November carved its place in show jumping history with unprecedented streaks, milestone achievements, and rising stars making their mark. From unbeaten veterans to nine-year-old sensations, this month showcased the sport's depth and brilliance across three continents
<h2>United Touch&rsquo;s Unstoppable November</h2>
November has been an incredibly successful month for the sensational pair that is Richard Vogel &amp; United Touch S. In only their second Western European World Cup qualifier together, they claimed their second victory in Lyon.&nbsp;
Their success streak didn&rsquo;t end there. Two years after their victory in the World Cup qualifier on home soil in Stuttgart, the pair entered the competition as favourites to win once more. Carrying on on the form from Lyon, they claimed victory there once more. From the three Western European World Cup qualifiers, Vogel &amp; United Touch S have competed in, they have won every one.
Their upward trajectory on the highest level has allowed United Touch S to significantly increase their Elo rating and enter the elite group of Top 5 rated horses in the world with an Elo rating of 778. To this day, United Touch S has won every five-star 160 jump-off he has jumped clear in.
<img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/97e5d948-1c39-49d4-988d-8be786a1a58d.png?width=1508&amp;height=1280" alt="6 Rws P Top 10 Elo Rated Horses in the World ">
<h2>Smolders&rsquo; Silver Linings: Monaco&rsquo;s Remarkable Record</h2>
Stuttgart proved fruitful ground for the incredible Dutch pair that is Harrie Smolders &amp; his loyal partner, Monaco N.O.P.&nbsp; After finishing second in Friday&rsquo;s Grand Prix, they were the runners up to Richard Vogel &amp; United Touch S in the World Cup qualifier.&nbsp;
While Smolders &amp; Monaco have yet to claim a victory at five-star 160 level, their record of runner-up finishes at this level is nothing short of outstanding. On 11 occasions, they have finished second on some of our sport&rsquo;s biggest stages.
On an Elo rating of 766, Monaco N.O.P. ranks just outside the Top 10 Elo-rated horses in the world.
<img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/c7e05650-4e91-41d6-a20d-ba779aba8591.png?width=1542&amp;height=1170" alt="Y X1y4 Monaco N O P S 11 Runner up Finishes (1)">
<h2>Forza Italia: The Odense Odeveld Story</h2>
On the topic of impressive records &amp; runner-up finishes, we cannot ignore Emanuele Camilli &amp; Odense Odeveld. Odense Odeveld is one of the Top 5 highest-rated 10-year-old horses in the world and despite his young age has already represented Italy at two major championships: the European Championships on home soil in Milan and at the Paris Olympic Games.
Over the course of the 2024 season, the pair have claimed two second place finishes in CSI5* Grands Prix in Mexico.
Italy has claimed their spot in the 2025 season of the Longines League of Nations. As Odense Odeveld currently ranks as the second-highest rated horse in Italy on an Elo rating of 746, he will likely be a key player on that circuit.&nbsp;
<img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/27f391b8-9c58-47ab-be20-a25baace9a17.png?width=1508&amp;height=1340" alt="C0 Z4 E Top 10 Elo Rated Horses in Italy">
<h2> Madrid Magic: Bucci&rsquo;s Breakthrough</h2>
Emanuele Camili &amp; Odense Odeveld are not the only players that have earned Italy their spot on the Longines League of Nations 2025 season. In the World Cup qualifier of Madrid, Piergiorgio Bucci &amp; Hantano claimed their first-ever World Cup victory.
With an Elo rating of 717, Hantano is now the #3 rated horse in Italy.
<h2> The Nine-Year-old Wonder: Foxy&rsquo;s Final Flourish</h2>
We cannot talk about outstanding November moments, without mentioning Victor Bettendorf &amp; Foxy de la Roque&rsquo;s sensational victory in the LGCT Super Grand Prix of Riyadh, beating some of the sport&rsquo;s most established combinations. At just nine years old, Foxy de la Roque has followed an extraordinary ascent to the upper level.&nbsp;
She has only competed in four five-star competitions in her career, she has already won four of the five 160 classes she has competed in. With this outstanding record, she has boosted herself to become the joint highest-rated 9-year-old horse in the world.
