Germany Wins FEI Nations Cup at 2026 CDIO Fontainebleau, Verboomen Maintains Position as Number One

Shows

2026 CDIO Fontainebleau

After their five-year win streak ended in Wellington (USA) in March, Germany returned to the top of the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ leaderboard on the European mainland on Saturday 18 April 2025 at Fontainebleau (FRA).

The German team - with strongholds Isabell Werth and Frederic Wandres at full force on their Olympic horses Wendy and Bluetooth - beat Great Britain to the cuff for the top spot on the inaugural CDIO 5* in Fontainebleau, who took over the Nations Cup baton from Compiegne.

Lead by team trainer Monica Theodorescu, the four-rider squad of Benjamin Werndl (Quick Decision Frh), Svenja Kämper-Meyer (Amanyara M Frh), Frederic Wandres (Bluetooth OLD), and Isabell Werth (Wendy de Fontaine) finished on a winning total score of 230.065 in the CDIO5* Grand Prix test. Great Britain finished second (228.630), followed by Belgium (224.761).

Justin and Zonik Plus won the 5* Grand Prix
with 83.500%

The Belgian team was third with reigning European Champion Justin Verboomen once again surfacing on top in the battle of the bulge against the strongest horses in the world (Wendy and Glamourdale). The Brussels based rider maintains his position as the undefeated number one on the dressage scene. The third challenger - Cathrine Dufour on Mount St. John Freestyle - has opted to compete at the CDI Hagen "Horses & Dreams" at Hof Kasselmann next week instead of facing her rivals in France.

The victory earned Germany 15 points, catapulting them to the top of the series standings with 23 points. Great Britain sits second with 13 points, followed by Belgium (11 points).

Eurodressage was on the scene and has photos of all Grand Prix riders (as well as all small tour, U25 and pony riders). Extensive articles are coming up soon this weekend. So much to say about this amazing new Nations Cup show ! Great organisation, fabulous venue and the riders were blessed with super spring weather. It was mega! A new staple on the FEI calendar!!