FEI Rankings Update for December 2023

Jumping: Ben Maher closes the gap with Henrik von Eckermann

Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) maintains his position at the top of the Longines Rankings for yet another month (3386 points). However, the gap separating him from second-placed rider, Ben Maher (GBR), has narrowed to just 136 points, the smallest lead for the Swede in recent months. In just one month, Britain’s Ben Maher has reduced the difference with Swedish leader by 258 points, thanks to impressive performances including a second-place finish in the Madrid leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™. It’s worth noting that just seven months ago, von Eckermann achieved the largest-ever recorded lead on the runner-up, with 593 points separating him from then second-placed rider Julien Epaillard (FRA).

USA’s Kent Farrington (USA) holds on to third place for second month in a row, with 3119 points, while Swiss riders Steve Guerdat (3037 points) and Martin Fuchs (2945 points) switch positions in the fourth and fifth places, respectively. The same goes for Julien Epaillard (2928 points) and the American McLain Ward (2895 points), who occupy the sixth and seventh positions, while Simon Delestre (FRA) and Max Kühner (AUT) maintain their eighth and ninth positions, with 2754 and 2740 points respectively. Shane Sweetnam (IRL) closes the top 10, climbing one position with 2715 points.

On the Canadian side, Tiffany Foster retains her lead, but has slipped slightly from 17th to 19th place, while Erynn Ballard has improved her position from 45th to 36th, as has Amy Millar (73-61) and Mario Deslauriers (84-67).

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Dressage Athletes: Jessica von Bredow-Werndl remains No.1

No major changes in the top 5 for the Dressage World Ranking for Athletes during the last month. Von Bredow-Werndl (GER) remains at the top with the same 2197 points. Charlotte Fry (GER) consolidates her second place and Nanna Skodborg Merrald (DEN) holds her third place. Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) and Isabell Werth (GER) complete the top 5, occupying the fourth and fifth positions, respectively.

The only Canadian in the top 100 is Ryan Torkkeli, who moved from 90th to 82nd; his mount Sternenwanderer also moved up from 101-93 on the horses’ list.

Dressage Horses: Glamourdale chases down TSF Dalera BB

While Jessica von Bredow-Werndl leads the Athlete Ranking, her mare TSF Dalera BB still dominates the Horses’ Ranking, accumulating 2197 points. Nanna Skodborg Merrald’s Gelding Blue Hors Zepter climbs back into second place with 2034 points, closely followed by Imhotep, Charlotte’s Dujardin’s Gelding (2024 points). Glamourdale, Charlotte Fry’s black stallion and former number 1, has stepped back into fourth place with 2007 points, while DSP Quantaz retains the last spot in the Top5.

Eventing: GBR continues to dominate, Oliver Townend leads the pack

For the third consecutive month, British rider Oliver Townend remains at the top of the Eventing Ranking, with the same 569 points he had a month ago. As has been customary in recent months, the British contingent boasts seven athletes within the Top 10. Alongside Townend, Rosalind Canter closely follows in second place with 546 points, Tom McEwen in fourth, Harry Meade in fifth, Piggy March in sixth, Wills Oakden in seventh, and Laura Collett in tenth.

The only non-British athletes in the Top 10 are the American Boyd Martin in third place, Tim Price (NZL) in ninth place, and the standout in the December ranking, the Frenchman Maxime Livio, who climbs nine positions to secure eighth place.

Canadian riders sit 40th (Colleen Loach), 57th (Karl Slezak) and 93rd (Jessica Phoenix).

Driving Four-in-Hand/Pairs/Singles: Exell, Hölle and Houtappels-Bruder remain at the top

All three Driving Rankings have the same leaders as last month: Kelly Houtappels-Bruder (CAN) remains at the top of the Singles discipline on 72 points, two months after unseating Mario Gandolfo (SUI). Meanwhile, Boyd Exell (AUS) and Martin Hölle (HUN) continue to maintain their strong leadership of the Four-in-Hand and Pairs Rankings, respectively.

Endurance: Theolissat retains leadership

Melody Theolissat (FRA) is the leader of the Endurance Ranking for one more month with 1262 points. Her compatriot Julia Montagne is chasing the top spot closely with 1163 points, while Gil Berenguer (ESP) is sitting comfortably in third place (997 points). Nicolas Ballarin (FRA) and Constanza Laliscia (ITA) switch positions in the fourth and fifth places, respectively.

Canada now has a rider in the top 100: Yvette Vinton sits in 79th place (previously 152nd) following the Pan Am Endurance Championships in Llay Llay, Chile, in November where she rode Alcazar Richarson to 14th place.

Para-Dressage: Rihards Snikus remains a solid leader

Rihards Snikus (LAT) continues to lead the Para Dressage Rankings, 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 still dominate the leaderboard with a total of 1327 points. The USA is now second (1321 points), while Germany follows closely on 1313 points.

Top Canadians in this discipline are Roberta Sheffield (34th overall and 7th in the Gr. III), Jody Schloss, GR. 1, 27th), Laura Hall (39th, Gr. IV) and Eleonore Elstone (48th, Gr. V).

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~ with files from FEI Communications