Justin Verboomen of Belgium, riding his champion horse Zonik Plus, was honored with the FEI Best Athlete Award for 2025 following a remarkable year in dressage. Together, they achieved historic milestones for Belgium, including double gold at the European Championships, reaching No. 1 in the dressage World Rankings, the nation’s first-ever Nations Cup victory, and an individual championship at CHIO Aachen. Their deep partnership, built since Zonik Plus was two years old, has brought unprecedented international recognition to Belgian dressage.

At the FEI General Assembly banquet in Hong Kong, Justin expressed heartfelt gratitude, emphasizing the emotional bond with Zonik Plus and dedicating the award to everyone who supported their journey. Other notable awards included Ireland’s Tom Wachman receiving the Rising Star award, Sanne Melsen earning Best Groom for her work with Belgian jumper Gilles Thomas, and the Inspire Award going to the Beat as One – stable Management Challenge in Shanghai for promoting pride and growth in stable care among youth.