Theeuwes, Van Os, Hennes, Everars, Jamar, Verboomen and Pauluis Win 2025 Belgian Dressage Championships

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2025 Belgian Dressage Championships

Pony rider Helena Theeuwes, Children rider Elise van Os, junior rider Amber Hennes, young rider Liezel Everars, Under 25 rider Sophie Jamar, small tour rider Justin Verboomen and senior Grand Prix rider Larissa Pauluis became the winners of the 2025 Belgian Dressage Championships.

The event was beautifully organized by Wim Verwimp's team at the Azelhof Equestrian center in Lier, Belgium, on 22 - 25 May 2025.

Pony Riders: Helena Theeuwes on Repeat

In her fifth year at international pony level, reigning Belgian pony champion Helena Theeuwes recaptured the title on her number one pony, the 9-year old Bundeschampionate finalist Matteo (by FS Mr Right x Dornik B). Theeuwes won the gold medal and title after winning all three rounds. A student of Carmen de Bondt and also training with her mom Anke Moordtgat, Helena scored 72.172% in the team test, 71.534% in the individual test and 75.700.% in the Kur to Music.

The silver medal went for a second year in a row to Alexine Herweyers. She brought two ponies to Lier: her 2024 team pony Steendieks La Perla (by Dalai x Chambertin) and her 2023 team pony, the 16-year old Terbofens Charico (by Charivari x Contendro). It was the latter that achieved the highest average score after two rounds and moved forward to the third round. Coached by Gudrun Schlack, Alexine finished second overall with 69.857%, 71.676% and 74.555%

The bronze went again to Feline Verreet on the 10-year old PAV Nikkei (by Nasdaq x Danny Gold). Four years into their international partnership, Feline and Nikkei got bronze after posting 70.086%, 70.351% and 74.095%. She trains with her mom, Katrien Verreet, who was a Belgian pony team member herself in the late 1990s.

Children: Elise van Os

Elise van Os on Reliv van het Amaryllishof

Children newcomer Elise van Os is having a stellar spring in the show arena aboard Rudi Hendrikx' 8-year old Belgian warmblood Reliv van 't Amaryllishof (by Ferdeaux x D-Day). With international wins in Lier, Aachen and Sint-Truiden, Van Os and her black gelding also ruled the roost at the Belgian Children Championships winning all three rounds with 79.018% in the preliminary test, 77.325% in the team test, and 76.621% in the individual test. The pair trains with Suraya Hendrikx.

"“He’s such an amazing horse” said Elise. “It went super well, I’m really happy. There were a few small mistakes, but overall it was a really nice test. Reliv is such an amazing horse. He always gives his best, is very sweet, and loves cuddles. It’s such a joy to work with him.”

The silver went to Shirley Vanerom aboard the 11-year old Belgian warmblood mare Ogami van het Beukenhof (by Sir Donnerhall x Fidertanz). They scored 76.715%, 75.100% and 71.468%. The bronze was for newcomer Leontine Lemmens on the 6-year old KWPN mare Opperfee (by Expression x Oscar) with 72.482%, 68.600% and 73.931%

Junior Riders: Amber Hennes

After placing fourth at last year's Belgian championships Amber Hennes surfaced at the top in the junior division this year. After a successful career in the Children division, Hennes and her 13-year old NRPS gelding Allegro van het Trichelhof (by Apache van het Trichelhof x Utharin van het Wolfharthof) did not immediately find her winning ways in the junior division. They were fourth in 2023 and third in 2025, but this year seems to have come of age. They won the title in Lier with 70.818% in the team test, 69.618% in the individual, and 73.935% in the Kur.

Amber Hennes on Allegro van het Trichelhof

Former Belgian team pony rider Emilie Herweyers also needed a gap year in 2024 after her pony time to make the transition to international junior level. This year she debuted the 9-year old Westfalian mare Belle Vista (by Bon Coeur x Desperados) and became the runner-up at the Nationals. Coached by Gudrun Schlack, she rode her black mare to 69.879%, 70.118%, and 72.110%.

Last year's junior champion Xyliana De Rover got bronze this year. Aboard her 12-year old SBS registered Hamlet (by Quadroneur x Monteverdi) De Rover has not yet competed internationally since the 2024 European in Opglabbeek last July. In Lier at the 2025 National Championships she produced tests earning 68.546%, 70.294% and 72.100% for a third place overall. She trains with Jeanine Fiechter.

