From Big Wins to Bold Calls: How the 2025 Season is Shaping Up
From tactical brilliance to breakout performances, this month’s Flair Overview Show unpacks the standout stats, bold decisions, and rising stars shaping the 2025 show jumping season.
The past month featured some of the sport's most prestigious events and headline-worthy performances. In the latest episode of the Flair Overview Show, Sam, Diarm, and Charlotte dissect a stacked calendar that included the Dutch Masters in 's-Hertogenbosch, the Longines League of Nations in Ocala, the inaugural US Equestrian Open Jumping Final, and the FEI World Cup Finals in Basel. From data-led decisions to standout performances, this month delivered insights and excitement in equal measure.
Donatello d’Auge & a Pioneering Tactical Decision
Julien Epaillard made headlines by opting out of the jump-off at the World Cup Finals while leading. It was a bold move—foregoing a 50% chance at maintaining a rail in hand to conserve his horse and potentially gain a half-rail advantage. The numbers suggest it was a well-calculated risk, and one that ultimately secured him the title. It was a unique, fan-engaging decision that demonstrated the intersection of horsemanship and performance analytics.
Want the full breakdown of the analytics behind Julien's decision? Dive into the data and logic in our feature article: The Science Behind Epaillard’s Strategy.
A Strong Month for the United States
The US riders enjoyed an impressive month across all major events. Laura Kraut narrowly missed a historic US Equestrian Open win on Bisquetta, while Lillie Keenan delivered a composed and effective performance with a double clear in the LLN aboard Argan de Beliard and a top-12 finish at the World Cup Finals in the saddle of Kick On. Katie Dinan's remarkable double clear on the final day in Basel riding Out Of The Blue SCF highlighted the strength and potential of the U.S. team. With a promising group of 11-year-olds, Team USA is building real momentum ahead of future Olympic campaigns.
Checker 47: The Ultimate Clutch Performer
Although his statistics do not place him among the most consistent horses, Christian Kukuk's Checker 47 continues to thrive in high-pressure moments. With titles like the Olympic Individual Gold, the 2024 WEF Rolex Grand Prix and now the US Equestrian Open under his belt, he is proving to be a horse that performs best when it matters most.
Horses in Form: Who's Leading 2025?
Denis Lynch's Vistogrand leads the current rankings for horses in form, boasting 7 clear rounds from 11 starts at five-star 160cm level. Sophie Hinners also continues to impress, placing two horses in the top 10. Her performances mark her as a potential contender for a future spot as world number one.
Looking Ahead to the Europeans
As attention begins to shift toward the European Championships, the top 10 ranked horses on the Elo ratings all remain in contention. If they all end up competing, we could be in for one of the most competitive continental championships in recent memory. The much-anticipated battle between Point Break and King Edward may just shape the narrative for the rest of the year.
For a full breakdown of the performances, data insights, and behind-the-scenes stories, listen to the latest episode of the Flair Overview Show: