The 2025 FEI Jumping World Cup Final is here — and it’s wide open.

Ben Maher and Point Break lead the Prediction Centre for tonight (Day 1). Beauville Z has been a model of consistency. Martin Fuchs rides with a home crowd behind him. Vogel and United Touch sat out Wellington to prep for this. But who wins?

In this episode, Diarm and Charlotte dive into:

• Why Thursday’s speed class is imporatnt for the trends

• The three biggest contenders (and what makes them dangerous)

• Dark horses to watch, including fan-favorites and rising stars

• Our full podium predictions and how YOU can follow the action

👇 Access everything mentioned in this episode — including our live WhatsApp updates, podium picks, and blog preview: 📍 news.equiratings.com 

Follow us on Instagram @EquiRatings_ShowJumping Jump into the WhatsApp channel for live updates, explainers and unfolding win chances

⚡️ Day One Matters—A Lot

Day One at the World Cup Final isn’t just a warm-up. In fact, six of the last six winners have also won on Day One. While 2010’s Marcus Ehning managed to come from 10th to claim the title, he’s the exception, not the rule.

So who’s poised to dominate the opening Table C speed round? Based on Prediction Center data, Ben Maher and Point Break come in hot, especially after their Wellington win. But Richard Vogel and United Touch, with that massive stride and a laser-focused prep for Basel, may just steal the show on Thursday.

Charlotte’s pick for Day One? Vogel and United Touch. Diarm’s? Point Break. Either way, tune in—because the winner tonight might well be your champion on Sunday.

It’s the final day of the US Equestrian Open Rolex Grand Prix — and it’s absolutely stacked. Olympic champions, World Champions, Grand Prix winners. This is one of the strongest fields we’ve ever seen for a five-star final week in Wellington.

In the latest US Equestrian Open Podcast, Diarmuid Byrne and Kim Prince break down the headline stats, favorite picks, and dark horse stories that make tonight’s class one of the most exciting yet. To follow the stories, visit www.usequestrianopen.org and to follow the podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/the-us-equestrian-open-podcast/id1786444290

In this episode, Diarmuid Byrne and Charlotte Smet discuss the upcoming Longines Global Champions Tour in Mexico, analyzing the impact of the event's timing within the equestrian calendar, the dynamics of prize money, and the competitive landscape. They explore the challenges faced by riders due to scheduling conflicts, the significance of the prize money available, and the potential for emerging riders to seize opportunities. The conversation also delves into predictions for the Grand Prix of Mexico City, highlighting key competitors and their recent performances, while emphasizing the importance of career milestones in the sport.

 

Sponsors: Connolly's Red Mills are offering 15% off Foran Equine products to podcast listeners! Use the code EquiRatingsPodcast15 to receive your discount. View the full collection here.

Note this does not apply to the already discounted Pre-Fuel & Refuel combo packs. If you have any other questions regarding feeding click here to ask the Connolly's RED MILLS experts.

 Your Hosts: Meet Charlotte Smet, Diarmuid Byrne and Sam Watson, the EquiRatings team, who spend their time deep in number-crunching for new insights on the equestrian world.  Like, Share, and Subscribe: If you're a fan of show jumping and eager to stay updated with the latest, hit the like button, share this video with fellow equestrian fans, and subscribe to our channel for more engaging content!

 Follow Us:

EquiRatings Jumping WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaByaVo3QxS7qLas323H EquiRatings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equiratings/ EquiRatings Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EquiRatings Official Website: www.equiratings.com Latest News: https://news.equiratings.com/

In this engaging conversation, Charlotte Smet and Diarmuid Byrne discuss the upcoming Longines League of Nations event in Ocala, reflecting on the strengths and weaknesses of various teams, including Ireland, Germany, the USA, and Italy.

They analyze the riders and horses expected to compete, share insights on past performances, and make predictions about the outcomes of the competition. The discussion highlights the excitement surrounding the event and the dynamics of team competition in show jumping.

