Canadian driver Kelly Houtappels-Bruder has reclaimed top place in the FEI Driving Singles World Ranking, moving ahead of Mario Gandolfo (SUI) with 84 points to his 74. Houtappels-Bruder had previously secured top spot in the World Rankings in November 2022.
Kelly Houtappels-Bruder and Flip. (©S. Bailly/Centaure Production)
Originally from Ariss, ON, the 41-year-old who now lives in Steensel, NED, has had a banner season, winning the CAI3* at Haras du Pin in France in July and the CAI3* in St. Margarethen, Austria, in August, both against large international fields. She also had a pair of second-place finishes at Buhl and Wettringen in Germany earlier in the year. She has been partnered with Flip (Fidertanz x Carprilli), a 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding she co-owns with Frank Houtappels, since 2016.
“This was our last international competition of the season and it was so nice finishing the season this way,” Houtappels-Bruder remarked after her latest win. “The entire year has gone well, but we always had one phase that didn’t quite go according to plan – our progress ultimately peaking at the right moment gives a shot of confidence going into next year and ultimately the 2024 World Championships in Le Pin au Haras in September.”