time off for international competitions. Although I always have my laptop with me and can work remotely.” When asked if she wants to become a professional dressage rider, Sophie is very clear. “I want to keep it as a hobby. Right now, it’s the perfect balance, so why change something that works so well? I ride my horses with so much joy, and I want to keep it that way.”

CDI Lier is a Favorite
“I never expected to win right away yesterday. Every day and every test, you have to prove yourself again—you can’t just assume it will work out.” This isn’t the first time Sophie has competed at CDI Lier. “I was here in 2019 and 2020 as well, and I already loved it then. It has only gotten better. CDI Lier is truly my favorite show—nowhere is as well organized as here,” Sophie says. “Everything has been thought of for the horses, with permanent stables, fixed water troughs, and plenty of space for washing, training, and warming up.”

Representing Her Country is an Honor
Does it add extra pressure that Gideon K.H. has so much experience? “Honestly, I’ve never thought about that, so no,” Sophie laughs. “The main goal is to get to know each other better. He’s a little shy, and while he knows all the exercises, it’s mostly about gaining routine and miles in the ring. It’s definitely not him—he’s such a nice and sweet horse.” One of the highlights of Sophie’s dressage career was last summer’s European Championships. “It’s a huge honor to represent your country, and it makes you want to perform at your absolute best. We won team bronze, and that was an incredible experience. If I get the chance again this year, it would be amazing,” Sophie concludes.

Results

U25: Van Ende & Roxy

  1. Sophie Reef & Gideon K.H.: 70.539%
  2. Kris de Vries & Jillz La Grande: 70.441%
  3. Lilah Gibbs & Dude III: 69.167%

German victories in Pony and Junior classes

/in /door

Both the Pony and Junior classes at CDI Lier were won by German riders. Hannah Charlotte Isbruch and Dabia Dior claimed victory in the Pony category, while Martha Raupach and Francis Drake OLD delivered the best performance among the Juniors.

The Junior class was sponsored by ClipMyHorse – can’t make it to CDI Lier in person? No worries! You can follow all the action live on clipmyhorse.tv. A total of 24 Junior combinations competed this afternoon, with Germany’s Martha Raupach and her nine-year-old Francis Drake OLD (by Franklin) earning a great 71.212%.

A strong bond
“I was really, really happy with my test,” Martha said after her ride. “He was super focused during the test, and I’m more than satisfied.” The German rider has been partnered with the Franklin-son for five years. “We started together in the Children’s class, and this is now my second year as a Junior. Our bond is incredibly strong.”

A fantastic show
When asked about her future goals, Martha replied: “It would be amazing to compete in Hagen at the Future Champions, which is the second selection event for this summer’s European Championships. But most of all, I just want to enjoy my rides.” Five years ago, she competed in Lier with her pony, and now she’s here with her horse. “The atmosphere and setting here are fantastic. I loved it back then, and I still love it now. This is truly an incredible show!”

Top 3 Juniors
While the Pony class saw an all-German podium, Martha Raupach was followed by two Danish riders in the Junior class.
Second place went to Clara Cordes Arnkjaer with Brianna (by Boedegaardens Boney M), scoring 70.808%. Andrea Hamann Sand and Blue Hors Victor (by Vivaldi) finished third with 69.899%.

Hannah Charlotte Isbruch (GER) – Dabia Dior
CDI Lier 2025
© DigiShots

All-German Pony podium
Sponsored by Lydia DeHertoghe, the Pony class had a full German top three. Hannah Charlotte Isbruch and Dabia Dior secured the win with 72.619%. Nora Feldmann and FS Capelli de Niro claimed second place with 72.000%. Mats Buck and Assenmachers Gentleman NRW completed the podium with 71.666%.

Results Ponies
Results Juniors

Winning International Debut for Elise van Os and Reliv van ’t Amaryllishof

/in /door

A good start is half the battle. The very first rider of the morning, Belgian Elise van Os, immediately set the winning score. None of the eleven other Children combinations managed to score above 80%, making Elise the winner of her very first international competition.

