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<p>The Gothenburg Horse Show is a special event for the home riders. Last week&rsquo;s edition gave Swedish rider Henrik von Eckermann an extra boost. His Olympic and World Championship partner King Edward has set a new standard in the sport of showjumping.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><br>A New Record Elo Rating</h3>
<p>What we suspected and also secretly hoped has been achieved. After a thrilling World Cup round and jump-off, Henrik von Eckermann &amp; his World Champion King Edward finished second on home soil in Gothenburg. With this fantastic performance, King Edward has reached an Elo rating of 810, surpassing his own previous record of 809.</p>
<h3>&nbsp;<br>The Journey to 810</h3>
<p>It wasn't an overnight success. This graphic traces King Edward's performance over the past year, showcasing the ups and downs that led to the record-breaking moment. From a strong start at 795 after the Gothenburg World Cup class in 2023 exactly a year ago, breaking the 800 barrier in Omaha, to breaking Explosion W &amp; Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z&rsquo;s record of 804 in Stockholm, every step has been a testament to King Edward's consistency and skill.</p>
<h3><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/b9f39821-9050-4f6b-a654-87c5c4c67d1a?width=1600&amp;height=1600" alt="Whats App Image 2024 02 26 at 21.40.16 52430741"></h3>
<h3><br>Highs and Lows</h3>
<p>Every athlete experiences peaks and valleys, and King Edward is no exception. Despite a dip back to an Elo rating of 800 at St Tropez LGCT, his resilience shone through. The graphic depicts these fluctuations but underscores the overall upward trajectory.</p>

A New Standard: Breaking Down the Record-Breaking Elo 

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We need little convincing that the best horse in the sport of show jumping is Henrik Von Eckermann&rsquo;s <strong><em>King Edward</em></strong>. The World Champion, the World Cup Champion, and a horse that will bring a new level of noise when he enters the Scandinavium arena on Sunday. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Last year, it didn&rsquo;t go to plan &ndash; two rails down. Given the success around the world before and since, it feels natural he will want to deliver for the home fans. It will be our last chance to see him at<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Scandinavium before that Olympic showdown in Paris this summer. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We obsess over performance, and ratings, and at EquiRatings, we are preparing for a different story. On Sunday, we will all have an opportunity to see a new high bar set in performance in the modern sport. It is a chance for the greatest horse to hit a new peak, in front of one of the most passionate home crowds in the sport. </span></p>
<h1><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Evidence</span></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">To truly understand and appreciate performance, it must be measurable. Every four years there is a World Champion, but who is the greatest of these? And what about the Olympic champions? Or World Cup Final winners? Performance is something we measure every week, every round. The measurement we have developed came from chess, the Elo system. It is a points-based system which<br>focuses on quality of opponents beaten and consistency of performance.<br><br>With many different tours in the sport of show jumping, from World Cups and Nations Cups to Rolex Grand Slams and the Longines Global Champions Tour, it can be hard to follow the progress of a horse, evaluate the quality of a performance, and provide an intelligent and quantifiable answer to the question of &lsquo;who is the best&rsquo;? We call our solution to this question the EquiRatings Elo, and King Edward, with a rating of <strong><em>809</em></strong>, has achieved the highest ever value on this scale.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/0e032785-0776-4365-b38e-64743f9c8375?width=850&amp;height=803" alt="Top 10 Horses by All Time Elo"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">His closest rival, Explosion W, who is the reigning Olympic champion for Great Britain&rsquo;s Ben Maher, achieved a career-best rating of 804. He hit this level twice, once in 2019 after a five-star Grand Prix win in New York, and again in 2021 after winning the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. The rating moves in both directions &ndash; as a rating should. It is one thing to deliver a huge day, it is quite another to sustain it week to week and year to year. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<h1><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">New Heights</span></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">King Edward recorded his record-setting 809 figure when finishing second in Geneva. The normal ups and downs of performance since then saw a slip to 806, but another runner-up position at top level in Abu Dhabi earlier this month saw him jump two points back to 808. Gains are very tough and very small when you are this high on the Elo scale. So, in order to see another two-point rise in his rating, we will likely need at least a podium finish in this leg of the World Cup in Gothenburg.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/bd818cd5-2cee-400e-b9ef-606405553804?width=849&amp;height=852" alt="Top active horses in the World by Elo"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">The nature of Henrik on home soil means that we are unlikely to see another 2<sup>nd</sup> or even 3<sup>rd</sup> place finish. If he performs, he will likely be uncatchable. And if he is uncatchable, he will hit an Elo rating that not only cements his dominance in the modern sport, but it will also push him towards insurmountable territory for future generations. We may look back on Gothenburg 2024 as the moment when the all-time great reached his performance pinnacle. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>
<p><iframe id="datawrapper-chart-w8iLI" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/w8iLI/2/" height="500" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Interactive line chart" data-external="1"></iframe></p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">About EquiRatings: </span></strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">EquiRatings is a sports data and analytics company specializing in the equestrian sector. They provide performance metrics, ratings, and content tailored for equestrian events, catering to the needs of teams, events, federations, and brands involved in horse sports. The company is known for using data to enhance storytelling for equestrian brands, improving engagement with fans through award-winning fantasy apps, and aiding in the management of risk and performance improvement. <br><br>To follow their coverage of Gothenburg 2024, they publish a daily digital form guide for fans and media:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://news.equiratings.com/magazines/gothenburg-2024"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Click Here</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> <br><br>To see the data-driven chances each day:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://jumping-prediction-centre.equiratings.com/"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Click Here</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">EquiRatings Instagram:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/equiratings/"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Click Here</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Email: Shannon Gibbons | Strategy &amp; Communications<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>| shannon@equiratings.com </span></p>

