Lausanne, Switzerland, December 2025. The FEI World Rankings delivered a defining update for international dressage this month as Justin Verboomen claimed the No. 1 position, officially becoming the world’s top-ranked dressage athlete. The December 2025 FEI World Rankings reflect a season-long body of work that placed consistency, accuracy, and championship-level performance at the center of success.
In a sport where dominance is usually built over many years, the latest FEI World Rankings highlight a clear shift at the top. Verboomen’s rise was not the result of a single standout competition, but the accumulation of elite results across the most competitive FEI-sanctioned events worldwide.
Partnered with the exceptional stallion Zonik Plus, Verboomen delivered one of the most reliable campaigns of the 2025 season, steadily collecting ranking points and surpassing a field filled with Olympic and World Championship medalists.
How Justin Verboomen Reached No. 1
The FEI World Rankings are calculated using a rolling twelve-month system, rewarding sustained high-level performance rather than short-term success. Points are awarded based on placement, event level, and the strength of the competitive field, with CDI5* events, championships, and World Cup qualifiers carrying the greatest weight.
Throughout 2025, Verboomen consistently placed at the top of these ranking-heavy competitions. His Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle tests were marked by clarity of aids, correct basics, and controlled expression, traits that judges rewarded across different panels and venues.
By the final quarter of the season, his accumulated points placed him in direct contention for the No. 1 position. The December update of the FEI World Rankings confirmed what results throughout the year had already suggested, that Verboomen had set the standard in international dressage.
Zonik Plus
A Key Factor in the Success
Behind every top-ranked rider stands an exceptional horse, and Zonik Plus played a decisive role in Verboomen’s climb. The stallion’s combination of expressive movement and mental composure allowed the partnership to deliver consistently under pressure.
Zonik Plus is particularly noted for his elastic trot work, balanced extensions, and increasingly secure piaffe and passage. These strengths translated into high technical and artistic scores, especially in freestyle performances where precision and harmony are critical to ranking success.
His ability to remain focused in high-energy championship environments proved essential, allowing Verboomen to compete frequently without a drop in quality. As a result, Zonik Plus also rose near the top of the FEI dressage horse rankings, reinforcing the depth of the partnership.
FEI World Rankings Context
Competition at the Elite Level
The December 2025 FEI World Rankings place Verboomen ahead of some of the most established names in dressage. Isabell Werth remained a constant presence near the top, continuing her remarkable career with consistent results. Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour followed closely, supported by strong championship performances.
Also within the top tier were Charlotte Fry and Becky Moody, both of whom posted competitive scores across major FEI events. The narrow margins separating the top riders underline the importance of reliability and strategic scheduling within the FEI World Rankings system.
That Verboomen emerged as the highest-ranked rider among this group highlights the effectiveness of his season-long approach.
Championship Performances That Shaped the Rankings
A pivotal factor in the FEI World Rankings update was Verboomen’s success at major championship events during 2025. His performances at the FEI European Dressage Championships generated significant ranking points and confirmed his ability to deliver under the highest levels of pressure.
In addition to championships, Verboomen remained competitive at leading indoor and outdoor CDI events. These appearances allowed him to maintain momentum within the FEI World Rankings while managing the long-term development of his horse.
By the conclusion of the indoor season, his position at the top of the rankings had become increasingly secure.
Why the FEI World Rankings Matter
The FEI World Rankings serve as one of the most important performance indicators in international equestrian sport. Beyond prestige, rankings influence championship selection, starting order advantages, and national federation planning. They also shape sponsorship visibility and international recognition for riders and horses alike.
For fans and professionals, the rankings provide a clear picture of form, consistency, and competitive depth across the sport. Verboomen’s rise within the FEI World Rankings illustrates how strategic planning and sustained excellence can outweigh isolated headline results.
Other Disciplines in the December FEI World Rankings
While dressage headlines the December update, the FEI World Rankings across other disciplines also reflected stability at the top. In eventing, Harry Meade continued his lead following another year of high-level performances. In four-in-hand driving, Boyd Exell maintained his long-standing dominance.
These results reinforce a broader theme across FEI sport, where long-term partnerships and consistency are increasingly rewarded.
Looking Ahead Through the Lens of the FEI World Rankings
As the 2026 season approaches, Justin Verboomen enters the year as the rider to beat in the FEI World Rankings. Holding the No. 1 position brings increased expectations and scrutiny, particularly as competitors adjust strategies to challenge the leader.
Sustaining that ranking will require careful competition planning, continued technical refinement, and thoughtful horse management. For Belgian dressage, Verboomen’s success represents a milestone achievement that elevates the nation’s presence on the global stage.
FEI World Rankings
A Moment That Defines the Season
The December 2025 FEI World Rankings capture a defining moment in modern dressage. Justin Verboomen’s ascent to No. 1 reflects a season built on discipline, partnership, and repeatable excellence.
As the rankings reset month by month, this update stands as a benchmark. It confirms that at the highest level of dressage, consistency across the international calendar remains the most powerful path to the top of the FEI World Rankings.
