The eventing calendar gains a significant new fixture in 2026 as Millstreet International Horse Trials in Ireland prepares to host the inaugural FEI Eventing World Championship for U25s from 22-26 July. Run at CCI4*-S level, this championship addresses a long-standing gap in the sport's development pathway, offering riders their first true team championship experience between Young Rider level and Senior competition.&nbsp;
The importance of this new category extends beyond simply adding another event to the calendar. For years, talented riders have faced a big transition from Young Rider championships to Senior level without a stepping stone. The U25 Worlds creates exactly that opportunity, allowing emerging talent to learn the pressures and protocols of championship eventing while competing against peers.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Germany's Championship-Tested Leaders</h2>
Early form indicators suggest Germany will arrive at Millstreet with serious medal ambitions. Calvin B&ouml;ckmann, the current FEI U25 World Number One, produced the highest-rated performance by a U25 rider at CCI4*-S level in 2025.&nbsp;
<img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/cc68463a-1a22-4697-a016-822a6201b33a.png?width=1980&amp;height=1268" alt="U Q H4 I the Highest Rated Performances by U25 Riders at Cci4 S Nbsp Nbsp in 2025 Nbsp ">
<img style="float: right; width: 50%; margin-left: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;" src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/7c78590d-ac9f-4171-8048-e992390d9ad6.png?width=2542&amp;height=1836" alt="Hpr High Performance Rating (2)"> His 98 HPR at Arville aboard The Phantom of the Opera stands as the year's benchmark. His career-best HPR also came in 2025 when he finished 4th individually at the Senior European Championships. That Senior Championship debut has given B&ouml;ckmann invaluable experience under pressure, and paired with his elite cross country speed and clean show jumping record, it makes him one of the leading contenders.
Another headline act for Germany is Libussa L&uuml;bbeke who brings gold medal experience to the equation. A sports soldier at Warendorf alongside B&ouml;ckmann, L&uuml;bbeke was part of the German team&mdash;with Michael Jung, J&eacute;r&ocirc;me Robin&eacute;, and Malin Hansen-Hotopp&mdash;that claimed gold at the European Championships in Blenheim. Her 95 HPR aboard Caramia 34 at Arville shows she can produce elite CCI4*-S performances in her own right, reinforcing Germany's depth heading into Millstreet.
<img style="float: right; width: 35%; margin-left: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;" src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/f037c644-e0f0-44eb-a608-8cde1ad8ed50.png?width=984&amp;height=1360" alt="Ay Xzr Average Hpr of Each Nation S Best Four Performances">
Germany's strength is measurable as well as visible. When taking each qualified rider's best HPR at CCI3*-L level and above, and averaging the top four scores per nation, Germany leads the field with an average of 94 - the highest of any nation. It reflects not just one standout performance, but sustained elite-level quality across their likely team.
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Great Britain's Depth&nbsp;</h2>
At this early stage, the qualification numbers tell a compelling story about British Eventing&rsquo;s production line. With 26 riders already qualified&mdash;compared to nine each for the USA and Germany&mdash;Great Britain has huge depth.
The average HPR of their top four eligible riders sits at 91, placing them firmly among the leading contenders and demonstrating that quality matches quantity.
Alice Casburn represents perhaps the most intriguing British prospect. A proven performer at five-star level with five top-ten finishes including four at Burghley, she could be tempted to focus on the four-star level this year as her partner Topspin turns 18. Championship experience runs deep for this combination: Topspin competed at both Junior and Young Rider European Championships, claiming individual bronze at the latter. For Casburn, the U25 Worlds would represent the natural next step in a progressive championship pathway that has already proven successful.
The British depth chart extends well beyond the headline names, with five additional riders posting standout four-star performances in 2025:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">Barnie Brotherton &amp; DHI King Nelson - 92 HPR&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr">Tom Woodward &amp; Low Moor Lucky - 90 HPR&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr">Jago Jackson &amp; Glynndale Prometheus - 88 HPR&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr">Tara Dixon &amp; Master Smart - 87 HPR&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr">Anya Strilkowski &amp; K - 85 HPR&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Each has demonstrated the ability to produce high-quality CCI4*-S performances, giving British selectors enviable depth as they shape a four-rider championship team.
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">The Wider Competitive Picture</h2>
While Germany and Great Britain dominate early discussions, several other nations have athletes capable of disrupting the expected order. Australia&rsquo;s Oliver Barrett posted a 91 HPR at Scone in New South Wales, while Sweden&rsquo;s Amanda Andersson matched that mark with a 91 at Strzegom. The US is represented by Molly Duda, whose 85 HPR at Bramham underlines the American potential.
That individual strength is mirrored in broader squad depth. France and Ireland each have six riders already qualified, giving them credible team foundations, while New Zealand and the Netherlands are also building toward competitive line-ups. With teams allowed to field three or four riders&mdash;and individuals permitted even without a full team&mdash;the championship is likely to feature a wide mix of established powers and emerging contenders.
&nbsp;
<hr>
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">A Championship with Long-Term Impact</h2>
The inaugural FEI Eventing World Championship for U25s is more than a new line on the calendar. It represents a structural shift in how the sport develops its next generation.&nbsp;
Millstreet will not simply crown the first U25 world champion - it will reveal which nations are building sustainable pathways and which riders are ready to bridge the gap to Senior competition.
In many ways, this is not just a championship - it is a preview of the sport&rsquo;s future.
&nbsp;
<hr>
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Main

The CSI5* $500,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix at Wellington is a class that has kicked off some record-breaking seasons. Last year, Kent Farrington and Greya won this Grand Prix, beating Olympic Champions Christian Kukuk and Checker 47.&nbsp;
That win didn&rsquo;t just matter on the night. It launched a season where Farrington and Greya went on to produce nine five-star wins, resetting the sport&rsquo;s single-season record. He returns as favourite to win tonight. Martin Fuchs won here with Clooney in 2019 and Kent won with Gazelle in 2017. 
<a href="https://equiratings.info/wef-week-5-fan-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
Check out the Fan Guide for the the full breakdown
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;<img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/7c600706-d7e5-4d69-b1c0-c5320abc0de9.png?width=2160&amp;height=1350" alt="Wef Graphics (3)"></h2>
</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">The favourite returns (and the numbers back it up)</h2>
<img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/7b2d4229-04b2-4777-9e67-bc61d1fdc445.png?width=1228&amp;height=1432" alt="O Io Pn Wef 5 Win Chances ">
If you want a combination that has earned the right to be called the safest bet on the property, it&rsquo;s Farrington and Greya. The EquiRatings Prediction Model gives them the highest clear-round probability in the field at 59%. The numbers expect to see them reach the Jump Off and if they do, they are 11 clears from 14 160 Jump Offs (and nine wins). They are by truely exceptional finishers. Kent has just lost the FEI World Number 1 armband to Scott Brash and a win tonight might be enough to take it back depending on how the rest of the month plays out.
<a href="https://equiratings.info/wef-week-5-fan-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check out the Fan Guide for the the full breakdown</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">A clear means history: two streaks on the line</h2>
<img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/45e32092-a9ea-427f-891a-e0f870b930d0.png?width=1260&amp;height=1472" alt="By2 Pm the Elite 10 Who Achieved the Perfect 10.. ">
For two combinations in tonight&rsquo;s field, the story isn&rsquo;t just about winning. Its about a clear in the first round and keeping an extraordinary streak alive.
Both Nina Mallevaey and Dynastie de Beaufour (10 clear rounds in a row at 5* 160 level) and Daniel Bluman and Corbie V.V. (9 clear rounds in a row at 5* 160 level) arrive in Wellington sitting on elite CSI5* 1.60m clear-round streaks.
Since 2010, only 10 combinations have managed to jump 10 or more consecutive clears at CSI5* 1.60m level.
If Mallevaey and Dynastie de Beaufour jump clear again tonight, they would produce their 11th consecutive clear, and only seven combinations have ever reached that mark.