King Edward to Peak at Gothenburg? 

<p>The reigning Olympic, World and European Champions play host to the world&rsquo;s best combinations in the impressive Scandinvium Arena in Gothenburg, Sweden. Who are the horses to focus on as the week unfolds?</p>
<h1>The Hometown Heroes</h1>
<h3>KING EDWARD // Henrik von Eckermann</h3>
<p>The number one rider in the world. The number one horse in the world. The reigning World Champions have been continuously breaking barriers in the sport and hold the current record for highest Elo rating ever recorded (809). Backed by a home crowd in Gothenburg, they could prove to be unbeatable.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>ZUCCERO // Rolf-G&ouml;ran Bengtsson</h3>
<p>A dependable and loyal combination for the Swedish team that helped secure the European Team Gold. A pair that is in superb form with a clear rate of over 60% at five-star 160 in the past 12 months, higher than teammate King Edward.</p>
<h1><br>The Ones on Form</h1>
<h3>DEESSE de KERGLENN // Harrie Smolders</h3>
<p>Harrie has been giving Deesse valuable experience over the past couple of months. While they have maintained a strong clear rate of 60% at 150-155 level, they have yet to produce a clear round at 160. Still, a promising horse that is stepping up to bigger things with an experienced rider.</p>
<h3>HIGHWAY TN N.O.P. // Willem Greve</h3>
<p>This horse really stepped up for Willem in 2023, while his other top horse was out due to injury. They finished in the Top 10 at the Milan Europeans and claimed a Grand Prix win on home soil in Rotterdam. They were in superb form in Amsterdam last month with a podium finish in the World Cup.</p>
<h1>The Ones to Watch</h1>
<h3>GRANDORADO TN N.O.P. // Willem Greve</h3>
<p>This could be a big weekend for Willem. One of the most consistent horses of the year 2022. Due to rider and subsequent horse injury had a lot of time off but made a victorious return to five-star level in Amsterdam last month, claiming the win in the Sunday 150 class &amp; finishing third in last weekend's 4* Grand Prix in Opglabbeek. An impressive pair that will be hungry to reproduce and improve on their 2022 season.</p>
<h3>DIALOU BLUE PS // Kevin Staut</h3>
<p>An up-and-coming young star for French rider Kevin Staut. Last year's performances saw them selected for the European Championships in Milan in September, but we haven't seen them on the international scene since. A comeback horse to keep an eye on.</p>

Gearing up for Gothenburg: Who are the Ones to Watch?

