Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus, the 2025 European Champions and FEI World Nr 2 Ranked pair, are set to return to the Longines Equita Lyon international competition to compete in the second leg of the Western European League World Cup qualifier series of 2026-2027.
A year after winning the Lyon FEI World Cup™ dressage leg, Verboomen and his Hanoverian stallion Zonik Plus (by Zonik x Hohenstein) will be back in Lyon. The Brussels based rider is returning with the same enthusiasm but a new outlook after a spectacular outdoor season in 2026.
Seeking Lightness and Harmony
Verboomen is coming to Lyon ready to demonstrate what makes his partnership with Zonik Plus so special: lightness, relaxation and the enjoyment of performing together. His winning Lyon ride on 2025 whetted his appetite to return to the French city for the celebrated indoor competition.
"It was superbly organised, very well thought out for both riders and horses," said Justin. "Zonik excelled in the Grand Prix and the atmosphere around the arena was incredible. Our freestyle test didn’t quite live up to my expectations back then, but I have very fond memories of the show. The atmosphere was really lovely."
A New Perspective
Justin played a key role in helping Belgium secure qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. He now returns to Lyon to start his indoor season campaign with a new perspective: less pressure, more confidence and, above all, a desire to enjoy the moment.
"This year, I really want to enjoy myself. That’s the approach I’m taking at the moment," he explained. "I’m trying to trust myself, enjoy myself and feel that Z is enjoying it too, with that same sense of lightness. At the moment, we’re really finding that sense of relaxation at home, and it makes me eager to take that feeling into the competition arena."
Justin trains with Belgian based German Claudia Kircheiss, but has also received input from Kyra Kyrklund and Jan Nivelle through training seminars. Lyon will be his first show since Aachen.
Get Tickets for Lyon
Dressage at Longines Equita Lyon takes place on 29 - 30 October 2026. The Grand Prix is on 29 October at 8h00 AM, while the Kur to Music has been scheduled for 30 October at 13h15.
However, Equita Lyon is so much more. The event starts on 28 October and runs through 1 November. It is entirely dedicated to horses with an international competition with 4 FEI World Cups, equestrian sport at all levels, eleven rings continuously going.
Equita Lyon is an experience to live with friends, family or with your partners.