The 2025 show jumping season is already off to an electrifying start. The battle to be the best in the world is heating up, and some new names are making waves alongside the sport’s biggest stars. On our latest episode of the EquiRatings Jumping Podcast, we broke down the key storylines, standout performances, and what’s next for the season. If you missed the episode, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with all the insights right here.

The Germans Making a Statement: A Perfect Start to the Season

One of the biggest surprises of 2025 so far? A German combination that was far from most people’s radars has jumped into the spotlight. Torben Köhlbrandt and Mastermind RL have burst onto the five-star scene with a flawless 4/4 record at 160cm. Even more impressively, these were Mastermind RL’s first-ever rounds at this level.

To put that into context, over half of the horses that attempt 5* 160cm will never jump clear at this height. Yet Mastermind RL has done it in every attempt so far. Is this just an early-season fluke, or is this a pair we’ll be talking about all year long? Time will tell, but it’s a name to watch.

Joining Mastermind RL on the perfect record list is another German duo: Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann and Messi Van 't Ruytershof. This horse has been delivering elite-level clears for over a year now. In 2024, they posted one of the highest 5* 160cm clear rates (67%), and 2025 has started just as strong, with three clears from three rounds. Two of those rounds came from Grand Prix performances, where they finished first and second. They show remarkable consistency at the highest level, and there’s no sign of slowing down.

King Edward Leads the Charge: The World’s Top-Rated Horses

King Edward is back. After a 2024 season that included some jump-off struggles and an Olympic disappointment, Henrik von Eckermann’s superstar is reminding the world why he is rated number one. After two Grand Prix performances in Wellington this year, where they finished in fifth and third place, suggest the confidence is back, and when King Edward is confident, the rest of the field should be on high alert.

Maikel van der Vleuten’s Beauville Z NOP is chasing behind, nearing the elusive 800 Elo mark with a current rating of 796. With a huge weekend ahead at the Dutch Masters, could he reach that milestone?

Ben Maher’s Point Break, another major climber from late 2024, rounds out the top three. The horse has been on an impressive five-star 160 clear streak and will also be in action at the Dutch Masters this weekend.

Meanwhile, Kent Farrington and Greya are proving to be a force to be reckoned with. Greya is currently the #8 rated horse in the world and is on a winning streak with two Grand Prix wins already recorded in 2025. Farrington himself is inching closer to Henrik von Eckermann at the top of the FEI Longines rankings, currently just 29 points behind.

After 33 months of Henrik von Eckermann as the World #1, can Kent overtake the Swedish master?

Biggest Movers in the Elo Ratings

Some horses have made huge strides in the early months of the season. One of the biggest climbers? Chacolu, who jumped double clear in the Longines League of Nations of Abu Dhabi, helping the UAE finish on the podium. The performance catapulted Chacolu up the rankings, making him the highest-rated horse in the UAE.

Denis Lynch and Vistogrand have also had a breakthrough season, gaining 25 Elo points and now sitting on a rating of 753. That makes Vistogrand the highest-rated Irish horse in the world—a title that has long been held by James Kann Cruz. Change is happening in Irish show jumping.

The Future of the Sport: Top Nine- and Ten-Year-Old Horses

It’s always exciting to track the sport’s rising stars, and in 2025, the top-rated young horses are already making their mark. At just nine years old, Kevin Staut’s Vida Loca Z leads the pack, boasting a current Elo rating of 714. That’s a massive lead over the next highest-rated nine-year-old, Richard Vogel’s Levi Noesar (653).

On the ten-year-old list, the Belgian duo of Pieter Devos and Casual DV Z reign supreme. Sophie Hinners and Iron Dames Singclair have also started the season strong, jumping double clear in Abu Dhabi. Another name to watch? Emilie Conter’s Portobella vd Fruitkorf, fresh off a Grand Prix victory in Wellington.

What’s Next? The Road Ahead in 2025

The next five weeks in show jumping are set to be thrilling. From the Rolex Grand Slam in 's-Hertogenbosch to the World Cup Finals in Basel and the brand new US Open in Wellington, the sport’s top names will be clashing again and again. Can King Edward hold onto the top spot? Will Beauville Z NOP break the 800 Elo barrier? And which young stars will continue their meteoric rise?

One thing’s for certain—2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years we’ve ever seen in show jumping.

If you want even more insights, predictions, and behind-the-scenes analysis, don’t forget to tune in to the EquiRatings Jumping Podcast and join our WhatsApp community. The best of the sport is yet to come!

Listen to the Overview Show #2 on the EquiRatings Jumping Podcast, available on all main podcast platforms.