Isabell Werth relinquishes the moniker of Aachen's Queen
In a stunning turn of events at the 2025 CDIO Aachen, a prestigious equestrian event, the up-and-coming Belgian dressage rider, Justin Verboomen, made history by claiming the 5-star Grand Prix Special title. This victory, achieved aboard his self-trained, nine-year-old Hanoverian stallion, Zonik Plus, marked a significant milestone for Belgium, a nation that is steadily making its mark in the international dressage scene.
Verboomen's win was all the more impressive given that he had defeated the world's most successful rider, Isabell Werth, in the Grand Prix Special on Friday. The Belgian's performance was a testament to his growing prowess, having only competed in two Grand Prix Special tests previously.
Isabell Werth, a seven-time Olympian, had suspected that Verboomen would make things challenging for her. However, even she could not have foreseen the impact that the young Belgian rider and his horse would have on the dressage world. The pair's ride was marked by energy, balance, and a mutual understanding that was evident to both the audience and the experts.
Verboomen, known for his modesty and quiet demeanor, was visibly pleased with Zonik Plus's performance. "It was very pleasant for me," he said after the win. "The horse was great."
Meanwhile, Isabell Werth and her teammate Wendy, who performed to the sounds of "Mandy" by Barry Manilow, remixed to "Wendy," had a less successful day at the tournament. Despite their difficulties, they had already secured their place in the team for the upcoming European Championships.
The young mare Wendy seemed more upset by the missed victory than her experienced rider, Isabell Werth. However, the German rider remained optimistic, expressing excitement about the upcoming European Championships.
Frederic Wandres, another top contender, confirmed his good form, completing the podium in third place with his horse Bluetooth. Over 6,000 spectators were enchanted by Isabell Werth and Wendy's performance at the dressage stadium, despite their less successful day.
Katharina Hemmer and Denoix, another Belgian pair, had a less successful day as well, finishing ninth. Despite this, they had already secured their place in the team for Crozet.
Verboomen and Zonik Plus's victory at the CHIO has undoubtedly knocked Isabell Werth off her throne, but the German rider remains a formidable force in the world of dressage. The upcoming European Championships promise to be an exciting showdown between these two rising stars.
[1] [2] [3] - References omitted for brevity.
[1] Equestrian sports witnessed a significant shift in the landscape as Justin Verboomen, the young Belgian dressage rider, not only triumphed in the 5-star Grand Prix Special at the 2025 CDIO Aachen but also outperformed the world's most successful rider, Isabell Werth.
[2] This victory in the equestrian sphere demonstrated that sports, even those as specialized as dressage, are seeing fresh talent rise, proving that there is always room for growth and competition in the world of sports.
