Zonik Plus // Justin Verboomen

Zonik Plus - A Historic European Dressage Champion

In a remarkable week of competition at the 2025 FEI European Dressage Championships in Le Crozet, France, Zonik Plus emerged as one of the sport’s brightest stars. Born on May 5, 2016, this striking black Hanoverian stallion was bred by Dressage Plus in Portugal and acquired by Belgian rider Justin Verboomen when he was just two and a half years old. 

Over the course of the championship, the partnership of Verboomen and Zonik Plus delivered stunning performances, culminating in multiple medals - including individual European gold in the Grand Prix Special - marking one of the most important achievements in modern dressage. Their score of 82.371% in the Special showcased extraordinary athleticism, harmony, and precision, placing them at the top of a deeply competitive field. 

For the first time in history, a horse bred in Portugal won a major dressage title at this level, elevating both Zonik Plus and his breeder to the forefront of the international scene and securing Dressage Plus a top spot in the World Breeders Rankings. 

This gallery captures that unforgettable week - packed with emotion, elegance, and sporting excellence - and tells the story of a champion whose journey began in Portugal and reached its pinnacle on Europe’s grandest stage.