Meanwhile, Bluman and Corbie V.V. have the chance to become only the 11th combination in recent history to reach the 10-clear milestone.
<a href="https://equiratings.info/wef-week-5-fan-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check out the Fan Guide for the the full breakdown</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">The wildcard with the perfect record (and a model that isn&rsquo;t convinced&hellip;yet)</h2>
<img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/b0054ee5-fe23-4944-a76d-4243512af1fe.png?width=1362&amp;height=1486" alt="Av I Gv Wef 5 the Ones on Form ">
Every great Grand Prix needs one storyline that doesn&rsquo;t fit neatly into the numbers.
Tonight, that role belongs to Richard Vogel and Gangster Montdesir.
The EquiRatings model gives them a more cautious clear-round probability of 38%, largely because there is a smaller sample size at this specific height.
But their form tells a different story.
In their last 12 months of CSI5* 1.60m competition, they are 3 from 3, with a 100% clear rate. The computer calls him a risk, but it is one we are watching closely. This horse who only made his five-star Grand Prix debut in late 2025.
<a href="https://equiratings.info/wef-week-5-fan-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check out the Fan Guide for the the full breakdown</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">How many clears should we expect?</h2>
Over the last 10 years, the average Round 1 clear rate in this class is 23%, and the EquiRatings model is predicting 10 clears tonight. That isn&rsquo;t unheard of at five-star level, but it does matter because it shapes the class. A jump-off of 10 creates pressure.
It&rsquo;s big enough that riders can&rsquo;t just &ldquo;go steady and hope&rdquo;, but small enough that every rail in Round 1 feels expensive.
<a href="https://equiratings.info/wef-week-5-fan-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check out the Fan Guide for the the full breakdown</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">The jump-off specialists&nbsp;</h2>
<img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/90d7f910-94bd-46ef-ab3b-cdaacd6c8ddf.png?width=1250&amp;height=1486" alt="H6ax M Wef 5 Grand Prix Who S Good in a Jump off ">
If Round 1 is the gateway, the jump-off is where conversion matters.
And in tonight&rsquo;s field, there are combinations who are statistically terrifying once they get there.
The benchmark is still Farrington and Greya:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
14 times they have been in a 160 Jump Off
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
11 clears (A 79% jump-off clear rate)
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
9 wins
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
11 podiums
</li>
</ul>
But maybe more under the radar is McLain Ward and High Star Hero. Their jump-off record is simple and ruthless:
3 wins from 7 jump-offs. McLain Ward has more WEF International wins since 2016 than any other rider. 44 wins from 497 starts coming into what will be a milestone weekend. Ben Maher to end a long wait tonight?
Enjeu De Grisien has a 100% Jump-Off Clear Rate (4 for 4) and 100% Podium Rate (4 Podiums in 4 Attempts). He doesn't make mistakes when the pressure is on but equally, it has been too long a wait to win a big one for the former World number 1 and former Olympic champion. Final Jump off mention, watch out for Mimi Gochman if she makes it through. She will be last to jump round 1 and she has four clears from 5 jump offs at this level.
<a href="https://equiratings.info/wef-week-5-fan-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check out the Fan Guide for the the full breakdown</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Tomorrow&rsquo;s Headlines</h2>
This Fidelity Investments Grand Prix has become a rare moment in the season where the result can mean more than the prize money. Sometimes it crowns a champion. Sometimes it signals a record-breaking year.
And tonight, with Greya returning, streaks on the line, and a wildcard trying to stay perfect, it feels like one of those Wellington evenings where a big story is about to unfold.
<a href="https://equiratings.info/wef-week-5-fan-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check out the Fan Guide for the the full breakdown</a>

Greya Returns, Streaks On The Line, And A Wildcard With A Perfect Record

The Fidelity InvestmentsⓇ CSI5* Grand Prix at the Winter Equestrian Festival holds a unique place on the five-star calendar. Positioned early in the year and contested against consistently elite fields, it has become more than a prestigious standalone victory. A look back at the past ten winners reveals a clear pattern: success in this Grand Prix has often been the first signal of seasons that deliver sustained dominance, and in some cases, performances that rewrite the record books.
