Minderhoud’s team-mate Diederik van Silfhout had produced an excellent performance to top the leaderboard during the early stages of the competition, after delivering a routine short on errors.

He was rewarded for the composed performance on top of Arlando NOP with a score of 80.150, placing him above Beatriz Ferrer-Salat in the overall standings, with the Spaniard having achieved 79.325.

Van Silfhout would remain at the top of the leaderboard until the 14th and final rider of the event.

On his horse Glock’s Flirt, Minderhoud was able to produce an excellent freestyle performance to eventually overhaul his compatriot’s tally, with the judges giving him a score of 81.775 to take the win.

“I realised we would have to be really good to beat him, but my horse was really with me,” said Minderhoud.

“He’s been working great at home, so we just had to go in there and do our job.

“It’s happening a month earlier than normal so that’s great because it’s close to the end of the season and my horse is feeling really good.”

The win saw Minderhoud end the Western European League season on a tally of 70 points, with Germany’s Isabell Werth ending top on 77.

Germany's Jessica von Bredow-Werndl completed the top three by finishing with 66 points.

The victory will give Minderhoud confidence heading into the FEI World Cup Dressage Final, which is scheduled to take place from March 23 to 28 in Gothenburg, Sweden.