FEI Rankings Monthly Update – September 2023
The FEI oversees around 70 Rankings and Standings across all the disciplines, from World Rankings calculated on a monthly basis for Athletes, Horses and/or combinations, to league, team and regional based standings for Series such as the FEI World Cup™ and FEI Nations Cup™, as well as a variety of youth categories, among others.
You will find below a snapshot of the main movers and shakers for the month of September 2023 in the senior World Rankings, as well as a special spotlight on the FEI Para Dressage World Individual Ranking – Grade V and a rising star form The Netherlands for this month’s special “Ranking Spotlight”.
Longines Rankings: Steve Guerdat ascends to the top 3
Swiss equestrian legend Steve Guerdat has made an impressive leap, surging nine positions to secure the coveted third spot in the Longines Rankings with a total of 2972 points. His rise follows a triumphant victory at the FEI Jumping European Championship held in Milan, Italy. Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) maintains his firm grip on the top spot with a commanding 3410 points. Meanwhile, Julien Epalliard from France, who claimed the third spot at the European Championship, remains in second place but has significantly closed the gap with the Swedish leader, narrowing it to a mere 227 points—the slimmest margin in recent months.
British rider Ben Maher has also orchestrated an impressive climb, propelling himself from ninth position to secure a strong fourth-place ranking with 2961 points. His rise alongside Guerdat in the top 4 has had an effect on several riders, namely Swiss rider Martin Fuchs, who has dropped from fourth to fifth place on 2886 points; McLain Ward (USA) from fifth to sixth with 2851 points; and Harrie Smolders (NED) taking the plunge from 3rd to seventh with 2838 points.
Rounding out the Top 10, Kent Farrington (USA) remains in eighth place with 2813 points, followed by Simon Delestre from France in ninth place on 2709 points, closely followed by Shane Sweetnam of Ireland in tenth position with 2701 points.
FEI Dressage World Ranking – Jessica von Bredow Werndl Maintains Her Leading Position
The accomplished German athlete retains her position at the pinnacle of the World Ranking for yet another month, boasting an impressive 2145 points. Close on her heels is Nanna Skodborg Merrald (DEN), who has achieved the highest ranking of her sporting career with 2044 points. Meanwhile, Charlotte Fry (GBR) slips one spot to secure third place with 2027 points. The legendary figures of Isabell Werth (GER) and Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) complete the top 5, occupying the fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
FEI Dressage World Ranking – Horses: TSF Dalera BB holds firm at the Top
While von Bredow-Werndl leads the athlete ranking firmly, her mare TSF Dalera BB is not left behind in the horse ranking, accumulating 2145 points. Blue Hors Zepter (1983 points) also mirrors Skodborg Merrald’s position, and Charlotte Fry’s Glamourdale does the same with 1923 points.
FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings: Ros Canter takes the lead
Rosalind Canter’s (GBR) remarkable performance at the recent FEI Eventing European Championship hosted in Haras du Pin (FRA) has propelled her to the top of the global rankings, dethroning Tim Price (NZL) with an impressive 541 points. Price now occupies the second position with 486 points, while Oliver Townend (GBR) ascends to third place with a total of 478 points. Tom McEwen (GBR) slips down two positions to claim the fourth spot with 469 points, meanwhile Tamra Smith (USA) climbs into the top 5 (she was previously sixth) on a score of 447 points.
FEI Driving World Ranking – Four-in-Hand / Pairs / Singles: Kelly Houtappels-Bruder, new Singles leader
Kelly Houtappels-Bruder (CAN) has unseated Mario Gandolfo (SUI) from the top spot in the global Singles ranking, courtesy of her recent triumph in St. Margarethen (AUT). Meanwhile, Boyd Exell and Martin Hölle continue to maintain their strong leadership of the the Four-in-Hand and Pairs Rankings respectively.
FEI Endurance Open Riders: Theolissat Takes the Crown from Julia Montagne
French athlete Melody Theolissat has claimed the top spot in the Endurance ranking with 864 points, dethroning her compatriot Julia Montagne, who now holds the third position with 816 points. Nestled between them is yet another French athlete, Nicolas Ballarin, boasting 830 points. This French trio is closely followed by the Spanish tandem of Gil Berenguer (773 points) and Omar Blanco (726 points).
FEI Para Dressage World Individual & Team Ranking: Rihards Snikus stays at the top
Rihards Snikus (LAT) continues to reign at the top, a position he earned a few months ago, with 1678 points. Meanwhile, Sara Morganti (ITA) successfully holds on to second position on 1630 points, while Kate Shoemaker (USA) remains in third. In the Team Ranking, it’s the Netherlands who currently dominate the leaderboard with a total of 1327 points. Germany and the USA are tied on second position with 1313 points.
Ranking Spotlight
Britney de Jong, the Para Dressage athlete hailing from the Netherlands, has made a remarkable ascent from tenth to second place in the FEI Para Dressage World Individual Ranking – Grade V. Throughout the year 2023, De Jong has demonstrated remarkable consistency and frequent podium placings, achieving noteworthy triumphs in Waregem (BEL) and Kronenberg (NED).
Her partnership with her Gelding Caramba has proven to be formidable, and at the youthful age of just 22, Britney de Jong is firmly establishing herself as a rising Dutch talent.
You can check all FEI Rankings here