Biggest absentee from the podium was last year's silver medal winner Anna Peeters. While her 2024 team horse Harlekin is recovering from colic surgery, Anna can rely on her new ride, 7-year old BWP mare Sumatra A.H. (by Secret x Sir Donnerhall). Unfortunately the pair got eliminated in the first round of the Championships. Only a week earlier they won the team test and placed second twice in the international junior classes at the CDIO Lier.

Young Riders: Liezel Everars

In her first season at young riders level, former triple Belgian Pony champion Liezel Everars moved to the top of the leader board after three rounds with the 9-year old Westfalian mare Venere (by Vitalis x Jazz). Everars was sixth last year in the junior division on Venere's full brother Vigo Gold NA, who passed away unexpectedly in June 2024. They found Venere at Andreas Helgstrand's dealing yard in Denmark. At the Nationals the pair tied in first place in the first round (69.500%), were second in the individual test (69.412%) and made the difference in the freestyle with 75.415% for the overall victory. Everars trains with Suraya Hendrikx and Ton de Ridder.

“I was really stressed before the test, which usually doesn’t happen to me”, Liezel admitted. “Today went super well. The first two days I was a bit unsure, which led to some mistakes. But today, everything just came together perfectly. I’m so happy”

Last year's winner, Jette de Jong, placed second this time aboard her second horse, 12-year old KWPN gelding Indini (by Chippendale x Romeo). Her number one, Heavenly Charming, had to move aside as this time it was Indini claiming the spotlight. He produced three consistent rounds, tying in first place the team test, winning the individual test with 69.500% and 69.706% and third in the freestyle with 73.855% to finish in the silver medal spot. De Jong trains with her mother Marielle Hoefsmit.

For Jef Sutherland, the CDIO Lier was a disappointment as he and 13-year old Belgian bred Oldenburg Thorgal Biolley (by Totilas x Florestan) got eliminated in the team test. At the Belgians the pair proved form though and scored 68.000%, 67.941% and 71.385% for third place. They train with Tom Franckx.

Under 25: Sophie Jamar

With eight pairs in the U25 division, this age category presented a very interesting field with several new comers.

The winner was Sophie Jamar who has been showing at U25 level since 2024 after one international season as a junior in 2018. The 24-year old Jamar is not the most familiar face in Belgium as she works and competes in Germany. In Lier she saddled Anna Wüllstein's San Rico, a 15-year old Oldenburg gelding by San Amour x Diamond Hit. The pair won the gold medal with 69.265% in the Inter II, 68.795% in the Short Grand Prix, and 73.585% and the Kur.

"I hope to qualify for the European Championships this summer, I’m definitely going to give it my all,” said Sophie. “This was only our second freestyle together, and he really did an amazing job. I was very happy with my test and incredibly proud to ride here. San Rico is very sensitive and has a big heart. He always gives his all and has so much potential for the movements.”

Zoë Niessen and her 10-year old Belgian warmblood gelding Paco Rabanne (by Charmeur x Donnerschlag) landed silver with solid scores of 68.323%, 68.974% and 70.975%. The bronze was for rookie Brit Baranyai on Martine Bierry's 19-year old Buffon (by Gribaldi x Purioso), who did one CDI in his career back in 2015 under Françoise Hologne-Joux. Baranyai and Buffon scored 65.853%, 66.487%, and 72.290% for bronze.

Hof Kasselmann rider Beaudine Pieters was fourth on Diabolo, a horse previously ridden by Michael Klimke for owner Harmony Sport Horses. Danish born Emilie Thornby Ffinch made an appearance in Lier aboard Blacktime, Maeva Hoang's Grand Prix horse which she sold to Ffinch in 2022. Ffinch competed internationally on ponies in 2015 and 2016 but has not been seen in the CDI ring ever since>.

Last year's winner, Lauranne Lammens on Hilcara van het Vijverbos (by Don Renoir x Feinschnitt I van de Richter) dropped to seventh place this year, while bronze medal winner Amber van Den Steen on her 15-year old KWPN gelding Fame (by Ampere x Sultano) were a no show.

Senior Small Tour: Justin Verboomen

In a packed field of 37 small tour riders, Justin Verboomen surfaced at the top aboard Elisabeth Tepper's 9-year old Baden-Wurttemberger bred stallion Bollinger (by Bon Coeur x Dimaggio). The pair was 10th in the Prix St Georges (68.059%) and then won the Intermediaire I (71.647%) as well as the freestyle (77.275%) to claim the title. Bollinger was initially trained and competed in Germany by Andrea Muller-Kersten and Lukas Fischer, before spending some time in training with Gonzalo Arroyo at Henri Ruoste's yard. The stallion then moved to Verboomen a year ago. He has gelled with the Brussels based rider, who trains with Claudia Kircheiss.

