From May 3rd to 5th, China will once again usher in the five-star top equestrian event - Shanghai Global Equestrian Championships. Different from other domestic competitions, the two most prominent highlights of this event are-
1. The largest number of the world's top riders coming to China;
2. All the horses are their main horses, which is more conducive to presenting the highest level of performance!
With the development of equestrianism in China year by year, more and more teenagers are falling in love with this fascinating sport. It is believed that through the upcoming five-star equestrian events, more ordinary teenagers will also begin to get in touch with equestrianism. So, what age are the world's top equestrian riders, from which countries, and what are their characteristics?
Today, Continental Horse brings the list of "Top 10 Equestrian Riders in the World" to young equestrian enthusiasts and riders, most of whom will be coming to China to compete. In addition to their top-notch skills, their understanding of horses has also made them world-class role models, influencing the entire equestrian world with their strength and spirit.
Let's meet the top 10 riders in the world, help young riders, find the power of role models, and inspire yourself to chase your dreams!
Meet the top 10 equestrian show jumping riders in the world
First of all, let's understand the basis of the FEI rankings: this list is the final ranking for the whole year of 2023. The FEI counts a rider's 30 best times over a 12-month period – the total number of points accumulated from 1 January to 31 December. Points are distributed according to the level of the race (from 1.45m to 1.60m), the prize money won, and whether it is an individual or team race.
Average age: 41.8 years
Equestrianism is a sport that can be practiced for life, as evidenced by the age of the top 10 riders in the world.
The average age of the top 10 riders in the world is 41.8 years old, which means that for most riders, it is possible to reach the top of the world at the age of 40!
For many young riders, if they are interested in a career in equestrianism, they must not rush to success, not only the coach is their own teacher on the equestrian road, but every horse you come into contact with is also your teacher. Only by understanding the horse and what the coach is teaching can the equestrian skills increase day by day.
Richard Vogel, 27, is the only rider under the age of 30 in the 2023 rankings. He is recognized as a talented rider in the equestrian world, but his motto is "the harder you work, the luckier you get". If a person is both talented and hardworking, is his future limitless?
World No. 1 43-year-old Sweden's Henrik von Ekman is a team gold medallist at the Tokyo Olympics and a double world champion. He is also well known to Chinese riders and horse fans, having won the Bird's Nest Beijing International Masters Longines Grand Prix twice in a row!
7 countries in the top 10: Europe for 80%
The top 10 riders in the world come from 7 countries, of which -
- Sweden: 1 person
- United Kingdom: 1
- United States: 2
- Switzerland: 2 people
- France: 2 people
- Austria: 1 person
- Germany: 1 person
Obviously, European riders account for 80%, and Europe is the absolute "equestrian power" on the global equestrian map.
Top 10: All male riders
Many people have noticed why the top 10 riders in the world are all male riders?
One reason for this is because of gender-specific physical fitness, which becomes more pronounced with age: although girls are more likely to participate in equestrian play, boys' strengths and physiques may make it easier for boys to master equestrian skills and achieve better results in competition.
The second is the competitive atmosphere, where male riders may face more competition and challenges. In contrast, girls may be more inclined to view equestrian as a leisure activity or hobby rather than as a competitive sport.
Of course, everyone's abilities and interests are unique. While boys may perform better in competitive equestrianism overall, there are also quite a few girls who excel in this field. Hopefully, everyone can gain and grow from equestrianism!