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.”
Following the Le Pin victory she thanked her “right hand gal” Meike Paridaans “for saving my ass in obstacle 3”, plus supporters and sponsors, in an Instagram post. “I’m a pretty lucky girl to have such a great team around me!!”
World Rankings here.
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