<p>As the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris approach, the equestrian world is abuzz with speculation about which top-rated horses and riders will represent each nation. Great Britain is a nation with a storied history of Olympic success. With individual golds in 2016 and 2012, and a team gold in 2012, the pressure is on. But who will make the cut for Team GB? Let's dive into the potential lineup.</p>
<h2>Ben Maher - Leading the Charge</h2>
<p>Ben Maher, the reigning Olympic champion, is in exceptional form, boasting a string of horses that would be the envy of any rider. With potential picks like the World Championship fourth-place horse, Faltic HB, and two-time five-star Grand Prix winner Dallas Vegas Batilly among others, Maher has an embarrassment of riches to choose from. The key question is, which horse will he take to Paris?</p>
<h2>Harry Charles - The Rising Star</h2>
<p>Harry Charles, already an Olympian and World Championship bronze medalist, at just 24 years of age has a formidable lineup of his own. With experienced mounts like Romeo 88 and Casquo Blue in his string as well as younger stars like Sherlock, the excitement is building around this young Brit.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>The Third Spot: A Battle Royale</h2>
<p>The question of who will fill the coveted third spot on Team GB is rife with speculation. Candidates like Tim Gredley and Medoc de Toxandria, Robert Whitaker and Vermento, and Scott Brash, with his seasoned partner Hello Jefferson, are all in the running. However, it's the emerging talents and new pairings, like John Whitaker with Arqana Riverland, that could surprise us all.</p>
<h2>Team GB's Road to Paris: A Blend of Experience and Youth</h2>
<p>As Team GB's equestrian squad shapes up for Paris 2024, the blend of seasoned champions and promising new talents promises an exciting Olympic campaign. With so much at stake, the coming months will be crucial in determining who will represent Great Britain in the quest for Olympic glory.</p>
<p><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/8d1d7189-7398-484b-8ae2-6a662aa407ad?width=1140&amp;height=1608" alt="Dm U M2 the Top 10 Highest U 160 U Elo Rated Horses in Great Britain"></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Stay tuned to our blog for more updates on Team GB's journey to Paris 2024, as we follow these remarkable athletes and their equine partners on the road to Olympic success.</p>
<p>Tune into the latest Jumping Podcast - Road to Paris special where Charlotte, Sam &amp; Diarm discuss these pairs in depth and make their speculations as to who will represent Team GB at the Olympic Games in Paris.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/29983213/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/87A93A/time-start/00:00:00/playlist-height/200/direction/backward/download/yes/font-color/FFFFFF" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>

Road to Paris: Who are the British Horses to Follow?