“This feels amazing,” said Belgian Elise van Os after the award ceremony. Since late November, she has been competing with the only eight-year-old Ferdeaux son, Reliv van ’t Amaryllishof. “This is such a wonderful horse; he is very friendly, and I really enjoy riding him. I have been training hard together with Rudi Hendrikx.” Despite this being her first international competition, Elise has a clear goal in mind. “I’m most looking forward to the European Championships this summer. It would be incredible if I could make it there.”

Proud Breeder
Alongside trainer and owner Rudi Hendrikx, co-owner and breeder Guido Appermont was also present to watch the duo in action. He was visibly proud afterward. “Recently, Reliv van ’t Amaryllishof has returned to top form. He is stabled with co-owner Rudi, where Elise trains him as well. Sadly, Reliv van ’t Amaryllishof’s mother passed away last year at the age of 26. Unfortunately, I only have two foals from this mare, including this Ferdeaux son. My daughter competed internationally with the mother herself.” A fun fact: Reliv van ’t Amaryllishof’s grandmother is the mare Fanny, who is also the grandmother of the Olympic horse Cosmo, ridden by Sonke Rothenberger.

Top 3
With a score of 80.304%, Elise van Os secured the victory. She was followed by Dutch rider Floor Kulik with Bella Rosa (by Belissimo M), scoring 78.232%. Third place went to Dutch rider Bo Leijten, whose test with Gentle van Wittenstein V (by Wittenstein) earned a score of 75.590%. The class was sponsored by Lydia DeHertoghe.

Results Children

Photo Elise van Os en Reliv van ’t Amaryllishof: Digishots

Crowd-pleasers Zonik Plus and Maxima Bella set to compete at CDI Lier

/in /door

With less than two weeks to go, the competitor lineup for CDI Lier has been announced. From February 25 to March 2, 2025, the eighth edition of CDI Lier will take place at the Azelhof Equestrian Center. Featuring big names and the most exciting horses of the moment, dressage fans are in for a treat.

This year, CDI Lier will showcase some of the most talked-about names in dressage. Millenium-daughter Maxima Bella, ridden by Polish rider Sandra Sysojeva, captivated audiences at the Paris Olympic Games. At just eight years old, this mare became the first in Polish dressage history to break the 80% barrier last summer. At CDI Lier, this top combination will compete, and they will face some very exciting challengers.

Big names in the arena
Maxima Bella’s peer, Zonik Plus, stole the show at the World Cup event at Jumping Mechelen. Ridden by Belgian Justin Verboome, the stallion by Zonik will go head-to-head with the Millenium-daughter, as well as former World Champion Helen Langehanenberg from Germany and Dutch Champion Marlies van Baalen with Habibi DVB.

World Champion Fry brings rising stars
British rider Charlotte Fry, reigning World Champion and Olympic bronze medalist in Paris, will bring some of her future stars to Lier. She will compete with Especial-son Everest in the 1* competition and will also present last year’s 3* Freestyle to Music winner, Nespresso (by Negro).

Focus on youth
Once again, there will be plenty of opportunities for young riders to shine. CDI Lier will host classes for international Pony, Children, Junior, Young Rider, and U25 combinations. This provides young talents with an excellent opportunity to gain international experience and prepare for this summer’s European Youth Championships. Nearly all reigning Belgian youth champions will be competing, making for an exciting competition.

Dressage clinics with Kyra Kyrklund
Following last year’s success, Olympic dressage legend Kyra Kyrklund will once again host an inspiring dressage clinic on Thursday afternoon and Sunday afternoon. She will share her invaluable insights with all dressage fans in Lier. Entry to CDI Lier is free on the youth days (Tuesday, February 25 to Thursday, February 27). Weekend tickets are already available starting from €15.

The world’s largest indoor dressage event
For many riders, CDI Lier is a key event leading up to the outdoor season and the European Championships this summer. “We are very excited with this year’s lineup,” says chairman Wim Verwimp enthusiastically. “With nearly 200 horses, riders from more than 20 countries, and a waiting list, we can proudly call ourselves the largest indoor dressage competition in the world. CDI Lier attracts top names, promising an incredible week of sport for both competitors and spectators.” Additionally, CDI Lier is an excellent kick off for the organization, as from May 15 to 18, Belgium Dressage Event will host Belgium’s very first FEI Dressage Nations Cup.

Program and masterlists