EquiRatings has been hard at work crunching numbers for a full 2025 review, and the latest stats to hit the airwaves have to do with low dressage scores. We’re familiar with a few horses and riders who’ve shown a particular talent for this, and it’s no surprise to see German Olympic champion Michael Jung top the list.
Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
The 2025 Kentucky winner averaged 24.8 in the first phase of competition across 8 runs this year. There’s also a strong British presence on the top rankings, and we’ll go ahead and claim New Zealand’s Monica Spencer as one of our own, making an appearance at number 7 with an average of 28.2 across 7 runs.
Izzy Taylor and Monkeying Around. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Also of note is Great Britain’s Izzy Taylor, who averaged a 29.0 across 15 runs — impressive!
U.S. Events Opening Entries Today
Rocking Horse Winter I H.T. (FL); Ram Tap Combined Test (CA); Full Gallop Farm January H.T. (SC)
U.S. Events Closing Entries Today
None!
News & Reading
Over 70,000 hours of volunteerism were logged at events all over the country in 2025. In total, some 4300+ volunteers donated their time to the sport in one way or another, helping to keep labor costs low and provide support to both recognized and unrecognized competitions. Celebrate the efforts of these VIP Volunteers here.
Olympic rider Lara de Liedekerke-Meier is setting a new standard in her home country of Belgium, and aided by the talent set found within the burgeoning Belgian team, the future is bright for this “one to watch” nation. For her part, Lara’s had a special 2025 season, breaking the single season win record (21 in 2025!) and accumulating a handful of Belgian firsts along the way. Take a closer look at a season for the ages for one of Belgian’s brightest stars here.
New research across multiple disciplines — from the NFR to dressage biomechanics — shows that equestrian performance can be quantified, analyzed, and improved far beyond traditional subjective observation. Take a look at the work of multiple studies recently concluded or currently running for a deeper dive here.
A recent study in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science indicates that providing feed to horses in group settings may support their well-being by promoting natural social behavior. However, many owners are familiar with the complications that can arise, such as competition and aggression around feed. So how do you manage these types of horses, and are items like feed bags a viable solution to keep dinnertime drama-free? Read more on this study here.
Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products
When picking hay for your horse, consider the type of hay available. Different types offer different nutrition, and things like soil type and weather can also have an effect on the ultimate nutritional profile of the finished product. Learn more about hay choices and selection know-how with the help of Kentucky Performance Products here.
Video Break
Don’t miss the incredible story of the Kentucky Horse Park, as told in this new mini documentary:
