The Year in Show Jumping - Established Riders and Newcomers

The 2025 U.S. showjumping season has been a year of transition and triumph, defined by the dominance of established legends and the emergence of a fearless new generation. From historic individual rankings to grit-filled team performances, American riders have kept the U.S. flag at the forefront of the global stage.

Here are just a few of the highlights that helped shaped U.S. show jumping in 2025.

Kent Farrington’s historic reign

If there is one name that defined 2025, it is Kent Farrington. For much of the year, Farrington held the World No. 1 spot in the Longines FEI Rankings, maintaining his lead for eight consecutive months.

His season reached a fever pitch in December at CHI Geneva, where he piloted the 11-year-old Oldenburg mare Greya to a stunning victory in the Rolex Grand Prix. Winning a Major on the Rolex Grand Slam circuit is a career-defining feat, and Farrington’s emotional win underscored Greya’s evolution into one of the world’s elite equine athletes.

Katie Dinan leads the charge in Basel

The 2025 FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Basel, Switzerland, saw a strong American contingent, but it was Katie Dinan and the 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood Out of the Blue SCF who stole the headlines.

Dinan finished as the highest-placed U.S. rider, taking eighth overall. Her performance was highlighted by a master class on the final day, where she was the only rider in the entire field to deliver two consecutive clear rounds. This consistency proved that Dinan is no longer just a rising star but a formidable anchor for the U.S. on the international circuit.

McLain Ward - ever the show stalwart

In 2025, McLain Ward remained a central pillar of the U.S. show jumping team. Currently ranked No. 11 in the world, Ward’s season was a lesson in gracefully adapting to change. With his top horse, Imperial HBF, sidelined by injury earlier in the season, Ward turned to the 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding High Star Hero, and the horse stepped up in a major way.

In July, Ward and High Star Hero claimed the CSIO5 1.50m STAWAG Prize* at CHIO Aachen, setting a time that none of the other 50 combinations could catch.

In November, the pair captured the $400,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Los Angeles at Santa Anita Park.

The Youth Movement: Skylar Wireman and Elisa Broz

2025 was the year the next generation truly arrived.

Skylar Wireman: The California native had a spectacular run at the FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC) in Traverse City, securing individual gold and leading Zone 10 to team gold. Wireman also made her 5* Nations Cup debut in Abu Dhabi, showing remarkable poise for her age. Plus, she stood on the podium in third place in the $750,000 Coachella Cup Grand Prix in Thermal, California, alongside veteran show jumpers McLain Ward (runner-up) and winner Laura Kraut. In fact, Wireman crossed the timers 0.13 second behind Ward in the jump-off aboard Barclino B, a 9-year-old Holsteiner gelding.

Elisa Broz: At the Langley Nations Cup, 19-year-old Elisa Broz delivered the only double-clear performance for the U.S. team aboard Consult Picobello Z, a 10-year old Zangersheide gelding. Her performance helped a young, developing U.S. squad finish fourth in a technical field, earning high praise from Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland.

Dominance on the Home Front: MLSJ and SJHOF

Domestic leagues continued to provide high-stakes drama throughout the year:

Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ): The fifth season kicked off with Daniel Bluman (competing for Israel but a staple of the U.S. circuit) taking an early lead. However, U.S. riders like Kristen Vanderveen and the legendary Richard Spooner remained hot on his heels throughout the summer series.

At the Washington International Horse Show, JJ Torano—son of Olympian Jimmy Torano—cemented his status as a phenom. He swept the Show Jumping Hall of Fame (SJHOF) Series, winning the Leading Rider Award and following in his mother Danielle's championship footsteps.

Talent Search and National Championships

The Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals remained the ultimate test of horsemanship. In the East, Eleanor Rudnicki claimed the prestigious title aboard Qwantreau, showcasing the so-called American Style of precision and rhythm that the USET Foundation continues to prize. Meanwhile, Clara Propp took home individual gold at the Junior Jumper National Championships in Harrisburg, showcasing the depth of the U.S. talent pool.

Looking Ahead

With the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany, in August, the results of 2025 have provided a roadmap. The World Championships will serve as a qualifying event for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Photo: Kent Farrington and Greya