Frankfurt, Germany, December 2025
Belgium’s rise at the summit of international dressage continued in emphatic fashion as Justin Verboomen and his outstanding partner Zonik Plus claimed victory at the prestigious Top 12 Grand Prix. The win not only secured one of the sport’s most coveted indoor titles but also consolidated their position as World No. 1 for the fourth consecutive month, confirming their dominance on the global stage.
Held in Frankfurt’s iconic indoor arena, the Top 12 Grand Prix is widely regarded as one of dressage’s most exclusive competitions. Entry is limited to the twelve highest-ranked riders in the world, making every appearance a direct clash between the sport’s elite. There are no easy rounds and no room for error. Only precision, harmony, and consistency can separate the winner from the rest.
Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus An Elite Event with Global Significance
The Frankfurt Top 12 Grand Prix occupies a unique place in the international dressage calendar. Unlike large multi-class competitions, this event is designed as a pure test of excellence at the highest level. Every rider enters the arena with proven credentials, and every horse is capable of producing championship-quality work.
For spectators and professionals alike, the competition serves as a mid-season indicator of form, often reflecting which combinations are capable of sustaining pressure across an entire championship cycle. Winning here is not simply about one exceptional test. It is about demonstrating authority among the world’s best.
Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus Performance Built on Precision and Confidence
Justin Verboomen’s Grand Prix test in Frankfurt stood out for its clarity, balance, and calm authority. From the opening halt to the final salute, his ride on Zonik Plus reflected a partnership fully in sync. Judges rewarded the pair for their expressive yet controlled extended trots, uphill canter work, and confident transitions.
Particularly impressive were the piaffe and passage sequences, performed with rhythm, engagement, and ease, highlighting the horse’s natural elasticity and Verboomen’s quiet, effective riding style. Rather than relying on dramatic moments, the test impressed through consistency, technical accuracy, and a clear sense of flow.
This approach has become a defining feature of Verboomen’s success. In an era where power and expression are increasingly important, his ability to balance athleticism with softness and precision continues to set him apart.
Zonik Plus: A Modern Dressage Star
Behind every great dressage rider is an exceptional horse, and Zonik Plus has firmly established himself as one of the most exciting competitors in modern dressage. Known for his rideability, expressive movement, and strong hind-leg engagement, he provides the foundation for the pair’s success.
Zonik Plus’s ability to remain focused and relaxed under pressure was evident throughout the Frankfurt competition. In an environment known for its atmosphere and intensity, the horse maintained composure, allowing Verboomen to present a test that was both confident and technically clean.
Their partnership reflects years of careful training and development. This approach prioritizes longevity, soundness, and mental well-being alongside competitive ambition.
World No. 1 for the Fourth Straight Month
With their Frankfurt victory, Verboomen and Zonik Plus retained their leading position in the FEI Dressage World Rankings for a fourth consecutive month. Maintaining the top ranking over multiple cycles is widely seen as a marker of true dominance, as it requires consistent high-level results across different venues, judging panels, and competitive conditions.
Unlike single-event triumphs, ranking leadership reflects sustained excellence. It rewards riders and horses who can deliver under pressure time and again, qualities that Verboomen and Zonik Plus have demonstrated throughout the season.
For Belgium, this achievement represents a significant milestone, reinforcing the country’s growing presence and influence within international dressage.
Why the Frankfurt Win Matters
The importance of this victory extends beyond the trophy itself. The Top 12 Grand Prix is often viewed as a proving ground for championship contenders, and success here sends a clear message to the rest of the field.
For Verboomen, the win strengthens his reputation as one of the most consistent and technically refined riders in the world. For Zonik Plus, it further cements his status as a top-tier Grand Prix horse capable of performing at the highest level under pressure.
From a broader perspective, the result highlights the evolving standards of modern dressage, where harmony, correctness, and welfare-focused training are increasingly recognized and rewarded alongside power and expression.
Implications for the Season Ahead
As the international season progresses, attention will naturally turn to upcoming major competitions and championships. Performances like the one in Frankfurt position Verboomen and Zonik Plus as leading contenders wherever they appear.
Maintaining the World No. 1 ranking also brings additional expectations. Rivals will be studying every detail, and judging panels will be looking for continued improvement and refinement. However, the pair’s calm, methodical approach suggests they are well-equipped to handle the pressure that comes with being the benchmark.
A Benchmark for the Sport
For riders, trainers, and horse owners around the world, the success of Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus offers valuable insight into what it takes to reach and stay at the top of international dressage. Consistent training, attention to detail, and a genuine partnership between horse and rider remain the cornerstones of elite performance.
Their Frankfurt victory did more than confirm a ranking position. It reinforced a standard. In a competition designed to reveal the very best, Verboomen and Zonik Plus delivered when it mattered most.
As the dressage world looks ahead to the next chapter of the season, one fact is clear. The global lead has been verified, and the standard has been set once again by Belgium’s Justin Verboomen and the remarkable Zonik Plus.
