Belgium is preparing for a remarkable year in dressage. After a season that entered the history books, Belgium Dressage Events looks ahead to 2026 with three international events at the Azelhof Equestrian Center in Lier: CDI Lier, CDIO Lier and the Belgian Dressage Championships. The entries for CDI Lier, taking place from February 24 to March 1, already look very promising, featuring numerous Olympic riders.

Belgian dressage experienced absolute highlights over the past year. The historic victory of the Belgian team in the Nations Cup on home soil during CDIO Lier created unprecedented excitement, as did Justin Verboomen’s achievement last summer when he captured Belgium’s very first individual European gold medal. These accomplishments form the foundation for an ambitious 2026. Although Justin Verboomen will not compete at CDI Lier, he will present a special show on Saturday evening, with more details to be announced soon.

From 4* to Youth

The season in Lier opens with the ninth edition of CDI Lier, from February 24 to March 1, 2026. The competition offers classes at CDI 4*, 3* and 1* level, as well as international youth divisions, and has developed in recent years into a permanent fixture on the international calendar. For many combinations, the event serves as an important early-season preparation competition.

Olympians set to compete in Lier

The strong and international entry list confirms this status. Several Olympic riders will compete in Lier, including Larissa Pauluis, Ingrid Klimke, Lyndal Oatley, Jorinde Verwimp, Anabel Balkenhol, Charlotte Dujardin, Laura Tomlinson, Yessin Rahmouni, Imke Schellekens-Bartels, Severo Jurado Lopez and Juan Antonio Jiminez Cobo. In total, more than 100 senior combinations from Australia to Thailand will line up to compete. The latter is no surprise, as CDI Lier serves as a qualifying event for the Asian Games.

Preparation for the World Championships in Aachen

The year 2026 revolves around the World Championships in Aachen, making CDI Lier an ideal competition for riders aiming to test their form ahead of the championships. “CDI Lier fits perfectly into that preparation”, says chairman Wim Verwimp, who will also compete in the 4* class.

For Belgium’s Olympic combination Larissa Pauluis and Flambeau, CDI Lier is also an important step in building up the season, after continuing their training steadily following their World Cup victory in Mechelen. “Flambeau keeps improving and is in top condition,” says Belgium’s leading dressage lady of the moment.

“The facilities in Lier are outstanding”

“I feel that the trip to the World Cup Final in Texas would be too demanding for my horse. That is why I prefer to focus on qualifications and strong competitions here in Europe and, of course, on the World Championships in Aachen. In addition to aiming for the highest possible individual placing, I hope for a top six finish with the Belgian team as qualification for the Olympic Games. CDI Lier is a fantastic show where I truly enjoy competing. Besides Flambeau in the Grand Prix, I will also bring two young horses for training. The facilities in Lier are outstanding and provide them with a great opportunity to gain experience”, says Larissa Pauluis.

For the programme, starting lists, results and tickets:
www.belgiumdressageevents.be

Masterlists CDI Lier

Photo Larissa Pauluis & Flambeau: Digishots