<img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/8cc856d7-bd19-4aca-9afe-d1e7d4e3b2a9.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="14">
<h2>2025: Kent Farrington &amp; Greya Reset the Records</h2>
The most striking recent example came last season. When Kent Farrington and Greya won the Fidelity Investments CSI5* Grand Prix in 2025, few could have predicted just how historic the year ahead would become.
That Wellington victory proved to be the opening chapter of a season unlike any previously recorded. By the end of the year, Farrington had secured nine five-star Grand Prix or World Cup victories, surpassing the long‑standing record of eight wins that he himself first set in 2017 and was again, the top ranked rider in the world.&nbsp;
Greya&rsquo;s achievements elevated the season even further. With seven five-star Grand Prix victories in a single calendar year, she became the most successful horse ever recorded at five-star level in one season, breaking the previous benchmark of six wins held by Gazelle in 2017. What began under the Florida sun culminated with victory in the Rolex Grand Prix of Geneva and an early favorite for the 2026 Aachen World Championships was confirmed.&nbsp;
<h2>2019: Martin Fuchs&rsquo; Seven‑Win Season</h2>
In 2019, Martin Fuchs arrived in Wellington after opening his five-star campaign with a World Cup victory in Europe at Basel with Clooney 51. The pair&rsquo;s success in the Fidelity Investments CSI5* Grand Prix at WEF was Fuchs&rsquo;s second major win of the season and an early indication that he was stepping into the very top tier of the sport. ​ From there, Fuchs kept adding to the season tally with wins in Lyon, Geneva, Cascais, Madrid and ultimately London. Across different venues and atmospheres, the then 27‑year‑old converted opportunity into results time and again, eventually closing out the year with seven five-star Grand Prix and World Cup wins. Week 5 in Wellington was again, an early launchpad.&nbsp;
<h2>2017: Kent Farrington &amp; Gazelle Set The Benchmark</h2>
Before Greya rewrote the limits of what was possible, it was Kent Farrington and Gazelle who set the benchmark. Their victory in the 2017 running of the Fidelity Investments CSI5* Grand Prix during Week 5 at WEF also proved to be a cornerstone of a landmark season.
That year, Kent went on to record eight five-star Grand Prix or World Cup wins, the highest total ever achieved in a single season at the time. The record would stand until Farrington surpassed it himself in 2025. Gazelle&rsquo;s role in setting that original benchmark places the 2017 WEF victory firmly within a broader pattern of early‑season success translating into year‑long dominance.
<h2>A Consistent Signal of What&rsquo;s to Come</h2>
Across the past ten editions of the Fidelity Investments CSI5* Grand Prix, the evidence is compelling. These wins are rarely isolated moments. Instead, they frequently precede seasons defined by multiple five-star victories, sustained competitiveness in the sport&rsquo;s strongest fields, and historic milestones at the highest level.
<img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/7c600706-d7e5-4d69-b1c0-c5320abc0de9.png?width=2160&amp;height=1350" alt="Wef Graphics (3)">
As the next chapter of the Winter Equestrian Festival unfolds, the Fidelity Investments CSI5* Grand Prix once again stands as an early indicator, not just of who is in form, but of which partnerships may go on to shape the season ahead.
<a href="https://equiratings.info/wef-week-5-fan-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/cfc12952-9c33-401e-bfc2-26b768f1e899.png?width=6051&amp;height=1000" alt="Get More Insights in the WEF Fan Guide"></a>

A Grand Prix That Sets the Tone: WEF’s Proven Launchpad for Historic Seasons

Between the US Equestrian Open Series, the FEI World Championships in Aachen, and a growing class of talented young horses, there&rsquo;s no shortage of stories to follow as we build towards LA28.
Here are six US horses turning heads in 2026.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<hr>
&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">1. Jaguars Duende</h2>
Age: 10 | Level: Just moved up to 4*
Rider &amp; Owner: Sharon White
Why Watch: One of the most exciting horses yet to fully break through. With two 4* shorts already under her belt&mdash;second in Ocala, first in Tryon&mdash;Jaguar&rsquo;s Duende has built a near-perfect international record. Out of 14 international starts, Jags has never finished outside the top five.
