With just four months to go before the FEI World Championships in Aix-la-Chapelle, the FEI Nations Cup Dressage makes a crucial stop in Fontainebleau—and not just any stop. With a five-star lineup, dressage in Europe is shifting into high gear.
A lineup worthy of a championship
Some competitions carry extra weight. Fontainebleau 2026 clearly falls into that category.
The field looks more like a final than a mid-season leg. Reigning European champions Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus will lead Belgium, while Great Britain brings serious firepower with Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale, one of the sport’s star combinations, alongside Carl Hester and Fame.
Germany, as ever, arrives with formidable depth: Isabell Werth, a true institution in global dressage, will be partnered with Wendy de Fontaine, leading an experienced and highly competitive squad.
In short, Fontainebleau isn’t just another stop. It’s already a full-scale test.
France at home: between pressure and progression
Hosting is one thing. Delivering is another.
For this first Nations Cup leg in Fontainebleau, the French team arrives with a balanced but still developing lineup: Pauline Basquin (Sertorius de Rima Z Ifce), Alexandre Ayache (Ruling Olivia), Bertrand Liegard (Ginger) and Alizée Roussel (Bel Amour).
The objective is clear: build momentum ahead of the World Championships—and, if possible, do it in front of a home crowd.
« Fontainebleau is a unique venue, steeped in history, with exceptional competition conditions », as Alexandre Ayache puts it.
Translation: no excuses, but a real opportunity.
All eyes on Aachen
It’s impossible to talk about Fontainebleau without looking ahead. In four months, the FEI Dressage World Championships will take place in Aachen, the absolute temple of the discipline.
Every test, every score, every detail already feeds into preparation. Riders aren’t just chasing points, they’re validating systems, testing horses, and fine-tuning routines.
Belgium, led by Verboomen, also fields Larissa Pauluis (Flambeau), Wim Verwimp and Charlotte Defalque (Valentin).
Germany counters with a deep squad including: Frederic Wandres, Benjamin Werndl, Svenja Kämper-Meyer alongside Werth.
Great Britain completes its team with Fiona Bigwood and Lewis Carrier.
Outsiders with real ambitions
Seven nations in total, and none just making up the numbers.
The Netherlands, Spain, and especially Portugal arrive with serious credentials. The Portuguese trio, João Pedro Moreira, Maria Caetano, Vasco Mira Godinhoall sit within the world’s top 40. They’re not here to participate, they’re here to compete.
In a Nations Cup where every point matters, teams like this can quickly turn the hierarchy upside down.
Mais la quinzaine du Printemps des Sports Équestre ne s’ouvre pas qu’avec les têtes d’affiche du dressage puisqu’à côté du 5* il y a également un CDI 3*, un CDI 1* et des CPEDI 3* et 2*. Il y en aura vraiment pour tout le monde du côté du Grand Parquet.
The program and results of the CDIO 5* in Fontainebleau here
(Photos © PSE/PSV)