After Bettendorf &amp; Foxy&rsquo;s win in Riyadh, it was announced that the CHI Geneva would be their last competition together, as Foxy de la Roque will move to the stables of US Team Olympic Silver medalist, Karl Cook.
<img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/0d42ef93-e85d-4fce-b4d7-0087ca1c7933.png?width=1508&amp;height=1312" alt=" Top 10 Elo Rated Nine Year Old Horses in the World">
<h2> The American Dream: Caracole de la Roque &amp; Karl Cook</h2>
The same weekend his new acquisition won the LGCT Super Grand Prix, Karl Cook won the World Cup qualifier on home soil in Arcadia on a different de la Roque home-bred, Caracole de la Roque.&nbsp;
This pair have had an incredibly successful 2024 season with a highlight at the Paris Olympic Games, where they were a last-minute substitute and performed exceptionally to help Team USA claim the Olympic Team Silver medal. They were one of just three horses to enter the Individual Final on an entirely clean slate.
With 9 clears at five-star 160 from 13 rounds jumped in 2024, they maintain an impressive clear rate of 69%. Caracole de la Roque is the joint highest-rated horse in the USA with an Elo rating of 766.
<img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/e3e73451-7257-4c1e-8ebf-a12fc68b97e6.png?width=1508&amp;height=1404" alt="Top 10 Elo Rated Horses in the Usa">
<h2>Three Times a Charm: Greya&rsquo;s Grand Prix Hattrick</h2>
Caracole de la Roque shares her title of highest Elo-rated horse in the USA with Greya. In November, Kent Farrington &amp; Greya claimed their third Grand Prix victory of the year in the CSI4* of Wellington. Earlier this year, they had already claimed victories in the Rolex Grand Prix of La Baule &amp; in the World Cup qualifier of Traverse City.
Greya&rsquo;s Elo rating of 766 also makes her the second-highest rated 10-year-old horse in the world.&nbsp;
<img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/33d67b25-a7a6-4c7a-b2e1-52cf605ddb8b.png?width=1508&amp;height=1312" alt="L9 Efy Top 10 Elo Rated Ten Year Old Horses in the World">
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<h2>Point Break&rsquo;s Power Play</h2>
The only 10-year-old horse in the world to currently rank higher in the Elo ratings than Greya, is Point Break. After a run of successes, Ben Maher's Point Break has built an Elo rating of 768 to not only go to the top of the 10-year-old rating, but has also broken through the Top 10 of the overall ratings.
After a five-star victory in Lyon, followed by a second place finish in the World Cup of Verona and four five-star 160 clears added to their record during the GCL Super Cup in Riyadh, Point Break is a horse to keep an eye on as we head into CHI Geneve.
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<h2>Century Club; Beauville&rsquo;s Elite Milestone</h2>
In last weekend&rsquo;s World Cup of Madrid, the double Olympic medalists Maikel van der Vleuten &amp; Beauville Z N.O.P. completed their 100th round at five-star 160 level.&nbsp; After producing their 57th career clear at this level, they claimed their 14th individual podium finish with a third place. They are currently the 34th combination to reach the milestone of 100 five-star 160 rounds since 2010.
With an Elo rating of 789, Beauville Z N.O.P is the second-highest rated horse in the world. It is the highest rating Beauville has ever achieved &amp; earns him a spot in the All-Time Top 10.
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<h2>The King&rsquo;s Path to 100</h2>
To match Maikel van de Vleuten &amp; Beauville Z N.O.P. 's milestone, Henrik von Eckerman &amp; King Edward are due to jump their 100th five-star 160 in La Coruna this weekend. So far, they have jumped 65 of those rounds clear and are going for their 66th clear at this level to bring their career clear rate to 66%.
With a current Elo rating of 814, King Edward is by far the highest-rated horse in the entire world. Earlier this year, the King achieved an Elo rating of 822, a record unmatched by any other horse.
<img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/ae9f59bd-607f-4701-8f53-30ec89be73b2.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="King Edward's 100">