🎙️ Your Hosts: Meet Charlotte Smet, Diarmuid Byrne and Sam Watson, the EquiRatings team, who spend their time deep in number-crunching for new insights on the equestrian world.

👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe: If you're a fan of show jumping and eager to stay updated with the latest, hit the like button, share this episode with fellow equestrian fans, and subscribe to our channel for more engaging content!

📌 Follow Us:

EquiRatings Jumping WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaByaVo3QxS7qLas323H EquiRatings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equiratings/ EquiRatings Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EquiRatings Official Website: www.equiratings.com Latest News: https://news.equiratings.com/

Sam Watson & Charlotte Smet discuss the latest happenings in the showjumping world in this Flair Overview Show. They discuss:

• The German combinations starting 2025 on perfect five-star 160 records
• The Top 10 Elo-rated horses in the world & if that list feels right
• The emerging young stars in our sport
• The excitement surrounding the upcoming weeks in our sport

 

Sponsors:

This show is very kindly supported by Flair. 

Achieve Equine, LLC develops innovative equine products like the FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips. Founded by Jim Chiapetta and Ed Blach, both equine veterinarians, the company focuses on enhancing horse respiratory health and performance. It conducts rigorous research to ensure the efficacy and safety of its products, aiming to support the health and safety of horses and riders. Located near Minneapolis, Minnesota, Achieve Equine emphasizes strong relationships, data-driven decisions, and effective solutions in the equine industry.

🎙️ Your Hosts: Meet Charlotte Smet, Diarmuid Byrne and Sam Watson, the EquiRatings team, who spend their time deep in number-crunching for new insights on the equestrian world.

👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe: If you're a fan of show jumping and eager to stay updated with the latest, hit the like button, share this video with fellow equestrian fans, and subscribe to our channel for more engaging content!

📌 Follow Us:

EquiRatings Jumping WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaByaVo3QxS7qLas323H EquiRatings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equiratings/ EquiRatings Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EquiRatings Official Website: www.equiratings.com Latest News: https://news.equiratings.com/

Charlotte Smet and Diarmuid Byrne discuss the recent LGCT Grand Prix of Doha, where Red Mills rider Abdel Said & Bonne Amie successfully defended their title. They explore the significance of this win for Belgium's jumping scene. They also discuss the last weekend's CSIO4* Nations Cup in Wellington which saw a strong, female US team take victory on home soil.   With another five-star show on the schedule in Wellington this weekend, the hosts dive into Kent Farrington's recent 2025 success and his back-to-back Wellington victories on Greya. With a strong field lining up for WEF 9, can Kent Farrington write history once more at WEF?   Sponsors: Connolly's Red Mills are offering 15% off Foran Equine products to podcast listeners! Use the code EquiRatingsPodcast15 to receive your discount. View the full collection here.

Note this does not apply to the already discounted Pre-Fuel & Refuel combo packs. If you have any other questions regarding feeding click here to ask the Connolly's RED MILLS experts.

 Your Hosts: Meet Charlotte Smet, Diarmuid Byrne and Sam Watson, the EquiRatings team, who spend their time deep in number-crunching for new insights on the equestrian world.  Like, Share, and Subscribe: If you're a fan of show jumping and eager to stay updated with the latest, hit the like button, share this video with fellow equestrian fans, and subscribe to our channel for more engaging content!

 Follow Us:

EquiRatings Jumping WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaByaVo3QxS7qLas323H EquiRatings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equiratings/ EquiRatings Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EquiRatings Official Website: www.equiratings.com Latest News: https://news.equiratings.com/

Hear from Swedish chef d'Equipe, Henrik Ankarcrona, defending Gothenburg World Cup winner, Lars Kersten, Martin Fuchs, Harrie Smolders and Edouard Schmitz ahead of tomorrow evening's World Cup qualifier in Gothenburg in the first-ever pre-competition press conference.