<p>As the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympics begins, Ireland's equestrian team is poised for an unprecedented leap towards Olympic glory. With a deep history in equestrian sports and a recent streak of record-breaking performances, Ireland's show jumping squad is shaping up to be more thrilling than ever. Here are the Irish equestrian stars you need to watch as they gallop towards Paris 2024.</p>
<h3>James Kann Cruz &amp; Shane Sweetnam</h3>
<p>Leading the charge as the highest-rated horse Ireland has had on their team since 2010, this duo is a testament to Ireland's relentless production system of both horses and riders.</p>
<h3>Legacy &amp; Daniel Coyle</h3>
<p>With back-to-back World Cup victories, Legacy and Coyle are a formidable pair that exemplifies Ireland's competitive spirit. This combination is the current standout pair in form, with 4 podium places (of which 3 wins) in under 3 months.</p>
<h3>Mila &amp; Eoin McMahon</h3>
<p>A relatively newly paired combination, Mila and McMahon are in a great support system and have already proven to be able to deal with the pressures that come with being at a major championship.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Pacino Amiro &amp; Bertram Allen</h3>
<p>A combination with vast championship experience. They represented their home nation at the Tokyo Olympic Games and were on the team at the World Championships in Herning where Ireland got their ticket for Paris.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Brooklyn Heights &amp; Denis Lynch</h3>
<p>While Denis Lynch &amp; Brooklyn Heights represented their team at the last World Championships in Herning, Denis might be looking at his newly acquired mount, Cordial for a chance to compete in Paris.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/46388a2c-7105-472c-ba82-8f8084b3b80e?width=1040&amp;height=1612" alt="7i8 E6 Top 10 Elo Rated 160 Horses in Ireland"></p>
<p>As these athletes prepare for the ultimate test of skill, teamwork, and determination at Paris 2024, the world watches in anticipation. Will Ireland's show jumping team clinch their first team medal in Olympic history? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the road to Paris is paved with hope.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Stay tuned for more updates as we follow Ireland's journey to the Paris 2024 Olympics. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and our Jumping Whatsapp Channel for the latest news and insights into the thrilling world of equestrian sports.</p>
<p>Charlotte Smet, Diarmuid Byrne and Sam Watson discuss this subject more in-depth in the latest episode of the EquiRatings Jumping Podcast. They also shine a light on some of the under-the-radar horses, before picking their own Irish dream team for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Find the EquiRatings Jumping Podcast on all podcast platforms and on Youtube.&nbsp;</p>

Road to Paris: Who are the Irish Horses to Follow?

<p>In the world of sports, where passion and performance intertwine, there emerge stories that transcend the boundaries of the game. One such story is that of Swedish rider Henrik Von Eckermann and his majestic horse, King Edward. Today, as we celebrate their extraordinary journey to becoming the world's highest-rated horse since EquiRatings metrics began in 2010, we delve into the essence of what makes sports so inspiring.</p>
<h2>Henrik &amp; the King: A legendary duo</h2>
<p>Henrik Von Eckermann's ascent to the pinnacle of equestrian sport is a tale of relentless determination and unyielding partnership with his equine counterpart, King Edward. This duo has not just conquered competitions; they have redefined excellence in equestrian sports. King Edward, with his stunning performances, has set a new benchmark on the EquiRatings Elo rating, the gold standard for evaluating equestrian performances since 2010.</p>
<p>This achievement is not merely a statistic; it's a symbol of the extraordinary bond and understanding between a rider and his horse.</p>
<h2><br>Explosion &amp; Tobago: Setting new standards in the sport.</h2>
<p>The previous Elo record belonged to Ben Maher&rsquo;s reigning Olympic Champion, <strong>Explosion W</strong>. They set a benchmark of <strong>804</strong> on the scale through a relentless display of top-level success through to their Olympic triumph in 2021.</p>
<p>The beginning of the 2023 season saw the sensational stallion <strong>Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z</strong>, ridden by Germany&rsquo;s Daniel Deusser, match the <strong>804</strong> record at the age of 15. A reflection of a career that exemplified consistency and quality.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><br>King Edward&rsquo;s Pinnacle of Performance</h2>
<p>King Edward first broke the landmark barrier when winning on home soil at Stockholm, reaching 805 for the first time in the history of this equine rating. But it was towards the end of the season that a sublime run of form in Rome, Riyadh, Prague and Geneva took this all-time great to a reading of <strong>809</strong>. Gains on the Elo scale become increasingly more difficult to achieve at the top end. The number two in the world, Harrie Smolders&rsquo; Monaco N.O.P, currently sits on a rating of 779.</p>
<p>In a sport of fine margins, one horse clearly stands alone. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>
<h2>&nbsp;<br>Celebrating the Spirit of Sports</h2>
<p>This story is a powerful reminder of why measuring performance in sports is vital. Metrics like the EquiRatings Elo do more than just quantify achievements; they provide a narrative to the journey of athletes and their companions. In equestrian sports, where the synergy between rider and horse is everything, performance metrics help fans grasp the intricacies and skill involved in each performance. They allow us to appreciate moments like Henrik and King Edward&rsquo;s rise to the top with a deeper understanding and admiration.</p>
<p>The journey of Henrik and King Edward is an embodiment of what sports are about - <em>the pursuit of excellence</em>. In sports, it's not just about the end goal but the journey towards it. It's about the early mornings, the relentless training, the appetite to compete, the resilience in defeat, and the desire to continuously learn and improve. This duo&rsquo;s story encapsulates the essence of that journey. They remind us that in sports, as in life, perseverance, partnership, and passion are the keys to success.</p>
<p>Their story also underscores the evolution of sports analytics and how vital these have become in enhancing fan engagement and understanding. In a world inundated with data, the role of performance metrics in sports has become pivotal. They allow fans, athletes, and coaches alike to track progress, identify strengths and weaknesses, and celebrate achievements in a more meaningful way.</p>
<p>Henrik and King Edward's achievements have set a new standard in equestrian sports. They have shown us that when human and animal athletes come together in perfect harmony, they can achieve the extraordinary. Their story is not just about records and ratings; it's about the spirit of sports. It's about the beauty of a bond that transcends language and species. It&rsquo;s about the magic that happens when two hearts beat as one in pursuit of a shared dream.</p>
<p>As fans of sports, we are privileged to witness such moments of greatness. They inspire us to appreciate the beauty of the sport and the dedication of its athletes. Henrik Von Eckermann and King Edward are not just champions; they are the embodiment of what makes sports so enthralling and life-affirming.<br>In celebrating their story, we celebrate every athlete who strives, every partner who supports, and every fan who cherishes these moments of pure sporting brilliance. Here&rsquo;s to the spirit of sports and the eternal quest for excellence.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>For more on the top horses currently in the sport, check out our podcast here.</p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/29609853/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/1a3852/time-start/00:00:00/playlist-height/200/direction/backward/font-color/ffffff" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Henrik & King Edward: A Testament to the Spirit of Sports & the Power of Performance Metrics

