Belgium's Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus wowed crowds at CHIO Aachen. Image by Leanjo de Koster/DigiShots.
To coin a phrase, “a star is born” might sound a little corny — but just as Totilas and Edward Gal once redefined the sport, Zonik Plus and Belgium’s Justin Verboomen look set to become yet another inspiring combination, bringing a new brilliance to a discipline that is often fraught with challenge.
I was fortunate enough to see a video over a year ago of Zonik Plus in his first ever Grand Prix. The horse’s attitude, athleticism, and the beautiful riding blew me away. I spoke to several international competitors at the time, saying I believed this combination could be the next World Champion.
When you look at the evolution in dressage — from Christine Stückelberger’s Granat to Bonfire, Totilas, Valegro, and now Zonik Plus — it’s fascinating to see the changing types, athleticism, and mental approach to the sport. For me, Zonik Plus fulfills every modern-day ideal that riders and judges seek: harmony, engagement, elasticity, correct frame and contact, and above all, willingness.
Zonik Plus shows all these attributes in an exceptional way. His balance and trust in his rider, Belgium’s Justin Verboomen, radiate through every movement. He appears to love the sport. If he were human, he’d have read all the rulebooks. He’s a competitor who knows exactly what the judges want to see. Born with a natural talent and desire to please, he tries his heart out.
“Zonik Plus shows all
these attributes in an
exceptional way…”
So where are the nines and tens?
His piaffe fulfills the criteria set in the rulebook, his extended trot has clear over-track, and his pirouettes show balance, control, and ease. There is no weak link. One of the most incredible moments in his winning freestyle test at CHIO Aachen was the transition from extreme collection to an extended walk that looked as relaxed as a warm-down at home. At the end of that test, as he passaged down the centerline, the crowd stopped clapping and stamping. As the horse halted, Zonik Plus didn’t twitch an ear. His focus was exemplary.
At CHIO Aachen, Zonik Plus and Justin Verboomen won the CDIO5* Grand Prix Freestyle on the final day, scoring 89.4%. The pair also won the CDIO5* Grand Prix Special on 80.745%. In the CDIO5* Grand Prix, the first test of the event, they placed second behind Isabell Werth and Wendy de Fontaine on 78.248%.
Belgian Justin Verboomen with Zonik Plus, together with Marina Meggle following the CDIO5* Grand Prix Freestyle (MEGGLE-Prize) at CHIO Aachen. Image by CHIO Aachen/Diana Wahl.
For me, this is one of the most exciting horses I’ve seen in a decade. Yes, he’s green and inexperienced, but he embodies the modern notion of ‘throughness’ — which goes beyond physical acceptance of the aids. Throughness is mental; it’s the moment horse and rider are one. That’s what this partnership shows.
There has been a lot of talk not only amongst the media, but also competitors, trainers, and judges alike about what is going on with the scoring system. Across the world, judges seem to be becoming a little tougher with their marks. It’s a question on everyone’s lips. Like any sport that’s subjective, it takes a while for a new competitor on the scene to begin receiving the accolades they deserve, as judges can be cautious in handing out marks until consensus is reached among co-judges.
As Zonik Plus gains more experience and adds more cadence in the canter through growing confidence, the 10s will appear. His test sheets will reflect his excellence. This is a horse for the future. Who could possibly find fault?
This combination inspires. Justin Verboomen’s calmness and commitment are as impressive as the horse’s talent. We shouldn’t compare horse to horse, but rather, we should judge each performance against the scale of marks from 0 to 10.
That said, when a horse performs an extended trot with over-track, balance, and expression, why should it score the same as another with no over-track? Why do square halts and fluent pirouettes not always earn the marks they deserve?
Judging is not about comparing one horse to another — it’s about evaluating what is presented in front of you. Each judge must assign a number based on the movement alone, regardless of the name or fame of the horse or rider.
I believe the future will show Zonik Plus earning the confidence of judges, climbing the scoresheets, and thrilling the sport. This is a combination that represents the very best of modern dressage: talent, harmony, and inspiration. EQ
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