At the end of last year, we saw the eight-year-old stallion Zonik Plus and Belgian rider Justin Verboomen claim victory in the World Cup Grand Prix with 74.348%. Justin has been working with Zonik for the last six years. This Grand Prix victory was just four weeks after the partnership’s CDI Grand Prix debut.
Zonik Plus is an eight-year-old Hanoverian stallion. His father, the Dutch Warmblood Glock’s Zonik N.O.P, unfortunately, passed away in July of 2021 at only thirteen years old. Glock’s Zonik N.O.P. underwent surgery, and although it was successful, he sustained severe injuries in recovery, breaking both hind legs. Euthanasia was the only option.
Zonik Plus had become a very influential stallion in Danish breeding in his own right. He won the Danish Dressage Championships at four with 9.3 points, including a 10 for his trot. He also won the Danish Stallion Licensing. In 2017, he made his international debut with Edward Gal. He was then the Dutch Champion for three consecutive years. As an eight-year-old, he competed in the World Equestrian Games and the European Championships.
Zonik Plus’ dam, Heideblume, is the daughter of Trakehner stallion Hohenstein I. In 2002, Hohenstein I was Trakehner Stallion of the Year; he was the Vice-Champion of the 1994 Stallion Performance Test and, like his grandson, went on to compete at the Grand Prix level.
Zonik and Justin Verboomen had a successful 2024, including winning the Platinum Cup at the Belgian Championships in Lier.
“I have been waiting my entire life to find a horse like him.” @justinverboomen
Congratulations to Zonik Plus, Justin and their team! There is undoubtedly more to come from this combination.