The Story of Five-Star Team Jumping: Who’s Delivering When it Matters?
With 9 competitions down and 5 still to go, the 2025 five-star team jumping season has already delivered standout team results, superstar riders, and horses that keep clearing everything in sight.
From Abu Dhabi to Hickstead, the 2025 five-star Nations Cup season has been a thrilling showcase of national depth, individual brilliance, and relentless consistency. As the sport heads into its final five events, it’s the perfect time to look back and take stock. Which teams have dominated the standings? Who are the riders producing clear rounds under pressure? And which horses are becoming the backbone of their nations’ success?
Teams Setting the Standard
At the halfway point of the 2025 season, two nations are setting themselves apart in five-star team competitions. Team USA leads the way with three team wins, more than any other nation, delivering victories in Ocala, Rome, and Aachen. Their strength lies in repeat performers and depth across multiple venues.
Meanwhile, Team Belgium has quietly built an unmatched level of consistency. With six podium finishes so far this season, Belgium’s ability to stay in the top tier at almost every event makes them the most reliable team in the field. While the USA has racked up the golds, Belgium’s strategic strength and squad depth are proving just as powerful and was enough to crown them the 2025 European Champions.
Riders Delivering Under Pressure
Sophie Hinners has emerged as the standout rider of the season, producing an impressive four double clears, the most of any athlete, and remarkably doing so on three different horses: Iron Dames Singclair, Iron Dames Combella, and Iron Dames My Prins. That blend of consistency and versatility makes her a unique force this year.
Just behind her, four elite riders have each delivered three double clears: Lillie Keenan (USA), Ben Maher (GBR), Trevor Breen (IRL), and Steve Guerdat (SUI). These riders are not only showing up for their nations, they’re doing it repeatedly under pressure, across formats, and in highly competitive fields.
Above All: Highland President
On the equine side, 54 horses have jumped a double clear so far in 2025, with 13 managing it more than once. But one name sits above the rest: Highland President. Piloted by Ireland’s Trevor Breen, Highland President is the only horse with three double clears this season, delivering flawless rounds in Abu Dhabi, Sankt Gallen, and Falsterbo.
It’s a rare achievement, maintaining top form across different geographies, course designers, and pressures, and it speaks to both the horse’s reliability and Breen’s trust in his partner. With several others on two clears, there’s still time for others to join him at the top, but for now, Highland President stands alone.
What’s Still to Come
With Dublin, Brussels, Calgary, Saint Tropez, and Barcelona still on the calendar, the season is far from over. Some nations will look to consolidate their podium presence. Others will be hoping to break into the double-clear ranks or close the gap in the team standings.
Stay tuned with EquiRatings for all the numbers, names, and narratives that will define the rest of 2025.