Why Now: After not being seen since May 2025, Jags is back and already winning at national level. Expect a big step into the 4* season. Listen to Sharon White talk about Jaguars Duende on the US Equestrian Open Podcast last year<a href="https://podfollow.com/the-us-equestrian-open-podcast/episode/80abec70212d973d234e1607b04a91035f0b50ee" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> here.</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">2. Rockett 19</h2>
Age: 11 | Level: Established at 3*, watch for their move up to 4*
Rider: Alyssa Phillips Owner: Julie and Alyssa Phillips
Why Watch: Rockett 19 is already an eye-catcher on the flat, but it&rsquo;s his record with Alyssa that&rsquo;s turning heads - two wins (with a dressage score as low as 22.3!) and a second-place finish in the CCI3*-L at Maryland last autumn. Formerly ridden by Louise Romeike, this horse has the look and results of a future star.
Why Now: He&rsquo;s right at the age sweet spot. The competitive 11-year-olds in 2026 are your LA prospects. If Rockett adapts well to 4*, he could be a serious contender for not only championship teams but titles.
<h2 dir="ltr">3. Diabolo</h2>
Age: 14 | Level: 4*
Rider: Will Coleman&nbsp;
Owner: Diabolo Group
Why Watch: A Kentucky 4*-S winner in 2024, Diabolo missed most of 2025 but returned at the end of the year with a bang: a 26.1 dressage and double clear to win the CCI4*-S at TerraNova. His form is elite, and he&rsquo;s experienced on the tough US tracks.
Why Now: This is his time. He&rsquo;s Will&rsquo;s middle horse between rising stars and veterans like Off The Record. If Will wants options for World Champs selection, Diabolo has to deliver in early 2026.
<img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/158224e5-64e6-4f5e-8681-0d4b868a952a.jpg?width=1600&amp;height=1071" alt="Diabolo Kentucky2024 Web Optimized">
<h2 dir="ltr">4. HSH Sebastian (Formerly MBF Silver Bridge)</h2>
Age: 9 | Level: Established at 3*, watch for their move up to 4*
Rider: Caroline Pamukcu
Owner: Gayle Davis, Sherrie Martin, and Caroline Pamukcu
Why Watch: Quietly one of the most consistent 3* performers of 2025, this young horse is now ready for its 4* debut. Never out of the 20s on the flat, top-10 finishes in all but one event last year, and a clear path to 4* level in 2026. He was originally sourced in Ireland by Caroline&rsquo;s longtime business partner Kelly Hutchinson, who had a personal connection to the horse&rsquo;s sire, Savano. Seb was bred with scope and stamina in mind - traits that are now being matched by growing confidence and class.
Why Now: Caroline Pamukcu is an expert at producing young superstars and managing their step up to the 4* level - just look at HSH Blake. Expect Seb to follow a similar path and become a regular on the US Equestrian Open circuit.
<blockquote>
"When we first got him, he would stop at a cross rail and be really nervous to jump anything and now I feel like this horse would jump through fire for me. I think the feeling that he gives me is that he could be a proper five-star horse. So that's what we're all getting excited about. We're trying not to put the cart before the horse, but we're thinking big picture with him. Ideally this year, we would like to get him really established at the three-star level and then look at doing a four-star move up."
</blockquote>
<h2 dir="ltr">5. MBF Party Time</h2>
Age: 9 | Level: 3* | Based: UK (with Tim &amp; Jonelle Price)
Rider &amp; Owner: Cosby Green&nbsp;
Why Watch: 5th at Le Lion d&rsquo;Angers in the 7yo World Championship in October, this horse looked spectacular in all three phases - especially the cross-country. Cosby has been building experience in the UK, and this is one of the best young horses in her string.
Why Now: With the Under-25 World Championships off the table, all eyes are now on her senior team trajectory. Expect her to target this horse at Blenheim or Boekelo towards the end of the year. Get to know the name now.