<p><br>A total of six different nations are represented in the current Top 10 Elo-rated horses, Sweden being the best represented with four horses. Meet the best horses of the moment.</p>
<p><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/122274f3-ca53-40c4-a34b-35b07eaf2b1d?width=1240&amp;height=1982" alt="D9x X9 the Current Top 10 Elo Rated Horses"></p>
<p>At the zenith is the spectacular <strong>King Edward</strong>, who has consistently proven his mettle. With a record-breaking Elo rating, King Edward is not just a winner but a trendsetter in the sport.</p>
<p><strong>Monaco N.O.P.</strong>, known for his astonishing consistency, has secured the second spot. Despite his numerous second-place finishes, his ability to come so close to victory time and again is a testament to his exceptional talent.</p>
<p><strong>James Kann Cruz</strong>, the third highest-rated horse, is a beacon of hope for Irish show jumping. His journey from a promising talent to a top contender is a story of dedication and skill.</p>
<p><strong>Hansson WL</strong> may not be as frequently seen on the circuit as his counterparts, but when he does appear, he makes a significant impact. His careful campaign strategy has earned him a spot among the best.</p>
<p><strong>Beauville Z N.O.P.</strong>, a horse that has consistently earned medals at major championships, rounds out the top five. His resilience and ability to perform under pressure are truly commendable.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Join us on the EquiRatings Jumping Podcast available on Youtube, Spotify &amp; Apple Podcasts as we delve deeper into this subject.</p>

