Horses to Watch in 2025: The Ones to Keep on Your Radar

Five-Star Winners in the Making

When it comes to five-star contenders, London 52 is still the gold standard. With previous wins at Pau, Badminton, and Luhmühlen—and some of the lowest finishing scores on record—he’s hard to bet against if he heads back to Germany.

JL Dublin has come painfully close at Kentucky with back-to-back second-place finishes. This could be the season he finally gets his moment.

If you’re looking for raw cross-country brilliance, Annaghmore Valoner fits the bill. Her Burghley performance in 2024 was electric, and a return to that level could see her go all the way.

And while fischerChipmunk’s 2025 plans aren’t set in stone, if he shows up at Kentucky, he’ll be one of the strongest horses in the field.

Ones to Watch for a 2025 Five-Star Win:

• London 52
• JL Dublin
• Annaghmore Valoner
• FischerChipmunk

Names You’ll Know by the End of the Year

Some horses are quietly stacking up results and looking ready to explode onto the scene.

Rocketman, a striking grey now under New Zealand’s Clark Johnstone, is already collecting impressive placings at Blenheim, Cornbury, and Lignières. He’s building momentum fast.

In the U.S., Jaguars Duende has an extraordinary record: nine internationals completed, nine podium finishes. As she moves into four-star territory, she’s ready to shine on a bigger stage.

And Avatar 42, a rising German talent, is showing all the signs of a future team horse. His win at Luhmühlen three-star last season turned heads—and there’s likely more where that came from.

Horses About to Make a Name for Themselves:

• Rocketman
• Jaguar Duende
• Avatar 42

Young Guns to Keep an Eye On

The future is bright—and these young horses are leading the charge.

Cooley Corraghy Diamond is one of the most promising eight-year-olds in North America. With a clean record, consistent scores, and an experienced rider in the irons, this is a serious horse for the future.

Kantango, based in the UK, has been stacking top-10 finishes and proving he’s the real deal at this level. He’s smart, quick, and looks ready to step up.

And Mr. Cookie Time, a familiar name with a new partnership, is heading for the Junior Europeans. If all goes to plan, this pair could be standing on a podium by the end of summer.

Top Young Horses (8 and Under):

• Cooley Corraghy Diamond
• Katango
• Mr. Cookie Time

One More Worth Following

Sometimes one tricky result can mask a big future. Bloomfield Manuscript didn’t have the Boekelo he hoped for, but before that, he was the only horse to make the time at Blenheim’s 8/9-year-old class and picked up multiple international wins. He’s sharp, fast, and ready to bounce back in a big way.

Bonus Pick:

• Bloomfield Manuscript

Final Thoughts

What makes a horse one to watch? It’s more than results—it’s that spark, that moment where talent and timing collide. The horses on this list have that potential, whether they’re five-star favourites or still quietly rising through the ranks.

So take note, follow their seasons, and remember their names. Because chances are, by the end of 2025, they won’t just be on your radar—they’ll be on everyone’s.

🎧 Want even more behind-the-scenes picks, bold predictions, and names to keep on your radar? Listen to the latest EquiRatings Eventing Podcast – Horses to Watch 2025 episode and hear the full breakdown.

📲 Follow @EquiRatings on Instagram for more stats, updates, and horse-nerd goodness all season long.