EquiRatings Horse of the Year: The Semi-Finals

The EquiRatings Horse of the Year bracket has gone from down from ten to the final four very quickly. After thousands of votes and some heavyweight early battles, we're into the stage where every matchup feels like a final. Four horses. Four exceptional horses. Only two spots in the ERHOTY Final.

Here’s everything you need to know about the semi-finalists before casting your vote.

London 52 - Laura Collett

London 52 was crowned European Champion at Blenheim, claiming his fifth senior medal and second individual medal - a major achievement that follows his individual bronze at Paris last year. His season was extremely consistent, with results including two 3rd places (including Luhmuhlen 5*) and three 1sts. London 52's dressage sets him apart, scoring as low as 18.5 this year. Furthermore, his cross-country pace is often underrated - he is extremely quick, proven by achieving the second fastest time of the day at the Europeans.
Owned by Karen Bartlett, Keith Scott, and Laura Collett

Lordships Graffalo - Ros Canter

How soon is it to decide if you’re already an all time great? I think this debate is already settled. Let’s just enjoy living in a time when we get to see this horse. Lordships Graffalo cemented his legendary status this season by becoming the first horse to win both Badminton AND Burghley twice, achieving both major titles in the same season. He produced two of the year’s most dominant five-star performances, known for his cross-country strength which is smooth, fast, and flawless. Of his four runs this year, he secured three first-place finishes, all with 100+ HPRs. Furthermore, he is the highest-rated British horse on EquiRatings Elo, having become the first British horse to break the 800 barrier.
Owned by Archie & Michele Saul

Cavalier Crystal - Harry Meade

Cavalier Crystal has decided her parking spot is on the five-star podium, cementing her status at one of the most consistent 5* performers with two top placings in 2025 - 4th at Badminton and 3rd at Burghley. She also finished 3rd at Burghley the previous two years (2023, 2024). The pair have FOD’ed (finished on their dressage score) at both Badminton and Burghley, a feat made possible by her excellent show jumping. Cavalier Crystal has only had 1 pole down in her last 15 internationals (going back to 2021).
Owned by Charlotte and Peter Opperman

Commando 3 - Boyd Martin

Commando 3 is becoming almost as big a name as his rider, which is saying something, because Boyd Martin's social media following could fill a five-star venue. Commando 3 demonstrated exceptional top-level consistency this year, being one of only three horses to achieve two five-star podiums in 2025, securing 2nd at Kentucky and 3rd at Maryland. He also placed 5th at Aachen. Alongside their excellent showjumping, their 2025 standout was the 26 dressage produced at Kentucky in storm conditions.
Owned by Yankee Creek Ranch LLC

Time to Decide the Final Two

These are four of the best horses out there and each are with a season worthy of silverware. But ERHOTY is decided by the fans and the semi-final votes will determine which two step into the championship round.

Cast your vote now and help decide the 2025 EquiRatings Horse of the Year Finalists.

Vote here: https://equiratings.typeform.com/ERHOTY-SF

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