Belgian dressage strong on the rise: Belgian Championships hold great promise
The Belgian championships in Lier from May 15 to May 19 are bound to offer beautiful and exciting sport. After all, the Belgian dressage sport is on the rise. While the top is getting wider, the quality of those top combinations is increasing. Flore De Winne and Larissa Pauluis recently proved it with their very successful participation in the World Cup final in Riyadh.
A large and strong field of competitors has entered the Belgian Big Tour championships. Larissa Pauluis won the title last year with Flambeau (by Ampère) and is now defending the title with her World Cup final horse First-Step Valentin (by Vitalis). Charlotte Defalque, winner of last year’s silver medal, is also competing with Botticelli, the Vivaldi son with whom she impressively won the Freestyle last year.
All eyes on De Winne
But many eyes will be on Flore De Winne with Flynn FRH (by Fahrenheit). Last year they finished fifth at the BCh, but after the great indoor season they went through, this duo is one of the favorites. In the World Cup Qualifier in Mechelen they achieved a podium place and in the World Cup Final they finished sixth amidst global competition.
Growth of Belgian dressage sports
In addition to the classes in the Big Tour, the Belgian titles in the ponies, Children, Juniors, Young Riders, U25 and Small Tour will of course be competed for. Eline Borrey De Coninck will defend her title in the Small Tour with Haressel (by Uphill). Laura Luyten won the U25 title last year with J2l Lamborghini (by Bravour B) and will compete in this class again this year. Jette de Jong is competing in the Young Riders with Heavenly Charming (by Charmeur), with whom she was the best in the Young Riders last year. The growth of the Belgian dressage sport is also evident from the increase in the number of participants in the Children. Last year three combinations competed and now eight combinations are competing for the Belgian title. Next to the championships classes there will be a competition for Iberian dressage horses as well. And of course the Briljant Cup, Diamant Cup and Platinum Cup.
Road works
The Belgian championships are organized by Belgian Dressage Events, an organization dedicated to promoting top dressage sports in Belgium. The event will take place at the magnificent venue of the Azelhof in Lier. Please notice the road works, you can read here more about it.