Key Moments Show Jumping Horses and Riders November 2024

A November to Remember: Records, Milestones & Rising Stars

Main

This prestigious event will welcome some of the world&rsquo;s finest riders, including Switzerland&rsquo;s Steve Guerdat, currently ranked world number two, as well as former world number ones Martin Fuchs (SUI), Marcus Ehning (GER), and Daniel Deusser (GER). Adding to the star-studded line-up are double Olympic bronze medallist Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) and Spanish favourite Eduardo &Aacute;lvarez Aznar, who will be looking to impress on home soil.
<h2> Key Contenders: Superstar Horses and Emerging Talent</h2>
Taking centre stage in Madrid is Beauville Z N.O.P., the highest-rated horse competing this weekend. Joining the action is Bond Jamesbond de Hay, who has already claimed a World Cup qualifier win this season in Oslo. Belgium&rsquo;s Gregory Wathelet, currently sitting third in the league standings, will aim to bolster his position as he eyes qualification for next year&rsquo;s World Cup Final in Basel.
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<h2>The Return of Cayman Jolly Jumper</h2>
One of the most exciting storylines this weekend is the return of Cayman Jolly Jumper, ridden by France&rsquo;s Simon Delestre. After nearly six months away from international competition, this distinctive and highly talented horse made a quiet comeback at a two-star event last weekend and now steps back onto the five-star stage. Known for his unique jumping style, Cayman Jolly Jumper was once tipped as a strong prospect for France&rsquo;s Olympic team. While the pairing narrowly missed Paris 2024, fans will be eager to see them in action in Madrid.
<h2> Funky Fred&rsquo;s New Chapter with Cian O&rsquo;Connor</h2>
Another eagerly anticipated debut comes in the form of Funky Fred Marienshof, who will make his first five-star appearance with Irish rider Cian O&rsquo;Connor. After successful outings at three- and four-star levels on the Sunshine Tour, this promising new partnership is poised to impact the world stage. O&rsquo;Connor, a seasoned professional with a track record of success, will look to establish a strong connection with Funky Fred this weekend.
<h2> Beauville Z N.O.P.&rsquo;s Brilliance: A Statistical Powerhouse</h2>
Beauville Z N.O.P. continues to set the standard for five-star competition. Across 99 top-level rounds, this remarkable horse has achieved 56 clear rounds; a feat that far exceeds the 26 clears expected from the average five-star 1.60m competitor. Madrid will likely mark Beauville&rsquo;s 100th appearance at this level, and all eyes will be on whether the horse can add another clear round to its impressive record.
<h2>Riders to Watch</h2>
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<ul>
<li>Kim Emmen (NED) and Imagine: Following a standout summer season, this pair continues to perform at an elite level, maintaining a clear round rate significantly above the norm.</li>
<li>Jeanne Sadran (FRA) and Dexter de Kerglenn: Known for their speed and agility, this combination has the potential to upset the leaderboard.</li>
<li>Cian O&rsquo;Connor and Funky Fred Marienshof: Their five-star debut adds a fresh layer of intrigue as they aim to establish themselves among the world&rsquo;s best.</li>
</ul>
<h2> What to Expect</h2>
Madrid&rsquo;s renowned course designers are sure to present a challenging test, which has historically resulted in tightly contested competitions with only a few clear rounds. This year promises more of the same, with a field stacked with exceptional talent ready to rise to the occasion.
<h2> A Showcase of Excellence</h2>
The sixth leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Western European League promises to deliver a captivating weekend of equestrian sport. With stars like Beauville, Cayman Jolly Jumper, and Funky Fred taking to the arena, Madrid is set to host a competition that will live long in the memory.
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Madrid World Cup Preview: Beauville Z Eyes Historic 100th Round

