DEVOS GP

Let us introduce you to  a horse who knows he’s talented… and is enjoying every minute of it.
Meet Lieven — known in the ring as DEVOS GP Ridden and Owned by Brook Dobbin.

Lieven wasn’t bred to blend in. He is by Dieu Merci van T&L Z, a stallion who competed and won at the very top of international sport, including CSI5* and Global Champions Tour level. A son of Toulon, his bloodlines are built on power, scope and a strong sense of self-belief. Out of Close Up Z, Lieven’s pedigree is modern, sharp and very much aimed at serious jumping.

Lieven was imported to Australia from the breeding stable of Lieven Devos in Belgium as an unbroken 3 year Colt by Brook and Ange, with a clear long-term plan in mind. Brook has brought him up from unbroken to what we are seeing as a superstar in the making From the outset, he was identified as a horse for the future, not one to be rushed. He has been brought along carefully and methodically, with every decision made to set him up for longevity at the top of the sport.. After being gelded in Australia, Lieven’s jump has continued to improve — becoming more consistent, more focused and more powerful — reinforcing that the patient approach was exactly the right one.

In the ring, Lieven likes to keep things interesting. Between the fences, he occasionally has a little play — a glance, a pause, a reminder that he’s feeling good and thinking for himself. Nothing silly, nothing dramatic — just enough personality to keep his rider awake. 

When it’s time to jump though, there’s no messing around. He locks on and delivers.

2025 marked an important milestone when Lieven started in his first World Cup qualifier, stepping up to the bigger tracks and confirming that the long-term plan is very much on track. 2025 Also saw him crowned leading Victorian Horse!

Now, to life outside the arena — where Lieven’s character really shines.

Lieven is very loved by Brook, and he knows it. He’s cheeky, confident and comes with some very specific ideas. Case in point: Not Brook leading him? then Lieven requires a very particular halter to leave the paddock — a pony-style halter sourced from Chase Equestrian (with eternal thanks to Ella for the rope-leather halter recommendation). Put the wrong halter on? Lieven simply turns his head, slips away, and disappears like a naughty pony with somewhere better to be. Correct halter on? Perfect gentleman. His rules, not ours.

Bugs are also firmly on Lieven’s list of unacceptable things. His tolerance is zero. In his mind, bugs are dangerous, unnecessary, and should be removed immediately. Whether one is actually present is irrelevant. No rug means a problem; rug on means the situation is under control. Once that box is ticked, Lieven is perfectly reasonable again.

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Food is another passion. Lieven loves it — enthusiastically. So much so that, like a puppy who eats too fast, he now has a slow hay feeder, because otherwise dinner would be gone in record time and he’d still be asking what’s next.

From European bloodlines to stallion import, from cheeky youngster to World Cup debutant, DEVOS GP is still very much writing his story. He’s learning, improving, jumping bigger tracks — and keeping everyone entertained along the way.

And we can’t wait to see Lieven back in the arena at the GDP Classic — where the fences are serious, the pressure is real, and a bit of personality is always welcome.

Photo Credit

#3 - Ozshots