By Bettine van Harselaar

The Freestyle finale of the Jiva Hill Stables FEI Dressage European Championship 2025 in Crozet (FRA) was a true nail-biter. The top three combinations all delivered tests of exceptional quality, yet none escaped without errors. In the end it was Justin Verboomen (BEL) who, after taking gold in Friday’s Grand Prix Special, also claimed the Freestyle title aboard his own stallion Zonik Plus. With Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (DEN) in silver and Isabell Werth (GER) in bronze, the podium mirrored that of the Special.

• Read more about Verboomen doubles up with Freestyle gold in Crozet thriller

By Bettine van Harselaar

Belgium had never before claimed a medal at a major Dressage championship, whether in team or individual competition. That changed today when Justin Verboomen (BEL) made history in Crozet (FRA) by winning gold in the Grand Prix Special at the Jiva Hill Stables FEI Dressage European Championsip with his exceptional stallion Zonik Plus. Their 82.371% score left no doubt. Silver went to Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (DEN) and Mount St John Freestyle, while bronze was awarded to Isabell Werth (GER) and Wendy de Fontaine.

• Read more about Verboomen makes history with Grand Prix Special triumph

By Bettine van Harselaar

The team competition at the Jiva Hill Stables FEI Dressage European Championship 2025 in Crozet (FRA) went right down to the wire. Already on the opening day it was clear that Germany and Great Britain would be battling for the title, and until their final two team athletes it remained a neck-and-neck race. In the end, it was Isabell Werth (GER) with Wendy de Fontaine who clinched the gold for Germany.

Werth delivers under pressure

• Read more about Germany snatch 26th team gold in Crozet thriller

Denise Rogan was appointed as the Riders Rep at the Riders Forum held via zoom on Monday 11th August.

Krystina Burdekin had made the decision to step down after 3 years in the position. Many thanks for a great job Krystina.

Denise's appointment is effective immediately and she can be contacted on : 0407 951 007

Email [email protected]

• Read more about New Riders Representative Appointed

The annual DNSW Riders Forum - online via Zoom 

• Read more about 2025 Riders Forum

The ENSW Annual Award winners for Dressage are selected by the DNSW committee from nominations submitted by clubs and others.

The 2025 Award winners are:

Rider under 21 of the Year-  Maddison Vallender

Senior Rider of the Year- Robbie McKinnon

Horse of the Year - TS Firestorm

Official of the Year - Liz Mudd

Volunteer of the Year - Fiona David (Bowral Dressage Club)

Congratulations to these outstanding winners and all nominees.

• Read more about 2025 ENSW Annual Awards

The Sydney CDI ended on a truly high note on Saturday evening with the CDI 3* Grand Prix freestyle.  The atmosphere and the crowd were uplifting and it was wonderful to see so many spectating at this event. 

• Read more about 2025 Sydney CDI ends on a high note

By Suzy Jarratt

2025 is the first year that CDI Children competitions have been part of the Sydney CDI.  Eight combinations have entered. Three different riders, Grace from Qld, Elouise from Regional NSW and Milla from the Hawkesbury area in Sydney we interviewed for this feature.

Grace Collins, Cooroy Qld. and ‘Premonition’ (imp) (Perigeux x Lordanos x Werther)

At only thirteen Grace Collins is developing into an all-round equestrian doing well in dressage, eventing and showjumping.

• Read more about THE YOUNG ONES - aiming for dressage success