<h2>A New Leader of the 10-Year-Old Ranking</h2>
<h3>Point Break Breaks Through</h3>
One of the talking horses of the LGCT Play Offs in Riyadh this weekend undoubtedly was Ben Maher&rsquo;s Point Break. The 10-year-old stallion produced four perfect clear rounds for his team, the Shanghai Swans, to help them claim the silver medal in the GCL Play Offs. The young stallion has been on a steep ascent up the ratings.
<img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/576e7ac7-779e-4d69-a80b-86b2cffb6eaa.png?width=1508&amp;height=1312" alt="8ms Rg Top 10 Elo Rated Ten Year Old Horses in the World ">
After a five-star 160 victory in Lyon, followed by a runner-up finish in the World Cup of Verona, Point Break crept closer and closer to the top of the ratings in his age category. After producing four more five-star 160 clear rounds in the GCL Super Cup, Point Break has completed the weekend on an Elo rating of 768 which was enough to overtake Kent Farrington&rsquo;s Greya (764) as the highest-rated ten-year-old horse in the world. A 768 Elo rating is also enough to rank among the Top 10 horses in the entire world and, at 10 years old, is the youngest horse in this elite list.
<img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/7c1930fe-1e37-45be-971e-664497930fb3.png?width=1508&amp;height=1280" alt="Zov H3 Top 10 Elo Rated Horses in the World">
<h3>Ermitage Kalone Enters the Top Three</h3>
However, Point Break was not the only 10-year-old to show their talent in Riyadh over the past weekend. Gilles Thomas&rsquo; Olympic stallion, Ermitage Kalone was in superb form throughout the weekend. The pair produced one of just two double clear rounds in the LGCT Super Grand Prix to finish in second place among some of our sport&rsquo;s most successful combinations. With an Elo rating of 755, Ermitage Kalone is now one of the Top 3 rated 10-year-old horses in the world.
<h2> Nine-Year-Olds Make Their Mark</h2>
<h3>Foxy de la Roque&rsquo;s Meteoric Rise&nbsp;</h3>
The younger generation was also out in full force over the past weekend. Victor Bettendorf&rsquo;s nine-year-old Foxy de la Roque took the jumping world by storm, by taking a historic victory in the LGCT Super Grand Prix. This exhilarating victory boosted Foxy&rsquo;s Elo rating significantly to become the joint highest-rated nine-year-old in the world. What makes this feat even more impressive is the fact that Foxy de a Roque has only competed in four five-star shows throughout her entire career, yet already has four five-star 160 victories to her name. An ascent rarely seen in this sport.
<img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/e4626780-7172-4d34-8ace-c760c953c3e8.png?width=1508&amp;height=1312" alt="3 Gm Po Top 10 Elo Rated Nine Year Old Horses in the World">
<h3>Rising Stars Across the Globe</h3>
Foxy de la Roque is joined at the top of the 9-year-old table by Sophie Hinners' Iron Dames Singclair. The pair produced yet another clear round for the Cannes Stars in Riyadh last weekend in the GCL Super Cup and are back at the head of the nine-year-old ranking on an Elo rating of 736.
As reflected in his name, Impress-K van't Kattenheye Z also impressed in the LGCT Super Grand Prix in Riyadh last weekend to break that 700 Elo barrier and climb up a spot in the Top 10.
Not in Riyadh, but active across the pond last weekend, Daniel Bluman's Corbie V.V. finished second in the World Cup of Arcadia to climb up a couple of places in the nine-year-old ranking and complete on an Elo rating of 714.
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The Next Generation: Rising Stars Shine in Riyadh & Beyond

