Belgian dressage showcased remarkable progress at the season finale in Mechelen, with Larissa Pauluis winning both the Grand Prix and Freestyle aboard her 15-year-old Flambeau, achieving a personal best score of 82.975%. Justin Verboomen secured second place with Djembe de Hus OLD, narrowly behind Pauluis, while Joao Pedro Moreira from Portugal took third with Drosa Fürst Kennedy OLD. The event highlighted Belgium’s growing prominence in dressage, traditionally a jumping-dominated nation, with a packed arena enthusiastically supporting the home riders. Notable performances included strong comebacks from Ingrid Klimke and Emmelie Scholtens, and an emotional retirement for Charlotte Defalque’s longtime partner Botticelli.

The competition also underscored the resilience and deep bonds between riders and horses, exemplified by Moreira’s journey with Kennedy, who recovered from emergency surgery last year. Pauluis expressed joy at her home victory, emphasizing Flambeau’s ongoing development despite starting as a jumper. Verboomen, continuing his breakthrough year, aimed to build confidence in his less experienced horse, Djembe de Hus. In the World Cup standings, Raphael Netz leads, with Pauluis moving up to second, setting the stage for the next qualifier in Basel.