"I was really happy with Bollinger. Yesterday, I truly enjoyed our test. Today he was a bit tired, but still performed beautifully,” said Verboomen. “I hope to move him up to the Medium Tour soon. I’ll give him all the time he needs, I have a lot of trust in his future.”

Suraya Hendrikx and the 12-year old Hanoverian mare Benicia (by Benicio x) finished in the reserve champion's position after scoring three times above seventy: 71.000%, 70.794%, and 74.470%.

Dutch born Tommie Visser and his husband Rob van Puijenbroek's 9-year old Belgian warmblood stallion Quinten Begijnhoeve (by Heros Begijnhoeve x Ferro) were good for bronze with 70.206% in the Prix St Georges, 68.823% in the Inter I, and 74.325% in the Kur.

Senior Big Tour: Larissa Pauluis

Belgium’s leading lady in dressage, Larissa Pauluis, has claimed her fourth national Grand Prix title in her career. The key division of the Nationals, the Grand Prix Championship, only featured nine pairs this year compared to 17 in 2024.

With Belgium's highest scoring international horse, Zonik Plus, being spared from the Nationals and several of Belgian top pairs having preferred to compete in the FEI Nations Cup at the CDIO Lier a week earlier, Larissa Pauluis freewheeled to the title on the LePage family's 15-year old KWPN gelding Flambeau (by Ampere x Zeoliet). She scored the highest marks in the two rounds to determine the Grand Prix champion. They had 72.522% for their Grand Prix and 76.275% for the Kur.

“Last week was a huge moment for Belgium,” she said, referring to the historic Nations Cup victory. “But I wasn’t fully happy with my rides. Flambeau was very hot and not listening like he can. That’s why I made a last-minute decision to compete him again this weekend. Despite his age, he could use a bit more work,” Pauluis added with a laugh.

The European Championships this summer are the next big goal for the Belgian team. “I truly believe we can achieve something really special there as a team. That’s why it was important for me to ride Flambeau this weekend.” What’s next? “I’m planning to ride in Rotterdam and then we’ll compete in Aachen as a team. After that, the horses will get some rest so we can peak at the Europeans.” Asked what her hopes are, Pauluis beams: “We really want to do something historic for Belgian dressage.”

Lier show organizer Wim Verwimp saddled the Korean owned 11-year old Portuguese sport horse Jedai de Massa (by Don Juan de Hus x Galopin de la Font) landed silver with 70.652% and 74.150%. "Incredible, isn’t it? Who would’ve thought," said a beaming Verwimp at the end of the weekend.

The bronze went to Justin Verboomen on his brand new ride Djembé de Hus, a 10-year old Oldenburg by Damon Hill x Argentinus, previously shown by Jessica Michel and Marcus Hermes. The new duo posted 70.217% and 73.375% for bronze.

Medium Tour

Justin's weekend in Lier was highly successful as he scored the full set of medals: gold in the small tour, silver in the medium tour and bronze in the big tour. The silver he earned on Elisabeth Tepper's 11-year old Oldenburg Da Vinci (by Dante Weltino x Donnerhall). Olympian Domien Michiels won gold in the medium tour on Panthero van de Vogelzang (by Belantis x Quaterback). The bronze was for Tom Heylen on Quberon van het Beukenhof (by Johnson x Don Renoir)

Para: Barbara Minecci Wins

Five pairs competed in the Belgian Para championships and it was Paralympian Barbara Minneci who topped the board on the 16-year old Oldenburg Stuart (by Sir Donnerhall x Diamond Hit).

The silver went to Paralympian Manon Claeys on the 7-year old Naomi Sollenburg (by Just Wimphof x Inspekteur), while Charlotte Couckuyt and the 10-year old BWP bred Picador van het Leiedal (by Arezzo x Ksar Sitte) got bronze.

