What the Winners Said: The Western European League in the Words of Its Champions
Who better to tell the story of this electrifying FEI Jumping World Cup™ season than the riders themselves? From Oslo to Bordeaux, hear from the champions in their own words.
With just one qualifier remaining before the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final in Basel, the Western European League has delivered an unforgettable season of thrilling victories, breakout performances, and dramatic battles.
Instead of just recapping the season, we’ve gone straight to the riders who made the headlines—in their own words.
From Oslo to Bordeaux, here’s the story of the season as told straight from the saddle.
The season opener saw 40 athletes battle through a tight, technical course at the Telenor Arena, where only four made the jump-off—a clear sign of the challenge posed. Wathelet and Bond Jamesbond de Hay proved uncatchable in his first indoor appearance of the season, setting the pace for what would be a sensational campaign.
The technical Helsinki track saw 13 athletes make the jump-off, testing riders' ability to balance speed and control. Robert Whitaker and Vermento delivered a flawless, well-timed round, earning their first World Cup win of the season.
A tightly contested event, Lyon featured one of the fastest jump-offs of the season. Richard Vogel and United Touch S executed a bold shortcut to the oxer, making the difference in an incredibly competitive field.
One of the season’s biggest breakout moments, Sophie Hinners and Iron Dames My Prins took their first-ever World Cup win. The five-horse jump-off saw Hinners outpace her seasoned rivals, including Olympic Champion Ben Maher and three-time World Cup Final winner Marcus Ehning.
Vogel made it two wins in three weeks, delivering a textbook round on United Touch S to take the Stuttgart title, further strengthening his World Cup campaign.
The sixth leg of the season saw 10 riders qualify for the jump-off, with Bucci and Hantano delivering a flawless performance to become the first Italian pair to win the Madrid leg in history.
A 14-horse jump-off saw Weishaupt and Coby 8 edge out the competition by less than half a second, marking his second career World Cup win.
A five-rider jump-off saw Darragh Kenny and Eddy Blue dethrone defending champion Ben Maher, securing a dream victory in front of a roaring British crowd.
Dreher secured his first-ever World Cup win after an intense battle against Belgian favorite Gilles Thomas, shaving just 0.08 seconds off the lead.
Epaillard put on a speed masterclass, storming to victory with Donatello d’Auge, securing his spot in the World Cup Final.
A 13-horse jump-off provided one of the closest battles of the season. Hans-Dieter Dreher set the early pace with a 41.55-second round, but Greve and Highway TN N.O.P. shaved a full second off, clocking 40.52 seconds. French star Simon Delestre finished second, with Dreher third in a high-class showdown.
Riding the 17-year-old Sterrehof’s Dante, Marc Houtzager became a two-time Amsterdam champion, repeating his 2020 victory. Against a six-horse jump-off, his flawless execution and tight turns secured an emotional home win.
A must-win event for Martin Fuchs, Bordeaux saw him and Conner Jei rise to the occasion. After struggling early in the season, Fuchs delivered two clear rounds, securing victory over Pieter Devos and Willem Greve. His faultless performance ensured qualification for Basel.