Heading into 2024 on a High: The Top 10 Elo-rated Horses

<p>Before the 2024 season is in full swing, we want to cast one last glance at the 2023 showjumping season. Which competitions were the toughest based on field strength of the competing horses and who managed to claim a win in the year&rsquo;s toughest competitions?</p>
<h3><br>Geneva 2023 |&nbsp;Rolex Top Ten Final<br><em>Venard de Cerisy &amp; Steve Guerdat</em></h3>
<p>The IJRC Rolex Top Ten Final unsurprisingly features at the top of the list, as the competition is only open to the Top 10 riders on the FEI ranking. As only the elite get a chance to compete in this class, the prestige paired with the prize money awarded for winning serves as motivation to ensure riders save their best horses to peak for this event. With four of the Top 10 highest-rated horses in the field at the time, this was bound to be one of the top competitions of 2023.</p>
<p>It wasn&rsquo;t, however, the highest-rated horse that took the win. <strong>Venard de Cerisy</strong> entered the competition as one of the lower rated of the field, 8th in a field of 10, on an Elo of <strong>748</strong>.</p>
<h3><br>Geneva 2023 | Rolex Major Grand Prix<br><em>United Touch S &amp; Richard Vogel</em></h3>
<p>As highlighted in the aforementioned paragraph, the jumping world&rsquo;s most elite horses and riders gathered in Geneva in December. This was once again proven by Sunday&rsquo;s Rolex Grand Prix field.&nbsp;</p>
<p>With an average field strength of 747, the Rolex Grand Prix of Geneva had the highest field strength of all Grand Prix in 2023. Despite that, it was more of an underdog win. <strong>United Touch S</strong> entered the competition on an Elo of <strong>737</strong>, the 16th highest rating of the field.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><br>&lsquo;S Hertogenbosch 2023 | Rolex Major Grand Prix<br><em>HH Azur &amp; McLain Ward</em></h3>
<p>It was an exciting weekend for McLain Ward and HH Azur at the Dutch Masters, as the 17-year-old mare broke the record for oldest horse to win a Rolex Major Grand Prix. Not only that. As they had won the previous Major in Geneva, the pair was up for a bonus of &euro;500,000 as per the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Beating a strong field with a field strength of 739 proved no problem for <strong>HH Azur</strong>, who entered the competition as the third-highest rated horse in the field on an Elo of <strong>776</strong>.</p>
<h3><br>Aachen 2023 | Major Rolex Grand Prix<br><em>Stargold &amp; Marcus Ehning</em></h3>
<p>While McLain Ward &amp; HH Azur entered the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen as favourites to win and with an eye on winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping and claiming a bonus of one million euros, the reality saw them retire their round early on. This left the field wide open for others to shoot their shot.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It was a marginally smaller field strength than in &lsquo;s Hertogenbosch, as the average Elo of the Top 25 highest-rated combinations came in at 739. <strong>Stargold </strong>entered the competition on <strong>765</strong>, in the same position as HH Azur entered the &lsquo;s Hertogenbosch Grand Prix with the third-highest Elo in the field.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/965d5f12-8514-4333-a23e-17acb221121e?width=1340&amp;height=2876" alt="B5 Ipk the Top Competitions of 2023 on Field Strength"></p>