Results - 2025 Belgian Dressage Championships - Lier

Children

1. Elise Van Os - Reliv Van 't Amaryllishof - 79.018 77.325 76.621 = 232.964
2. Shirley Vanerom - Ogami van het beukenhof - 76.715 75.100 71.468 = 223.283
3. Leontine Lemmens - Opperfee - 72.482 68.600 73.931 = 215.013
4 Amélie Willem - Glendale VD Kempenhoeve - 70.500 71.425 72.195 = 214.120
5 Matthis De Baere - Dior Van De Selvia Hoeve - 69.054 68.925 73.056 = 211.035
6 Matthis De Baere - Elle d'Edouard Joly - 72.715 66.175 71.417 = 210.307
7 Noélie Van Den Bosch - Icarus - 68.393 70.725 70.371 = 209.489
8 Yana Janssen - Calibrio - 72.911 70.450 65.125 = 208.486
9 Mei Qi Ryckalts - Esprit - 68.036 69.775 69.375 = 207.186
10 Solèna Marcelis - Dream Romance - 71.286 69.075 65.533 = 205.894
11 Mila Dillis - Zorette - 69.965 67.975 64.560 = 202.500
12 Emma Verwimp - River Rise Benetton - 69.768 66.775 65.857 = 202.400
13 Winther Dierickx - O'Belle Amour de Tamise - 67.429 64.350 = 131.779

Pony Riders

1. Helena Theeuwes - Matteo - 72.172 71.534 75.700 = 219.406
2. Alexine Herweyers - Terbofens Charico - 69.857 71.676 74.555 = 216.088
3. Féline Verreet - PAV Nikkei - 70.086 70.351 74.095 = 214.532
4 Margaux Nelis - Balotelli - 68.714 67.865 72.905 = 209.484
5 Ella-June Briers - Der kleine Prinz - 67.971 68.189 72.495 = 208.655
6 Janne Mercken - Othello van het Dijkhof - 67.114 68.541 72.125 = 207.780
7 Emilie Marrannes - Caspar w - 66.114 68.081 71.370 = 205.565
8 Leontine Lemmens - Drops - 68.000 68.162 65.330 = 201.492
9 Marie Teughels - Gluckskind - 64.314 65.865 70.075 = 200.254
10 Emilia Vanierschot - Golden Spring GH - 63.886 65.446 69.875 = 199.207
11 Georges Geladé - Orchid's Borneo - 62.943 65.433 67.600 = 195.976
12 Laure Jespers - Melantho's Myla - 60.914 63.629 65.250 = 189.793
13 Manon Vercammen - Moonberry - 63.657 62.622 62.825 = 189.104
14 Ibe Declercq - Orchard Hollander - 59.886 61.703 66.265 = 187.854
15 Annaëlle Bulteau - Waddenhoek's Merlin - 65.971 64.459 55.344 = 185.774
16 Amber Joosten - Sep - 62.486 62.892 60.225 = 185.603
17 Mei Qi Ryckalts - Sulaatik's Valuta - 61.686 63.311 58.225 = 183.222

Junior Riders

1. Amber Hennes - Allegro v/h Trichelhof - 70.818 69.618 73.935 = 214.371
2. Emilie Herweyers - Belle Vista - 69.879 70.118 72.110 = 212.107
3. Xyliana De Rover - Hamlet - 68.546 70.294 72.100 = 210.940
4 Féline Verreet - Liviah Diar - 67.758 70.676 71.365 = 209.799
5 Helena Theeuwes - Escape - 66.462 67.441 71.660 = 205.563
6 Léa Pirlot - Monserrate - 68.576 65.647 70.660 = 204.883
7 Elise Verwimp - Just A Little Bit Krack v/h Klaverhof - 68.030 67.559 68.815 = 204.404
8 Charlott Blevi - Junior Hit - 67.030 66.000 70.095 = 203.125
9 Sofia Coenegrachts - Victor - 170 66.576 65.677 69.515 = 201.768
10 Sophia Leo - Desperatio vd Biebosschen - 65.546 67.206 67.800 = 200.552
11 Eline Van Praet - Diamina La Crus - 67.485 66.529 65.910 = 199.924
12 Lavinia Cox - Luis Gustavo - 64.909 65.676 69.150 = 199.735
13 Lins Van Driessche - Pinot Noir van de Kwaplas - 63.667 65.059 70.930 = 199.656
14 Ines Reneau - Furst Dior - 66.273 66.912 64.120 = 197.305
15 Maline Van Tulder - Emmerson - 63.849 63.000 68.310 = 195.159
16 Evelyne Dieltjens - maurits ter kwincke - 67.333 63.412 63.900 = 194.645
17 Cédric Van Aken - Lucas T - 63.273 63.736 65.720 = 192.729