<h2 dir="ltr">6. Conner</h2>
Age: 9 | Level: Established at 3*
Rider: Isabelle Bosley
Owner: Karen Martin
Why Watch: Winner of the CCI3*-L at Maryland 2025 which was the <a href="https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/the-crystal-ball-how-data-predicts-the-next-generation-of-us-superstars" target="_blank" rel="noopener">highest rated performance from US 7&ndash;10 year olds last year.</a> Out of 8 international wins, he has had four wins. A super mover on the flat, Conner has never been out of the 20s in dressage.
Why Now: With backing from the Bruce Duchossois legacy grant, a brilliant mentor in Phillip Dutton, and a horse like Conner, this is a team going places fast.
<blockquote>
"The 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games could be a possibility, but if not, then the Games after that. I&rsquo;d also love to get on other U.S. teams. The sky is the limit with him and, under Phillip, we&rsquo;re in the best place to get there. Coupled with this grant to help support us, it&rsquo;s all so exciting. Even though I have all these big goals, I&rsquo;m still mindful to put Conner first every day. Sometimes the slower route gets you there quicker. Hopefully, we will move up to the advanced level this year, and then maybe set some overseas goals after that.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
&nbsp;
<hr>
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6 US Horses to Follow in 2026

With a CSI5* Fidelity Investments Grand Prix on the horizon at WEF Week 5, the numbers point clearly towards one thing: quality.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/1abc1d19-2de2-4478-a813-3a7ee2c4dc7a.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Stars of the Show 2">
 Using the EquiRatings Jumping Elo rating, the sport&rsquo;s gold-standard performance metric, these are the 10 highest-rated horses in the field this weekend, each bringing a proven record at the very top of the sport.
<h2>1. Greya &amp; Kent Farrington</h2>
There&rsquo;s no escaping the headline act. Greya arrives at WEF Week 5 as the highest-rated horse in the field, partnered once again with Kent Farrington, current World No.2, having only just been dethroned at the top.
What makes this pairing particularly compelling is the timing. It was this very Grand Prix last season that kick-started a record-breaking 2025 campaign, one that saw Farrington and Greya redefine what was possible at CSI5* 160 level. Their consistency against elite opposition is reflected clearly in the numbers: a 55% clear rate at five-star 160s and a proven ability to peak on the biggest nights.
If history is anything to go by, this is where momentum begins.&nbsp;
<h2>2. Dynastie de Beaufour &amp; Nina Mallevaey</h2>
Few combinations arrive with more quiet confidence than Nina Mallevaey and Dynastie de Beaufour. They are currently riding a clear-round streak at CSI5* 160 level, underlining both form and reliability at the very top of the sport.
They have jumped clear in their last 10 rounds at CSI5* 160 level, a feat only matched by 10 other horses in the last 15 years. This run of form includes their first-ever CSIO5* Grand Prix victory in the Rolex Grand Prix of Brussels and the double clear they produced to help Team France take the win in the Nations Cup as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Dynastie de Beaufour&rsquo;s Elo rating reflects a partnership that continues to strengthen with every major appearance, and Week 5 represents another opportunity to convert consistency into a headline result.
<h2>3. Katanga v/h Dingeshof &amp; Nicola Philippaerts</h2>
Experience counts, especially under the lights at WEF. Katanga v/h Dingeshof and Nicola Philippaerts bring one of the most established five-star partnerships in the field, with over 130 CSI5* 160 rounds together.&nbsp;
That depth of experience translates into trust, composure, and the ability to deliver when the pressure ramps up. A 46% clear rate at this level, across such a large sample, underlines just how reliable this pairing has been over time.
<h2>4. Corbie V.V. &amp; Daniel Bluman</h2>
On paper, Corbie V.V. boasts the highest career clear rate of this week&rsquo;s field, albeit from a smaller sample size, but the signs are unmistakably promising.
This partnership has already made serious waves on the MLSJ circuit in particular, delivering a remarkable run of clears against strong opposition. With clears and Top 10 finishes in their last 8 runs in five-star Grand Prix or World Cup classes, Corbie V.V. and Daniel Bluman look every bit like a combination on the rise.
