For the first time, Belgium will be represented in each of the six disciplines featured at the World Equestrian Championships in Aachen.
At the 10th edition of the Equestrian World Championships, which will take place this year in Aachen, Germany, Belgium will send a delegation of around 200 people, including 29 riders and 42 horses.
This major competition, organised every four years by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), will bring together the world's elite athletes in six disciplines: show jumping, dressage, eventing, para-dressage, driving and vaulting.
Having won at least three medals across the last five editions, Belgium intends to maintain its standing and demonstrate its ambitions with a large delegation that will, for the first time, compete in every discipline on the programme through 23 August 2026.
Dressage
Justin Verboomen, voted Rider of the Year in 2025 with his horse Zonik Plus, will spearhead the Belgian delegation. A double European champion and world number one, Verboomen is the leading favourite for the world title in dressage. Jeroen Devroe (Lestor), Larissa Pauluis (Flambeau) and Wim Verwimp (Jedai de Massa) complete the Belgian squad.
Show Jumping
In the quest for medals, both individually and as a team, Belgium will rely on Pieter Devos (Casual DV Z), Nicola Philippaerts (Katanga), Abdel Saïd (Wathan Quaker Brimbelles), Thibeau Spits (Impress-K) and Emilie Conter (Portobella van de Fruitkorf).
Eventing
With Lara de Liedekerke (Kiarado d’Arville), the recently crowned Belgian champion who recorded 21 victories in 2025, a world record, Belgium can realistically aim for a podium finish. She will be joined by Maarten Boon (Gravin van Cantos), Wouter De Cleene (Ragdoll de Tamise), Senne Vervaecke (Google van Alsingen) and Karin Donckers (Leipheimer), who, at the age of 55, will be competing in her ninth World Championships.
Para-Dressage
Barbara Minneci (Freiherr) will lead the Belgian team in Grade III alongside Emma Vercammen (Odin). Kevin Van Ham (Eros) and Francesca Vanhoeck (Fastlane) will compete in Grade V.
Driving
Following the bronze medal won in 2022, the Belgian driving team will attempt to return to the podium with a line-up led by Dries Degrieck, Glenn Geerts, Tom Stokmans and Sam Gees.
Vaulting
For the first time at a World Championships, Belgium will field a full team in the vaulting events, featuring Jolien Aerts, Lauren Vanlerberghe, Auke Talpe, Saar Borgmans, Lotte Berghman-Pukova and Zita Goffaux. The first two named riders will also compete in the individual competition.
