WBFSH final ranking list 2025: recognition for outstanding breeders

The WBFSH Final Ranking 2025 (World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses) recognizes the most important breeders in international equestrian sport. In particular, the focus is on breeders in dressage, show jumping, and eventing whose commitment and outstanding breeding work were recognized in 2025. The "Breeder of the Year" awards will be presented in a festive setting at the Longines WBFSH Breeder Awards in early 2026.

Stephan Kurz: WBFSH Breeder of the Year in Dressage

Stephan Kurz from Germany was named "WBFSH Dressage Breeder of the Year 2025". Kurz, known for his calm and precise breeding work within the Hanoverian breeding program, was able to breed an outstanding horse with the 2009-born Hanoverian mare Mount St. John Freestyle (Fidermark x Donnerhall). Freestyle gained international fame under Charlotte Dujardin and achieved considerable success with over 90 % in the freestyle. Since 2023, she and Danish rider Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour have formed one of the most successful pairs in the world. The successes of the mare, who is also well ahead in the WBFSH rankings in 2025, helped Kurz to his first world breeder title.

Susana Épaillard García Cereceda: WBFSH Jumping Breeder of the Year

In the jumping division, Susana Épaillard García Cereceda was honored as "WBFSH Jumping Breeder of the Year 2025". Her breeding work with the Selle Français stallion Donatello d'Auge (Jarnac x Hello Pierville) produced a horse that is characterized by both exceptional technique and mental resilience. Donatello, ridden by Julien Épaillard, has achieved several Grand Prix successes, including victory in the FEI World Cup Final 2025. His continued success in international show jumping reflects Susana's exceptional understanding of breeding.

Ocke Riewerts: WBFSH Eventing Breeder of the Year

In eventing, Ocke Riewerts won the title of "WBFSH Eventing Breeder of the Year 2025" with his Holsteiner gelding London 52 (Landos x Quinar). London 52, under British rider Laura Collett, has established itself as an outstanding eventing horse. His successes include team gold and individual bronze at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris as well as winning several CCI5* and the 2025 European Championships. Riewerts, who breeds on the North Frisian island of Föhr, has bred one of the most successful eventing horses of recent years through careful selection and planning.

Studbook Rankings 2025: KWPN, Selle Français, and Holsteiner lead the breeding world

In the Studbook Rankings 2025, the KWPN Studbook tops the dressage rankings with 12.783 points, mainly due to the success of horses such as Glamourdale (Lord Leatherdale x Negro) and Jagerbomb (Dante Weltino OLD x Jazz). In show jumping, the Selle Français Studbook remains the leading breeders' association with 9,046 points, while the Holsteiner Verband once again takes the top position in eventing with 1,450 points.

The WBFSH final ranking list 2025 can be viewed at wbfsh.com.

Photo: Pferdefotografie Lafrentz (Julien Épaillard with Donatello d'Auge)

Video: Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour with Mount St. John Freestyle (Grand Prix Freestyle - FEI Dressage European Championship 2025)