Univé Prix Grand Prix for Indoor Friesland ambassador Dinja van Liere
The final regular event of day one of Indoor Friesland 2025 has concluded: the Univé Grand Prix. The level of competition increased steadily today at the WTC Expo in Leeuwarden, but the very highest levels of dressage were also showcased for the public, guests, and judges. It remained exciting until the very last combination, but Dutch rider Dinja van Liere took victory in the Univé Grand Prix. Dinja saddled the stunning twelve-year-old stallion Imposantos (by Wynton) for this event. The duo achieved a score of 69.00%.
Second place went to Germany. Laura Strobel and the thirteen-year-old mare Sisters Act Mt Old (by Sandro Hit). Their score was 68.89%. Third place also went to a Dutch combination. Marieke van der Putten and the ten-year-old stallion Kuvasz RS2 NOPT (by Glamourdale) scored 68.65%.
Only one year of combination
Dinja: “I'm thrilled with this victory. I don't feel any extra pressure being an ambassador for this show, I just want to perform well. For my horse, my team, and myself. We don't have much experience together yet, and the goal is, of course, to keep improving. It was quite exciting, because the last combination was still very good, but luckily the victory went to Imposantos and me. We've been a combination for almost a year now, and you need that time to become a combination. I think it's really great how it's going. Imposantos is a very nice, sweet horse who always tries his best. He's a pleasure to work with and has wonderful owners who are also here. They enjoy him as much as I do, and I'm happy about that. That makes it more likely that they won't just sell him.”
Different characters
I ride a lot of stallions, and I enjoy it. Stallions and geldings are a bit more uncomplicated than mares and often want to show off more. However, they're certainly not all the same. Red Viper, whom I'm riding tomorrow at the Wolvega Horse Clinic Team Challenge, is a bit of a wimp; he has a soft heart. Imposantos is very gentle, and Hermès and Mauro are very macho.
Ambassador
I have a busy weekend here in Leeuwarden. I've brought three horses with me and also have my ambassadorial duties, which I really enjoy. When Yvonne van Bergen asked me, I didn't hesitate and immediately said yes. Regarding my ambassadorial duties, I have to judge the final of the Epplejeck Viertallen Cup. Something completely different, but also very enjoyable.
Photos: Digishots
Text: Media team Indoor Friesland
