The FEI Dressage World Cup Grand Prix, presented by CRE-ARA – the first of three FEI World Cup qualifiers to be held at this year’s Longines Equita Lyon, Concours Hippique International – lived up to all expectations.
On Thursday at Eurexpo, the audience witnessed a memorable series of performances, capped by victory for reigning European champions Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus of Belgium. The pair appeared to float through the air during their test while setting a personal record in the process.
Light as a feather
Justin Verboomen will certainly remember his first visit to Lyon. With a score of 81.195%, the Belgian rider and his nine-year-old stallion achieved a personal best in a Grand Prix competition in the International Arena at Equita Lyon, in front of a delighted audience. It was a well-deserved score, given the performance of the European champions in only their fourth indoor competition.
Continuing their impressive form from recent outdoor events, the duo once again demonstrated their trademark lightness and fluidity.
“After the European Championships, I tried to work a bit more with Zonik at home, in really peaceful conditions. As much as possible, I tried to release the tension and pressure that had built up over previous events. I think it paid off today, because he was super relaxed. Every time he goes out in a competition, he matures and I feel he’s still improving,” said Verboomen.
“Last year, on the indoor circuits, he got very hot and was affected by the décor. In Lyon, the arena is wide and open, so it’s really nice to ride here. That’s the overwhelming feeling I have after this class, above and beyond the personal record. I’m really proud of my horse. He is very sensitive and gives a lot. He’s always had this ability to really focus on me and my encouragements. So, we’ve tried to build on that over the years.
“Considering this is my first time in Lyon, I must say I’m delighted. The conditions are perfect, in terms of how we were welcomed and the quality of the stables, where the horses feel really great. We’ll see what happens tomorrow in the Freestyle, but I hope to have fun and that my horse will be calm and relaxed on the slightly more difficult exercises that are part of the routine, especially the transitions. I’ll try to help him with my gentle encouragements.”
Becky Moody and Jagerbomb runners-up
World number four Becky Moody of Great Britain, riding Jagerbomb – a horse she bred herself – confirmed her consistent form this season by taking second place with a score of 76.196%. She finished ahead of Sandra Sysojeva, the world number ten from Poland, riding Maxima Bella, who posted a score of 72.630%. Another Belgian combination, Larissa Pauluis and Flambeau, placed fourth on 72.565%.
French rider Pauline Basquin and her faithful Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE finished fifth with a solid routine that earned 72.326%. Pauline was generally satisfied with her performance in the Grand Prix: “I’m happy because I’m starting to find my feeling again with Sertorius. He was very comfortable during the trot and passage. I still have this slight issue in the canter, where he tends to take me to the middle lines, which was the case at the European Championships.
“Today, I made two mistakes, on my zig-zag line and on my pirouette line. It’s something I need to sort out, but since he never makes the mistake in training, it’s not easy. It’s more a question of balance than technique. That really motivated me not to make a mistake on the line of tempi changes; you always have to look at the positive side of things (laughs). We just missed out on a place on the podium, but that’s sport. I’m really going to give it everything in the Freestyle [on Friday].
“Above all, the aim is to have fun and to try and get closer to 80%. I know that the audience here in Lyon will help me. I love coming to Equita Lyon, it’s a competition that we really enjoy. My horse feels good there. The stables are very comfortable and quiet. The atmosphere is incredible. At the same time, it’s also great to see other disciplines and events, like the western riding, pony-games, dressage clinics, and show-jumping,” said Basquin.
Another French rider competing in the class was Alexandre Ayache, riding Ruling Olivia. They were the first combination to perform and delivered a strong test, scoring 70.022% to finish in eighth place.
Results of the FEI World Cup Dressage, Grand Prix presented by CRE- ARA
1. Justin Verboomen (BEL) & Zonik Plus – 81.195%
2. Becky Moody (GBR) & Jagerbomb – 76.196%
3. Sandra Sysojeva (POL) & Maxima Bella – 72.630%
Still to come in Lyon is the CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle, as well as the FEI World Cup Qualifiers for jumping and driving – with the latter seeing Australian star Boyd Exell in action as he begins his campaign for a 12th FEI World Cup title.
Full results can be found here via Longines Timing.
Watch all the action from Longines Equita Lyon via ClipMyHorse.TV.
Source: Longines Equita Lyon, edited by Equestrian Life.