This conversation provides an in-depth look at the Gothenburg World Cup Qualifier, highlighting the pressure faced by top riders as they vie for qualification to the Basel World Cup Finals. 

 

🎙️ Your Hosts: Meet Charlotte Smet, Diarmuid Byrne and Sam Watson, the EquiRatings team, who spend their time deep in number-crunching for new insights on the equestrian world.

👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe: If you're a fan of show jumping and eager to stay updated with the latest, hit the like button, share this video with fellow equestrian fans, and subscribe to our channel for more engaging content!

📌 Follow Us:

EquiRatings Jumping WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaByaVo3QxS7qLas323H EquiRatings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equiratings/ EquiRatings Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EquiRatings Official Website: www.equiratings.com Latest News: https://news.equiratings.com/

The EquiRatings Jumping team discuss the upcoming Gothenburg Horse Show. The final leg in the Western European League before the World Cup Finals in Basel. They discuss the riders in need of points for qualification and just how safe Richard Vogel's spot for Basel is.

 

🎙️ Your Hosts: Meet Charlotte Smet, Diarmuid Byrne and Sam Watson, the EquiRatings team, who spend their time deep in number-crunching for new insights on the equestrian world.

👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe: If you're a fan of show jumping and eager to stay updated with the latest, hit the like button, share this video with fellow equestrian fans, and subscribe to our channel for more engaging content!

📌 Follow Us:

EquiRatings Jumping WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaByaVo3QxS7qLas323H EquiRatings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equiratings/ EquiRatings Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EquiRatings Official Website: www.equiratings.com Latest News: https://news.equiratings.com/

Sam & Charlotte review the action in Bordeaux and Wellington last weekend, before getting the excitement up for this week's five-star quadruple header. They discuss the teams and combinations for the first Longines League of Nations leg in Abu Dhabi, before taking the conversation to Ocala, where we will see a Northern American World Cup Qualifier. The finish by highlighting the key combinations competing in Doha and Hong Kong.

 

🎙️ Your Hosts: Meet Charlotte Smet, Diarmuid Byrne and Sam Watson, the EquiRatings team, who spend their time deep in number-crunching for new insights on the equestrian world.

👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe: If you're a fan of show jumping and eager to stay updated with the latest, hit the like button, share this video with fellow equestrian fans, and subscribe to our channel for more engaging content!

📌 Follow Us:

EquiRatings Jumping WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaByaVo3QxS7qLas323H EquiRatings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equiratings/ EquiRatings Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EquiRatings Official Website: www.equiratings.com Latest News: https://news.equiratings.com/

Sam, Diarm & Charlotte discuss the combinations that have started the 2025 season off on a strong note, before looking forward to the upcoming weeks of upper-level showjumping. They chat about the return of King Edward to the five-star level in Wellington, where they will be competing alongside Greya. On the Western European World Cup leg, the battle for points is heating up with the penultimate leg taking place in Bordeaux, where Sam finds himself an insider to discuss strategy.

 

Sponsors:

This show is very kindly supported by Flair. 

Achieve Equine, LLC develops innovative equine products like the FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips. Founded by Jim Chiapetta and Ed Blach, both equine veterinarians, the company focuses on enhancing horse respiratory health and performance. It conducts rigorous research to ensure the efficacy and safety of its products, aiming to support the health and safety of horses and riders. Located near Minneapolis, Minnesota, Achieve Equine emphasizes strong relationships, data-driven decisions, and effective solutions in the equine industry.

🎙️ Your Hosts: Meet Charlotte Smet, Diarmuid Byrne and Sam Watson, the EquiRatings team, who spend their time deep in number-crunching for new insights on the equestrian world.

👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe: If you're a fan of show jumping and eager to stay updated with the latest, hit the like button, share this video with fellow equestrian fans, and subscribe to our channel for more engaging content!

📌 Follow Us:

EquiRatings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equiratings/ EquiRatings Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EquiRatings Official Website: www.equiratings.com Latest News: https://news.equiratings.com/ Jumping Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jumpingpodcast/