03/09/2025
This text, which was published in French is so the truth for me!
When I (Pip Easton) went to Europe in 2008 to follow the Classical System with French Master Philippe Karl, his program was the epitome of Respect to the Horse and was EXACTLY what I was searching for.
Based on everything I learnt in the 5 years with him, it shifted me into understanding more of what the horse is showing me and how to train with clear and fair aids, coming sense and logic.
The below article is exciting in the change of times we see across this planet right now - finally I feel humanity is catching up and waking up!
For the Horses… Read below ⬇️
"Mediocrity is not a part of love. And without love you can't create a work of art! " Nuno Oliveira.
Written by Léa Forge:
Justin Verboomen shines as an important figure in the world dressage today. His path led him to the top of a discipline, which is going through a key moment when dressage seems to need a sincere renewal !
What he achieved with his horse Zonik Plus goes beyond mere athletic performance. Together they stand for fairness, quality and harmony, values that are deeply rooted in classical riding education.
For those who know him, this success is no surprise. You know that this cometic ascent was a matter of time, because his riding reflects his clear, precise and respectful approach that unites classicism and modernity.
Events like this are very rare in the history of equestrianism. A rider like Justin Verboomen only happens once in a hundred years, who combines both the principles of classic dressage riding and the modernity of contemporary dressage so purely and perfectly. Justin and Zonik Plus embody the great philosophy of Nuno Oliveira.
This master of classical equestrianism from another era devoted his life to the search for perfect harmony with the horse, based on balance, respect, fairness and physical and mental ease.
Today Justin takes on these principles and updates them by fitting them with the realities of modern dressage. For him relaxation and the intimate connection between the rider and the horse are at the heart of dressage riding. What he is looking for most is not just success or rankings, but the quality of emotion and expression that the horse conveys, this subtle dialogue in which everyone is there for the other, supports and understands him. When one weakens, the other is there for him, in a mutual trust that goes beyond pure riding technique and is deeply rooted in the true art of riding.
With Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus and what you see from both is more than just pure equestrian mating: it is the perfect expression of an ideal of balance, harmony and quality that carries the promise of a bright future for dressage.
An evolution, characterized by grace, precision and mutual respect, a fleeting but eternal work of art in the hearts of enthusiasts.
Thanks to Justin Verboomen for being an inspiration. His path shows that riding with respect for the horse is possible and has a future. The future of dressage will depend on how we all commit and strive to always put the welfare of the horse at the centre of our doing and actions.
"Mediocrity is not a part of love. And without love one cannot create a work of art. » Nuno Oliveira.
Léa Forge
