After six selection competitions of the Subli Young Dressage Horse Series, the semi-final was held on Saturday in Harmelen. In the four-year-old category, the convincing victory went to Rituals De La Fazenda (by Magnum De La Fazenda) ridden by Thalia Rockx. The best five-year-old was Perfect Ritme (by Lord Europe), presented by Kim Noordijk.

Both age categories in the semi-final, for which fifteen combinations per category qualified through the selections, were judged by Janine van Twist and Adriaan Hamoen. “We saw many horses with a lot of quality, with the leading groups standing out. We were able to prioritize both quality and harmony,” says Janine van Twist. “The great thing about the Subli Series is that it’s not just about the horse’s quality but also about the technical execution, it’s both. It also gives riders insight into whether their training is on the right track. We saw a very nice group and I think a strong delegation for Amsterdam.”

Four-Year-Olds

Rituals De La Fazenda, ridden by Thalia Rockx, achieved the highest score of 81.8. Rufus Van ‘T Houtsche (by Jameson RS2), presented by Lotje Schoots, followed with 77.6 in second place, and two combinations scored 76.2. After applying the tie-break rule, Razzmatazz (by Vitalis) with Kim Noordijk placed third and McMary (by McLaren) with Phoebe Peters fourth.

“Thalia rode a very neat test. Her horse was relaxed and ridden from the hand, this was truly a well-rounded performance,” continues judge Van Twist. “Rufus from Lotje is already very advanced technically, and Lotje has a lot of experience. Her horse is well-trained and shows great talent. Razzmatazz from Kim and McMary from Phoebe are two very different horses. Razzmatazz is bold and can already collect more, which made the transitions more engaged. McMary is super elegant and performed a lovely test, but in the end, it was very close.” The fifth combination qualifying for Amsterdam is Daxx (by Dynamic Dream) with Kim Alting, scoring 75.6.

Five-Year-Olds

Among the five-year-olds, three combinations scored above 80, with the winner being Perfect Ritme ridden by Kim Noordijk with 82.6. Bart Veeze guided Roman Empire (by Romanov) to second place with 80.6, followed by Pino (by Blue Hors Farrell) and Mascha van Es with 80.2.

“Perfect Ritme has competed more and gained experience, and this horse always had quality, but it has to come together at the right moment. As a combination, they’ve really grown since last summer, and Kim was able to keep riding smoothly. Roman Empire is also a lovely horse, and Bart is very experienced. They also showed a fine test,” says Van Twist, who also praised the third-place finisher. “Pino is a nice horse and forms an elegant combination with Mascha. She also rode harmoniously and with finesse.” The other two combinations qualifying for Amsterdam are Hexagons Popeye (by Double Dutch) with Margriet Simonse (fourth with 76.4) and Succesion (by Secret) with Dinja van Liere (fifth with 76.2).

Final

The top five in both age categories have earned a coveted spot in the final, which will take place on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Jumping Amsterdam.

Results of the Subli Series Semi-Final, Harmelen, December 13, 2025

Four-Year-Olds:

1. Thalia Rockx, Rituals De La Fazenda (by Magnum De La Fazenda) – 81.8
2. Lotje Schoots, Rufus Van ‘T Houtsche (by Jameson RS2) – 77.6
3. Kim Noordijk, Razzmatazz (by Vitalis) – 76.2
4. Phoebe Peters, McMary (by McLaren) – 76.2
5. Kim Alting, Daxx (by Dynamic Dream) – 75.6

Five-Year-Olds:

1. Kim Noordijk, Perfect Ritme (by Lord Europe) – 82.6
2. Bart Veeze, Roman Empire (by Romanov) – 80.6
3. Mascha van Es, Pino (by Blue Hors Farrell) – 80.2
4. Margriet Simonse, Hexagons Popeye (by Double Dutch) – 76.4
5. Dinja van Liere, Succesion (by Secret) – 76.2