<h2>GCL Super Cup: Team Dynamics Take Center Stage</h2>
The quarter-finals have already delivered drama, with two heavyweight teams - Monaco Aces and Madrid in Motion - making early exits. This means the loss of star combinations like Maikel van der Vleuten and Eduardo Alvarez Aznar's Rokfeller de Pleville Bois Margot from the team competition.
The Shanghai Swans emerged as early favorites after a commanding performance with zero penalties in the quarter-finals, featuring an impressive lineup including Point Break, Killer Queen VDM, and Electric Blue P. However, their substitution of Max K&uuml;hner with Christian Ahlmann on Mandato van de Neerheide for the semi-finals could impact their chances.
The Cannes Stars, powered by the Iron Dames, enter as series winners with impressive consistency. Their strength lies in their tight rating range, led by Sophie Hinners' Iron Dames Singclair (731) and supported by solid performances across the team.
Stockholm Hearts bring two of the highest-rated horses to the competition - Donatello d&rsquo;Auge (Julian Epaillard) and H&amp;M Indiana (Malin Baryard-Johnsson), both rated above 760. However, their significant rating range could prove challenging in a format where all scores count.
<h2> LGCT Super Grand Prix: Individual Glory at Stake</h2>
Friday's Super Grand Prix features 15 of the world's best combinations vying for individual honors. Key contenders include:
<ul>
<li>Christian Kukuk with Olympic champion Checker 47, who showed form with a strong performance in yesterday's individual class.</li>
<li>Victor Bettendorf and the remarkable Foxy de la Roque, who have won three of their four 5* Grand Prix starts</li>
<li>Max K&uuml;hner and Electric Blue P, who have demonstrated exceptional consistency with nine clear rounds from 13 starts at five-star 160 in 2024</li>
<li>Eduardo Alvarez Aznar's veteran 19-year-old Rokfeller de Pleville Bois Margot, fresh off a historic win in Rabat</li>
<li>Gilles Thomas with the promising 10-year-old Olympic star Ermitage Kalone</li>
</ul>
The course is expected to be demanding, with predictions of no more than two double clear rounds in what promises to be a thrilling competition.
<h2>The Belgian Contingent</h2>
The Belgian contingent makes a particularly strong showing in the Super Grand Prix with six riders qualified - a testament to the nation's current strength in showjumping. Among them, the battle between young horses will be particularly interesting, with Gilles Thomas on Ermitage Kalone facing off against Thibeau Spits' nine-year-old Impress-K van &lsquo;t Kattenheye.
The stage is set for an exciting weekend of showjumping, with both team and individual glory hanging in the balance. Whether the established combinations will prevail or new stars will emerge remains to be seen, but the sport's finest will undoubtedly deliver spectacular competition in Riyadh.
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LGCT Play Offs Preview: Battle for Glory in Riyadh

<h2>The Headline Act: Master vs Magician</h2>
The competition sees Richard Vogel's United Touch S, fresh from victory in Lyon, facing off against Steve Guerdat's Dynamix de Belheme, currently the third highest-rated horse in the world. This venue holds special significance for both combinations - it was here in 2022 that United Touch claimed his first World Cup victory, with Dynamix finishing joint-second. Since then, both horses have established themselves among the sport's elite, with Dynamix claiming Individual Olympic silver and United Touch adding numerous major victories to his record. Both horses are among the Top 10 Elo-rated horses in the world.
<img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/5b959535-f8e6-4107-bb02-d88a5d83f7e7.png?width=2000&amp;height=600" alt="Overview Show #7">
Vogel's World Cup record is particularly noteworthy - from just three starts in the Western European League, he has secured two victories and one second place. United Touch S maintains an extraordinary record of never being beaten in a jump-off when leaving all rails up.
<h2>Strong Supporting Cast</h2>
While the spotlight may be on the headline pair, the field is deep with talent. Harrie Smolders brings Monaco N.O.P., seeking to convert one of his eleven second-place finishes into victory. Defending champion Kevin Staut returns with Beau de Laubry Z, while other notable entries include Martin Fuchs with Connor Jei and Jana Wargers with Dorette.
The indoor arena should provide the perfect setting for what promises to be a fascinating tactical battle between the measured mastery of Guerdat and the magical touch of Vogel, with a strong supporting cast ready to capitalize on any mistakes from the favorites. The competition will not only impact the Western European League standings but could provide valuable clues about form heading into the major indoor shows at Geneva and London later in the season.
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A November to Remember: Records, Milestones & Rising Stars

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A November to Remember: Records, Milestones & Rising Stars

Madrid World Cup Preview: Beauville Z Eyes Historic 100th Round

The Next Generation: Rising Stars Shine in Riyadh & Beyond

LGCT Play Offs Preview: Battle for Glory in Riyadh

Strong Head-to-Head in Stuttgart

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