world of showjumping

Ever watched a horse sail over a 1.60m oxer like it’s just poppin’ over a garden fence after Sunday roast? That, my old mucker, is the world of showjumping—a proper blend of ballet and bravado, where every stride’s a gamble and every clear round’s a tiny miracle. The world of showjumping ain’t just posh picnics and polished boots; it’s sweat, strategy, and split-second decisions that’d make your nan’s Yorkshire pudding wobble. Whether you’re trackin’ FEI rankings or just fancied the thrill of hooves on turf, the world of showjumping reels you in like a Sunday pub quiz—except the stakes are higher and the horses don’t argue over the answers.

As of late 2025, the FEI rankings’ve got everyone nattering—and no surprise there: Henrik von Eckermann’s still wearin’ that number one crown like it was tailor-made in Savile Row. This Swedish bloke’s been cleanin’ up from Geneva to Riyadh like he’s got a personal invite from every jump crew. His horse, King Edward? Absolute unit—calm as a cuppa, quick as a fox. Together, they’ve turned the world of showjumping into their own little theatre. And with over 3,200 ranking points? He’s not just leadin’—he’s laughin’ all the way to the podium. Mind you, the world of showjumping ladder’s slippery; one rail down and you’re sharin’ space with the also-rans. But Henrik? He’s built different. The world of showjumping elite don’t just ride—they reign.

Righto, here’s the lowdown: the next FEI World Equestrian Games are booked for **2026 in Aachen, Germany**—and if you’ve never been, imagine Badminton Horse Trials meetin’ Glastonbury, but with more hay and fewer wellies (though, let’s be honest, there’ll still be plenty of wellies). The world of showjumping takes centre stage there—literally. Nations send their best, hoping to bag medals, glory, and a fat chunk of that sweet FEI ranking pie. It’s like the Euros for horses, innit? And if you’re thinkin’ of goin’, sort your tickets early—Aachen books up quicker than a pint at Wetherspoons on pay day. The world of showjumping doesn’t do half-measures, mate.

If the world of showjumping were a pub, the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) would be the landlord—flashy, loud, and always flush with cash. Spannin’ 15+ cities from Miami to Monaco, it’s the Premier League of ponyin’. Total prize pot? Around **£10 million GBP**, with the LGCT Final alone chuckin’ out over **£2 million GBP**. Sure, the FEI Jumping World Cup™ and CHIO Aachen are proper heritage acts—but the LGCT? It’s got the glitz, the globetrotters, and the kind of jumps that’d make your knees knock. No cap, no fluke: in the world of showjumping, LGCT’s the main event. The world of showjumping might have roots in village greens, but its heart’s beatin’ under neon lights now.

Let’s not kid ourselves—most riders are makin’ do with packed lunches and second-hand girths. But the top dogs? Oh, they’re livin’ like they’ve won the National. In the world of showjumping, Scott Brash (our very own British bulldog) and Kent Farrington (Yank with the Midas touch) are reportedly bankin’ **£1.5–2 million GBP a year**. And it ain’t just prize money—think sponsorships with Longines, Land Rover deals, and horse syndicates that’d make a City banker blush. Brash even runs his own yard now. But don’t let the gloss fool ya: the world of showjumping is brutal. One bad season and you’re back to muckin’ out for petrol money. Still, if you’ve got the nerve—and the right horse—the world of showjumping can turn passion into proper quid.

You can’t just roll up to Hickstead with a borrowed pony and big dreams—though bless ‘em, we’ve all seen someone try. To crack the elite world of showjumping, you start local—maybe a 1* show down in Kent—then climb through national qualifiers, FEI leagues, and eventually 5* circuits. It’s like football: you don’t go from Sunday league to Wembley without a few blisters and broken stirrups. FEI rankings update weekly, so consistency’s everything. Miss a few shows? Your rank drops faster than a soggy pasty. And remember: your horse’s form’s just as vital as yours. In the world of showjumping, you’re only as good as your last clear round—and your last curry (kidding… mostly). The world of showjumping ain’t a sprint; it’s a steeplechase with invisible hurdles.

Not every chestnut with soulful eyes can handle a 1.70m triple bar—some’d sooner nap in the hay barn. The ideal world of showjumping steed? Usually a Dutch Warmblood, Selle Français, or Belgian brute—bred for power, scope, and a temperament that won’t spook at a flappin’ rosette. They need hindquarters like a sports car and a brain that says “jump” before the rider even thinks it. Over 70% of top LGCT horses are Warmbloods—no accident there. But here’s the real tea: pedigree don’t pay the bills. In the world of showjumping, it’s all about the bond. You could own the fanciest horse in Newmarket, but if you two ain’t in sync, you’ll knock down more poles than a toddler at a Lego convention. That’s the magic of the world of showjumping—it’s not just sport; it’s partnership with hooves.

Course they can—just don’t expect to be sippin’ champagne in Doha next month. The world of showjumping has rungs for a reason. Start small: local shows, 2* classes, maybe even a bit of show hunter to build confidence. Get your FEI passport sorted, network like you’re at Ascot (minus the fascinators), and never stop learnin’. Take Jack Whitaker—our boy from Yorkshire—whose >equestrian legacy we uncovered began in a muddy arena with hand-me-down tack and a dream bigger than his lorry. The world of showjumping might look like a closed shop, but grit opens more doors than a full set of stable keys. Remember: even Scott Brash once forgot his number bib. In the world of showjumping, humility’s the best accessory.

Brace yerself—this one’ll make your wallet weep. Runnin’ a single horse on the int’l world of showjumping circuit? You’re lookin’ at **£150,000–£300,000 GBP a year**. That’s flights (for horse *and* human), stabling, vet bills, farrier, insurance, grooms, and entry fees that range from **£1,000 to £5,000 per class**. And that’s *before* you’ve even bought the horse—top prospects go for **£200,000 to over £1 million GBP**. No wonder most riders rely on owners or syndicates. The world of showjumping ain’t a hobby; it’s a high-stakes business dressed in jodhpurs. But if you’ve got the passion—and a head for numbers—the world of showjumping can reward you in ways money can’t measure… though it helps if it *does* measure, too.

Good news: the world of showjumping’s never been easier to follow. Stream live rounds on FEI TV or dive into the Event section over at Riding London, where we dissect every jump, jink, and near-miss like it’s Match of the Day. Socials are gold too—follow @lgctour or @fei_jump on Insta for behind-the-scenes clips that’ll have you feelin’ like you’re warm-up ring adjacent. Fancy a proper yarn? Our deep dive into Jack Whitaker’s equestrian legacy shows there’s more to the world of showjumping than just clean rounds—it’s blood, sweat, and generations of grit. Whether you’re chasin’ rankings or dreamin’ of your first 1.20m clear, the world of showjumping is just a click away… and always worth the scroll.

References

• https://www.fei.org
• https://www.lgctour.com
• https://www.horseandhound.co.uk
• https://www.eurodressage.com
• https://www.britishequestrian.org.uk