The Top Competitions of 2023 & Who Won Them

<p>Over the course of 2023, we were lucky to have seen multiple strong horses and riders produce incredible results around the globe. The EquiRatings Clears Against Standard (CAS) metric compares each horse to their average competitors and establishes how far above or below average a particular horse is. As we discuss some of the most consistent upper-level horses of 2023, we look at the horses who have built up the highest CAS value CSI5* 160 level.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Beauville N.O.P. Z: The Multi-Medalist Maintains his Form</h2>
<p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rider</span>: Maikel van der Vleuten</em><br><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Breeder</span>: Pascal Habets</em></p>
<p>This horse no longer needs an introduction. Claiming individual bronze at both the latest Olympic Games and World Championships, Beauville has largely proven his capabilities. Now he completes another year as the most solid horse on the five-star circuit.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Dutch pair had a strong season on the LGCT circuit claiming three podium places, including a victory in Cannes. Over the course of the year, Beauville competed in 29 five-star 160 competitions which had an average clear rate of almost 25%, yet the bay gelding maintained a clear rate of 55% over those courses. The Dutch pair jumped almost 9 (8.8) more clear rounds than their average competitor, the highest we have seen at this level in 2023.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Dynamix de Belheme: The European Champion Holds Her Own Among Experienced Horses</h2>
<p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rider</span>: Steve Guerdat</em><br><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Breeder</span>: Frederic Aimez</em></p>
<p>Steve and Dynamix gave us one of the greatest sporting moments of 2023 as they produced a picture-perfect European Championship in Milan last summer. As the only combination to complete five rounds of jumping without knocking a single rail, they were deservedly crowned Individual European Champions.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Their consistency was not just reserved for the Europeans. With 18 five-star 160 rounds jumped in 2023 and 13 completed with a zero on the scoreboard, Dynamix maintained a clear rate of 72%. A number that very few have managed to match. The average clear rate for the courses Steve and Dynamix competed in is just over 30%. However, this pair produced 7.5 more clears than their average competitor.</p>
<h2><br>Monaco N.O.P.: A Regular on Five-Star Podiums</h2>
<p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rider</span>: Harrie Smolders</em><br><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Breeder</span>: Ralf L&uuml;tje</em></p>
<p>If anything, Monaco N.O.P. has once again proven just how consistent he is in 2023. By persistently claiming a spot on upper-level podiums, Harrie&rsquo;s bay partner has managed to build his Elo rating to become the current second-highest rated horse in the world. Despite being a regular visitor of the podium, the pair has yet to make the step up to claim a victory. This doesn&rsquo;t take away from the fact that Harrie and Monaco have collected five podium finishes in five-star Grand Prix in 2023 alone.</p>
<p>From the 25 five-star 160 tracks that Monaco competed in over the course of 2023, 14 have been completed on a clean sheet. As the standard number of clears for those courses would have been almost 7, Monaco has produced over 7 extra clear rounds.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/06876370-1561-4bc9-997a-615b8134b197?width=1682&amp;height=1824" alt="Qi Q5x the Most Consistent Five Star 160 Horses of 2023 as Measured by the Cas Metric "></p>
<h2>Experience versus Youth</h2>
<p>While this list contains big names like Beauville N.O.P. Z, Monaco N.O.P. and H&amp;M Indiana, horses that have been competing on the upper-level circuit for several years, we also see some younger, less experienced horses feature. Dynamix de Belheme and Zineday, for example, proved to hold their own among strong opponents at the European Championships.&nbsp;</p>
<p>While we hope to see the older generation of horses for many years to come, it is great to see and celebrate the young talent that is already emerging.</p>

Who are the Most Consistent Five-Star 160 Horses of 2023?

