In the headline Nations Cup event, Germany emerged victorious in a fiercely contested competition that went down to the final ride. Anchored by eight-time Olympic gold medallist Isabell Werth, the German team – also featuring Benjamin Werndl, Svenja Kämper-Meyer, and Frederic Wandres – secured the win on a total of 230.065. Great Britain finished close behind on 228.730, with Belgium rounding out the podium on 224.761.
Belgium’s Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus delivered one of the standout performances of the weekend in the Grand Prix, posting a personal best of 83.500% – the highest individual score of the test. Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale were close behind in second on 80.848%. However, it was Werth who ultimately sealed the team victory, producing an 80.587% ride with Wendy de Fontaine for third under pressure in the final rotation.
The momentum continued into the Grand Prix Special – and without Zonik Plus or Glamourdale in this test, it was wide open. Werth ultimately proved untouchable, claiming victory aboard Wendy with 79.893% and narrowly missing the 80% mark. Great Britain’s Carl Hester followed in second on 77.319% with Fame, while compatriot Fiona Bigwood placed third aboard Bella Donna with 72.276%.
The competition reached its peak in Sunday’s Grand Prix Freestyle where Zonik Plus and Glamourdale returned to the arena. The Belgian partnership delivered a breathtaking test to score 91.855%, setting another personal best and confirming their status as one of the sport’s rising stars.
“Fontainebleau is an absolutely exceptional setting,” shares Verboomen. “I was really looking forward to riding with Zonik in an outdoor event because I felt that he would want to put on a show in this environment. For our return to outdoor action this week, we performed the two best routines of our career. I’m just so happy! Before the test, I always try to stay really focused on what I need to do, but at the end of the test when you leave the arena and during the prize ceremony, it’s great to see all the people supporting you.”
Great Britain’s Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale thrilled the crowd with their popular freestyle to finish second on 88.225%, while Germany’s Frederic Wandres and Bluetooth OLD claimed third with 81.085%.
Grand Prix CDI3*
Beyond the headline classes, the event also showcased strong performances in the CDI3* competition. In the Grand Prix CDI3* the top three riders all finished on 69%. José Antonio Garcia Mena and Quatre-Quarts a l’Orange came out on top with 69.304% for Spain. Followed closely by Evelyn Eger and Global Power OLD with 69.217% for Germany and France’s Pierre Volla and Malcom x de Massa rounded out the top three with 69.195%.
Germany’s Evelyn Eger claimed the Grand Prix Special with Global Power OLD (70.340%), while the Netherland’s Dominique Fillon topped the CDI3* Freestyle on 73.945% with Kha Diva Corieta Texel.
Para-dressage competition ran alongside the elite classes, highlighting the depth and inclusivity of the sport, with French officials praising both established and emerging combinations for their continued progress.
Set against the iconic backdrop of Le Grand Parquet and blessed with perfect weather, the Printemps des Sportes Équestres once again reinforced its reputation as one of the premier fixtures on the international dressage calendar – drawing comparisons to a “mini Paris 2024” from riders and officials alike.
With Germany taking a commanding lead in the FEI Dressage Nations Cup standings and combinations building momentum toward major championships later in the season, Fontainebleau offered an early but compelling glimpse of what’s to come.
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Source: FEI press release and Le Printemps des Sports Équestres press release edited by Equestrian Life
