‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands—The final qualifier of the FEI Dressage World Cup Western European League, held this past weekend in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, turned into a duel between the world number-one and number-three dressage riders: Justin Verboomen (BEL) and Charlotte Fry (GBR). In the end it was Verboomen and Zonik Plus who came out on top, while Fry and Glamourdale settled for second place. Home favorite Marieke van der Putten (NED) finished in third with Zantana OLD RS2.

In the sold out Brabanthallen in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, traditionally the final qualifier of the Western European League, crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of two outstanding black stallions: Zonik Plus and Glamourdale. What followed was a battle of titans in which both combinations proved closely matched.

Lightness Versus Power

Verboomen and Zonik Plus were narrowly the best of the two in both the Grand Prix and Freestyle, but Fry and Glamourdale were never far behind. While the margins were minimal, Verboomen and Zonik’s elegance and lightness prevailed over the power, expression and scope of Fry and Glamourdale in the end. Both combinations made a small mistake in the tempi changes, but the overall standard remained extremely high.

Verboomen secured victory with 89.205%, while Fry finished just behind on 89.085%. The Belgian athlete appeared noticeably happier after the Freestyle than he had been after the Grand Prix.

“From the moment we arrived, Zonik felt very good, but once we were in the arena during the Grand Prix he became a little distracted and tense. We still won, but I wasn’t completely satisfied,” Verboomen noted. “Today in the Freestyle he was much calmer, softer and more relaxed. That relaxation was exactly what I was looking for, and it made a big difference today.”

Fry Pleased Despite Narrow Defeat

For Fry and Glamourdale the feeling was similar. They, too, were far happier after the Freestyle than after their Grand Prix test.

“Glammie felt amazing today, just incredible. We had amazing moments, some of the best I’ve ever felt on him. The trot half-passes and the extended canter just felt like flying. There were a few small blips that snuck in, which was a shame, but it’s good to know there’s more for the future. So, hopefully one day we can beat Justin,” Fry jested.

Personal best for Van der Putten

Current leading Dutch rider Van der Putten guided Zantana RS2 OLD to a new personal best of 82.175%. The talented mare demonstrated impressive ability to collect, and van der Putten believes there’s still much more to come for her.

“I was super happy with her. In the beginning of the Freestyle she was a bit too excited, but the rest for now couldn’t be better,” she said. “Especially with the canter work I was really happy.”

World Cup Final Taking Shape

Two more combinations broke the 80% barrier in ’s-Hertogenbosch. Raphael Netz (GER) scored 80.810% with DSP Dieudonné, presenting the eager black stallion with great harmony. Charlotta Rogerson (SUI) also surpassed the 80% mark with Bonheur de La Vie, scoring 80.270% just as she had done on home soil in Basel.

From the Western European League, the top-nine combinations qualify for the FEI Dressage World Cup Final in Fort Worth, Texas, with final confirmations of all combinations expected in the coming days.

Following the last qualifier in ’s-Hertogenbosch, Verboomen leads the World Cup standings. His compatriot Larissa Pauluis sits in second place, while Patrik Kittel (SWE), who was not present in ’s-Hertogenbosch, completes the top three.

Thanks to Zoetis for our coverage of the 2026 FEI World Cup Finals. It includes lead-up events, rider interviews, competition reports, photos and more!

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Read more about our coverage of the 2026 FEI World Cup Finals in Forth Worth, Texas, here.