<h2> 5. Qonquest de Rigo &amp; Bertram Allen</h2>
Still just 10 years old, Qonquest de Rigo already sits as the second-highest-rated 10-year-old horse in the world. Here in Florida, the pair has already shown strong form with a second place finish in last weekend&rsquo;s CSI4* $215,000 MARS Equestrian Grand Prix.
Bertram Allen has carefully produced this horse into the five-star arena, and while the clear rate tells part of the story, the Elo rating highlights something deeper: performance relative to opposition. Qonquest de Rigo isn&rsquo;t just competing at this level, he&rsquo;s holding his own against the very best.
<h2>6. Jordan Molga M &amp; McLain Ward</h2>
An intriguing storyline this week comes from a fresh new partnership. McLain Ward will be campaigning Jordan Molga M, a horse that up until 2 months ago competed under Stella Wasserman and, earlier in 2025 under Nicolas Delmotte.
While this pair have yet to make their CSI5* Grand Prix debut together, they have already picked up two CSI5* Top 10 finishes in 150/155 classes out in Thermal late last year. This weekend marks an important data point in what could become a very significant partnership.
<h2>7. Enjeu de Grisien &amp; Ben Maher</h2>
Ben Maher and Enjeu de Grisien bring depth, experience, and a quietly strong record at five-star level. They produced a crucial double clear to help Team GB take the win in the prestigious BMO Nations&rsquo; Cup of Calgary, Spruce Meadows, and were clear over fences in the Rolex Grand Prix of Geneva late last year to finish inside the Top 12 on 1 time penalty.
Ben Maher has already shown strong WEF form this season, notably aboard Ginger-Blue, who brought home two CSI4* 150 wins last weekend, now it&rsquo;s Enjeu de Grisien&rsquo;s turn to produce the goods.
<h2>8. Pacino Amiro &amp; Bertram Allen</h2>
Pacino Amiro offers a contrast to Allen&rsquo;s younger contender, bringing extensive five-star mileage and a proven track record across major venues and isn&rsquo;t a stranger to winning at five-star level here at the Wellington International.
In 2021 and 2022 this pair won the CSI5* Grand Prix classes during WEF Week 7, proving their success under the Saturday Night Lights.
<h2>9. Portobella v/d Fruitkorf &amp; Emilie Conter</h2>
The Wellington International arena will always hold a special place in the hearts of Emilie Conter and Portobella v/d Fruitkorf. This is the stage where they claimed their first-ever CSI5* Grand Prix victory last season, announcing themselves on the biggest stage.
Since that win, they have gone on to be a key player in Belgium&rsquo;s success in five-star team competitions.
Now, returning to familiar ground, Emilie Conter and Portobella bring both confidence and proven five-star success, a dangerous combination under the lights.
<h2>10. Highway TN &amp; Lillie Keenan</h2>
Rounding out the top 10 is another exciting new partnership. Highway TN and Lillie Keenan are making their CSI5* debut together, but they arrive off the back of already winning at National Grand Prix level under the lights here two weeks ago.
The Elo rating highlights this horse&rsquo;s underlying quality, while this weekend provides the first real look at how this partnership translates onto the five-star stage.
<h2> What&rsquo;s At Stake?</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Can Kent Farrington &amp; Greya continue their 2025 form and defend their title in the Grand Prix? Can Nina Mallevaey &amp; Dynastie de Beaufour jump an 11th consecutive clear round at CSI5* 160 level? Can Daniel Bluman &amp; Corbie V.V. jump a 9th consecutive CSI5* Grand Prix clear round?</li>
</ul>
<h2>The Bigger Picture</h2>
Elo doesn&rsquo;t just reward wins, it measures difficulty, consistency, and performance against strength of field. That&rsquo;s what makes this top 10 such a compelling snapshot of WEF Week 5.
Some are proven five-star winners. Others are just beginning their journey at this level. All of them, by the numbers, are right where the spotlight should be.

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