World number one and double European Champion Justin Verboomen (BEL) continued his impressive winning streak at the FEI dressage World Cup 2025/2026 Western European League’s second leg in Lyon, France. Riding his black stallion Zonik Plus, Verboomen set a personal best of 81.195% in the Grand Prix and won the Freestyle with 87.075%. British rider Becky Moody and her home-bred Jagerbomb delivered a faultless Freestyle to finish second with 85.175%, while Belgium’s Larissa Pauluis secured third place on Flambeau with 79.560%. Verboomen’s rise has been rapid since their breakthrough last December, and their recent performances show increasing harmony and softness despite some minor mistakes caused by the lively arena atmosphere.
Belgium demonstrated strong depth with four riders finishing in the top ten, including Domien Michiels and Wim Verwimp. Other notable performances included Switzerland’s Delia Eggenberger, Luxembourg’s Fie Christine Skarsoe, and Dutch rider Thamar Zweistra, who all placed well. French favorite Pauline Basquin showed a return to form with a solid fourth place, while Moody’s cheerful Beatles-themed Freestyle charmed the crowd. Following Lyon, Verboomen ranks ninth in the World Cup standings, with Skarsoe leading the series. The competition continues in Stuttgart, Germany, in mid-November.
