Justin Verboomen & Djembe de Hus dominate the Neumünster World Cup GP with almost 77%!

The battle to qualify for the next World Cup Final in Texas is in full swing this week in Neumünster. As proof, Raphael Netz, currently leading the Western European League with 59 points, competed this morning in the Grand Prix, a warm-up before tomorrow's freestyle which will give crucial points. He is just ahead of Larissa Pauluis, second in the provisional standings with 58 points. Belgium can dream of qualifying two riders again with Larissa Pauluis and Justin Verboomen. While Pauluis currently sits the seconde place in the provisional standings, Justin Verboomen has already earned 37 points in Lyon and Mechelen. Winning 20 or 17 points more tomorrow, awarded respectively to the winner and the runner, could therefore allow him to reach at least 54 points, the same as Becky Moody, currently third in the provisional standings. Represented in the past by Mieke Lunskens & Abner, 10th in 's-Hertogenbosch in 1990, Jeroen Devroe 10th in 2006 in Amsterdam, 9th in 2008, 2010 and 2011 with Pagani and Apollo van het Vijverhof, Jorinde Verwimp & Charmer 10th in Omaha in 2023, Flore de Winne & Flynn FRH 6th in Riyadh in 2024 where Larissa Pauluis & First Step Valentin were 11th and last year again by Braine-l'Alleud's rider who finished 8th with Flambeau in Basel, Belgium has this year again the combinations to show the extent of its unprecedented development. We'll see in a few weeks if/how a trip across the Atlantic will fit into their plans. While waiting, we'll have to keep an eye on Wellington next week where Isabell Werth could gain 20 points with Special Blend, bringing the German's total to 60; Gothenburg where Patrik Kittel could also earn precious points, and Motesice in Slovakia early March where a strategist rider could find a way to secure a spot in the Final. After the final qualifer in 's-Hertogenbosch, nine riders will qualify for the Western European League. The defending champion, Charlotte Fry, excluded as she qualified automatically. It is however difficult, to imagine the starting list for Forth Worth : with the goal of the World Championships in Aachen, the fear to put top horses and/or stallions on a plane, the expression, whether acknowledged or not, of certain convictions, or the fear to face at the entrance to American territory with the need, however not implemented yet, to provide their digital pedigree from the last ten years for citizens of 42 countries including the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Germany..., it is possible that there will be some absences and catch-ups.

But let's get back to the out subject !

Impressive in Mechelen, where they displayed near-perfect harmony almost like alter egos, and rewarded with over 82% in the freestyle, Justin Verboomen and Djembe de Hus Old are returning to the World Cup. Considering their performances so far, to say these two are a good match is an understatement, enough to consider the 11-year-old gelding by Damon Hill as a real credible mount for a potential World Cup Final; an event where another horse from Haras de Hus competed in 2010 and 2011: Silvana, the grey mare, with the one Kevin Staut finished 7th in Geneva and then 6th in Leipzig. The handsome chestnut showed further progress this morning, particularly in the passage/piaffe work, all with exemplary contact and attitude. While a slightly cleaner transition from collected walk to passage might have been appreciated, Justin Verboomen has clearly found the formula between balance, suppleness, activity, and above all, lightness. They secured an undisputed victory with a well-deserved score of 76.826%. After a completely crazy 2025 season, 2026 looks just as promising for the world number 1, with, why not... a second horse close to 80% ... Hats off to him, sir.

Already competing in Stuttgart and victorious at home in Mechelen, Larissa Pauluis and Flambeau seem guaranteed a spot in Fort Worth. The friendly Belgian rider showed today that her son of Ampere continues to mature. Despite a few instabilities here and there, a rein back started a little before the letter C and a zig-zig that could have been smoother, the Belgians achieved their personal best with a score of 74.196%.

Fifth in Riyadh two years ago, Raphael Netz and Great Escape Camelot have made the World Cup "their" circuit, competing exclusively in its legs since August 2024! Wierzbna Bialy Las, Herning, Stuttgart, Basel, and Neumünster have structured their last two seasons around this circuit. The former rider of the von Bredow-Werndl and the Johnson gelding also set a new personal best at 73.587%.

Full results HERE

crédit photo : Dirk Carmens/FEI