<p>The year in which jumping horses turn nine is often when they will start dipping their feet into competitions of the highest level. We have previously seen that horses who have produced successful nine-year-old seasons have gone on to have fruitful careers in the sport, shining bright on the world&rsquo;s most prestigious stages, including major championships and games. Who are the highest-rated nine-year-old horses of 2023 and how do they compare to the world&rsquo;s best?</p>
<h1><br>The Nine-Year-Old Class of 2023</h1>
<h3>Zineday: Podium-hopping from Aachen to Milan</h3>
<p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rider</span>: Philipp Weishaupt</em><br><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Breeder</span>: Franz-Georg Ottmann</em></p>
<p>It was a surprise to many when Philipp Weishaupt picked the inexperienced Zineday as his ride of choice to contest the notoriously tough Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen. Despite his young age however, the chestnut blew away the crowd as he produced two foot-perfect rounds to join just four other combinations in a jump-off. With the fastest time, but an unfortunate rail knocked, Zineday was the youngest horse to mount the podium of the 2023 Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen.</p>
<p>This performance earned the pair a ticket to compete at the Jumping Europeans last summer. While Zineday entered the competition as one of the least experienced horses in the field, one of just six nine-year-olds, they held their own. With just one fence down over the entire championship, Philipp Weishaupt &amp; Zineday claimed the individual silver medal.</p>
<p>While Zineday will only be ten at the time of the Paris Olympics, the consistency and maturity he has shown over the past season makes them a serious contender for a place on the German team.</p>
<h3><br>Cepano Baloubet: Already a Two-time Five-Star Grand Prix Winner</h3>
<p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rider</span>: Richard Vogel</em><br><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Breeder</span>: Wolfgang Seemann</em></p>
<p>Talking of contenders for the German team, this pair cannot be ruled out. Richard Vogel travelled to Wellington, Florida at the start of last season to prepare his string of horses for the upcoming year. Richard took a gamble as he rode the nine-year-old Cepano Baloubet in the CSI5* Rolex Grand Prix so early on in the season. Despite testing weather conditions and a strong field of competitors, the German pair took the win by a margin of 9 seconds in the jump-off.</p>
<p>This young combination continued their success in Aachen, claiming several podium places, as well as in Brussels. They completed their 2023 season with a trip to Mexico, where they placed in the Top 12 of all three CSI5* Grand Prix, one of which a win.<br>Richard Vogel might be the man to watch as we head into an Olympic year with several capable horses in his string. As Cepano Baloubet turns ten years old, he has already gained valuable experience over some of the sport&rsquo;s toughest tracks.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Odense Odeveld: Italian Olympic Hopeful</h3>
<p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rider</span>: Emanuele Camilli</em><br><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Breeder</span>: Caroline De Laet (Stal Odeveld)</em></p>
<p>Odense Odeveld only made his five-star 160 debut in June, yet he proved to be a quick learner. The following month, the pair represented Italy in the Nations Cup of Sweden in Falsterbo and produced a double clear round. To lock in their form, they then continued the weekend by climbing the podium in the CSIO5* Grand Prix of Falsterbo, which was only Odense&rsquo;s second ever five-star Grand Prix.&nbsp;</p>
<p>These results put the combination on the radar for the Italian team selection committee, as they were selected to represent the home nation at the FEI Jumping European Championships in Milan, where they secured a spot in the individual final, but decided to withdraw.<br>At their most recent outing, Emanuele and Odense collected yet another podium finish, this time in the World Cup of Riyadh two weeks ago.</p>
<p>Odense Odeveld is a great addition to the Italian team for Nations Cups and has a real chance to secure an individual ticket to Paris next year.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/4a37a5d5-0870-439b-b536-80b5813af771?width=1140&amp;height=1670" alt="N4kt V the Top 10 Highest Elo Rated 9 Year Old Horses of 2023 "></p>
<h1>Among the All-Time Greats</h1>
<p>A strong crop of nine-year-olds in Germany this year. Over the course of the 2023 season, both Zineday and Cepano Baloubet have reached an Elo rating that puts them in the Top 10 highest-rated nine-year-old horses since recording started in 2010.&nbsp;</p>
<p>From this group have come some of the leading horses of modern-day sport. The record for highest-rated nine-year-old since 2010 is still in hands of our reigning Olympic Champion, Explosion W, followed by World Championship medalist Eddie Blue and former Olympic Champion Big Star.</p>
<p>Cepano Baloubet has completed his nine-year-old season with peak Elo of 747, equalling Leone Jei&rsquo;s nine-year-old Elo in 2021. Leone Jei has gone on to win individual silver at the 2021 European Championships and claimed the victory in the Rolex Grand Prix on the grounds of the esteemed Spruce Meadows in Calgary.</p>
<p>Zineday matches his nine-year-old Elo to that of Elektric Blue P three years ago. Just like Leone Jei, Elektric Blue is also a Rolex Major Grand Prix winner, in the saddle of Max K&uuml;hner, the bay gelding won in &lsquo;s Hertogenbosch two years ago.</p>
<p>If this list were to predict the future, there are great times to come for the nine-year-old class of 2023.</p>
<p><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/64af42ee-ebc4-40f2-bf15-63a3367b12a0?width=1040&amp;height=1498" alt="Clw8 N All Time Highest Elo Rated 9 Year Olds "></p>

Show jumping