Young Riders

1. Liezel Everars - Venere - 69.500 69.412 75.415 = 214.327
2 .Jette De Jong - Indini - 69.500 69.706 73.855 = 213.061
3. Jef Sutherland - Thorgal Biolley - 68.000 67.941 71.385 = 207.326
4 Victoria Evrard - Jordy hbc - 66.706 67.264 71.680 = 205.650
5 Amber Wuyts - Handel A - 65.412 66.382 65.895 = 197.689
6 Jasmine Frankie - Quartz van de helle - 67.588 64.412 65.550 = 197.550
7 Emma Semeraro - Magico - 64.471 65.824 67.160 = 197.455
8 Sterre Kielenstijn - Limited Edition of Invictus - 64.265 64.500 67.025 = 195.790
9 Manou Holden - Izaak - 64.294 65.824 63.665 = 193.783
10 Angelina Hermans - Darco Von Nymphenburg - 65.176 65.765 60.270 = 191.211
11 Aude Verheecke - Frapant - 64.765 = 64.765

Under 25

1. Sophie Jamar - San Rico - 69.265 68.795 73.585 = 211.645
2. Zoë Niessen - Paco Rabanne - 68.323 68.974 70.975 = 208.272
3. Britt Baranyai - Buffon - 65.853 66.487 72.290 = 204.630
4 Beaudine Pieters - Harmony's Diabolo - 67.000 65.308 69.450 = 201.758
5 Emilie Thornby Ffinch - Blacktime - 65.500 64.718 69.655 = 199.873
6 Athaline Van Roey - Fugranda C - 64.177 63.615 69.675 = 197.467
7 Lauranne Lammens - Hilcara Van Het Vijverbos - 68.529 69.128 0.000 = 137.657
8 Sophie Jamar - De Maisiere - 65.324 68.769 = 134.093
9 Kyara Desaever - Indiana R - 66.735 60.359 = 127.094

Seniors - Small Tour

1. Justin Verboomen - Bollinger - 68.059 71.647 77.275 = 216.981
2. Suraya Hendrikx - Benicia - 71.000 70.794 74.470 = 216.264
3. Tommie Visser - Quinten Begijnhoeve - 70.206 68.823 74.325 = 213.354
4 Amber Heidbuchel - Rianta Van De Kempenhoeve - 70.471 67.353 75.075 = 212.899
5 Eline Borrey De Coninck - Dollars - 69.471 69.647 72.285 = 211.403
6 Emily Lenaerts - D'accord vh Aegroschot - 68.912 68.029 72.775 = 209.716
7 Julie Dossin - Oh So Windy - 68.941 68.853 71.525 = 209.319
8 Margaux Nicolay - Mister President - 69.177 68.088 68.665 = 205.930
9 Kris Schepkens - Rose Jolie - 68.412 66.618 70.625 = 205.655
10 Ayko Mommaerts - Lance Capone - 67.676 66.647 70.500 = 204.823
11 Jorinde Verwimp - Rubis Rose - 67.588 66.588 69.575 = 203.751
12 Xanthe De Backer - Obi van de Litzemaere - 66.824 66.000 68.050 = 200.874
13 Veronique Philippaerts Engelen - Golddream Vd Kempenhoeve - 65.882 66.441 68.350 = 200.673
14 Laure Van Deursen - Blueberry Beluga 6 - 7.118 65.265 68.200 = 200.583
15 Magali Castellana - Q Gold de la Roque - 66.677 65.676 67.310 = 199.663
16 Séverine Philippin - Aaron - 66.500 66.294 62.613 = 195.407
17 Sally Jacobs - Monamie - 67.412 70.235 0.000 = 137.647
18 Olga Slascheva - Forest Hill - 68.412 67.118 = 135.530
19 Claudia Dorpmans - Bravo Benico - 67.265 67.559 = 134.824
20 Emma Driesen - Gelinia van Kairos - 65.559 67.706 0.000 = 133.265

Seniors - Big Tour

1. Larissa Pauluis - Flambeau - 72.522 76.275 = 148.797
2. Wim Verwimp - Jedai de massa - 70.652 74.150 = 144.802
3. Justin Verboomen - Djembé de Hus - 70.217 73.375 = 143.592
4 Jeroen Devroe - Lestor - 70.870 71.795 = 142.665
5 Tommie Visser - Kristal Fan T Begijnhoeve - 67.435 71.800 = 139.235
6 Suraya Hendrikx - Dear Friend - 67.304 70.955 = 138.259
7 Laura Luyten - J2l Lamborghini - 67.130 70.455 = 137.585
8 Cyriel De Coker - Jillz Urona - 65.913 71.635 = 137.548
9 Nico Nyssen - Expression - 67.870 0.000

Complete scores here.