The Dutch rider was impressive in the final events of the World Cup season, securing a victory in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, and had continued his form by topping the standings at the end of Friday’s opening competition.

However, the 42-year-old’s advantage over his nearest rivals Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Patrik Kittel, both of Sweden, was extremely narrow to make the Grand Prix Freestyle test today all-important.

Minderhoud proved able to cope under the pressure at the Scandinavium Arena by earning a final score of 82.357 on his horse Glock’s Flirt.

It was enough to claim the overall World Cup Final title, with Vilhelmson-Silfven forced to settle for second position on 81.429.

“It was really special for me, this was my sixth final and I’ve never been on the podium, although I was twice really close,” said Minderhoud, a team gold and individual bronze medallist at last year’s FEI European Championships.

“I started off as a groom and it was always my dream to win it so it’s very emotional.

“The horse is almost like a dog, you can take him everywhere.

“He’s very sweet and always tries for you, he’s a really good boy.”

Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, the bronze medallist in 2015, claimed the final podium position after ending on 80.464.

Kittel was left disappointed after scoring 78.948 to finish outside the medals in fourth.

Tomorrow will see the World Cup Jumping Final draw to a close.