Wim Verwimp and Jedai de Massa selected for the World Championships in Aachen
We are proud to announce that Wim Verwimp and Jedai de Massa have been selected to represent the Belgian dressage team at the FEI World Championships in Aachen.
A special word of thanks goes to owner Eon Jin Chin and J-Tack Korea. Their trust in Wim, Jedai and the entire team behind this partnership allows them to continue working and competing at the highest level of international dressage.
The World Championship selection crowns an exceptionally strong period for Wim and Jedai. This year, they became Belgian Champions in the Senior Grand Tour, marking Wim’s first Belgian senior title in 32 years. Shortly before that, they had already made a lasting impression at the CDIO in Lier. There, they contributed to Belgium’s victory in the Nations Cup and concluded the weekend by winning the Grand Prix Special. For Wim, it was one of the most meaningful victories of his career.
“The victory at the CDIO in Lier was very important to me. It may even be the most beautiful victory we have achieved together. Combined with the Belgian title, it confirms that we are heading in the right direction. In Aachen, we hope to continue along the same path and perhaps perform even better.”
A special comeback at the highest level
The selection for Aachen makes Wim and Jedai’s story even more remarkable. Wim last competed internationally in 2014, after which he spent many years focusing primarily on training and coaching other riders and horses. In 2024, following a ten-year break, he returned to international dressage with Jedai de Massa.
His last appearance at a major international championship dates back to 2009. At the time, he represented Belgium with Maxwil V at the European Championships in Windsor, where the Belgian team finished eighth. Seventeen years later, Wim returns to a major championship, this time competing with Jedai de Massa at the World Championships in Aachen.
What began as an unexpected combination has developed into a highly successful partnership. Jedai was originally intended as a horse for Jorinde Verwimp, but the sensitive gelding ultimately proved to be the perfect match for Wim. Without putting too much pressure on him, and with patience, trust and enjoyment at the heart of their training, the pair gradually progressed to the highest level of the sport.
Relaxation and enjoyment as part of the preparation
The past few weeks have not been about endless training inside the competition arena. Since Rotterdam, Wim and Jedai have only trained in the arena a few times. Most of their work has taken place outdoors, in the fields and on the grass.
This variety clearly benefits Jedai. Outside, he can relax, play and enjoy his work. Wim notices that it helps him move with greater enjoyment, confidence and suppleness. That is exactly the feeling they want to take with them to Aachen.
“I really enjoy riding outside and playing with him a little on the grass. You can feel that Jedai truly enjoys it and that it gives him even more pleasure in his work. For me, that positive feeling is more important than training hard every single day.”
The team result is also very important to Wim. Belgium will travel to Aachen with four strong combinations. Together, they hope not only to perform well individually, but also to achieve a strong team result and take an important step towards the 2028 Olympic Games.
“We have a strong team and very good people around us. It would be fantastic to achieve a great result together. After all these years of hard work, we hope to show in Aachen what Belgian dressage is capable of.”
The Belgian dressage team for the World Championships in Aachen
Jeroen Devroe – Lestor
Breeder: A.P. van Herpen
Owners: Johan Devroe and Denise Reusens
Larissa Pauluis – Flambeau
Breeder: J. van Eijkelenburg
Owners: Caroline Lepage and Emmanuel Lepage
Justin Verboomen – Zonik Plus
Breeder: Dressage Plus
Owner: Justin Verboomen
Wim Verwimp – Jedai de Massa
Breeder: Sylvain Massa
Owner: Eon Jin Chin, J-Tack Korea
Non-travelling reserve
Tommie Visser – Karma Begijnhoeve
Breeder and owner: Stoeterij de Begijnhoeve
Everyone at Dressuurstal Verwimp is incredibly proud of Wim, Jedai and all those who contribute to this partnership every day. Once again, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Eon Jin Chin and J-Tack Korea for their trust and for making it possible to work together at the highest level of the sport.
Following the Belgian title and the victory at the CDIO in Lier, a remarkable new chapter now begins: Wim’s first major international championship in seventeen years.
On to the World Championships in Aachen! 🇧🇪
