As the curtain falls on a remarkable year, the equestrian world looks back on a season defined by courage, history, and the unbreakable bond between horse and rider. At HORSE TIMES, we’d like to end the year by remembering the milestones that moved us, the victories that defied the odds, and the moments that will be etched in our memories forever. We wish you all a Happy New Year, and thank you for your followership.
1. The Million Dollar Coyle Comeback:
Daniel Coyle and his incredible horse Incredible, became the talk of 2025 after claiming the Million Dollar ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Spruce Meadows. The victory solidified Coyle's reputation as the master of high-stakes, big-money grass arenas. Read more here
2. HRH Princess Haya’s Visionary Honour:
After years of relative distance from official FEI ceremonies, HRH Princess Haya was honoured in December 2025 with the FEI Order of Merit. This recognised her visionary leadership as President from 2006 to 2014, signalling a renewed public celebration of her legacy in the sport. Read more here
3. The Arrival of the Equestrian Blood Rule:
November 2025 saw the FEI General Assembly in Hong Kong officially pass the amended Blood Rule (Jumping Rule 259). The new, more objective protocol focuses strictly on horse welfare, providing a clearer "zero-tolerance" path for officials. Read more here
4. Palestine’s Power Duo:
2025 was the year of Palestine on the global stage. While Diana Al Shaer was elected Chair of the FEI Dressage Committee, rider Egor Shchibrik secured the nation’s first-ever individual showjumping medal at the FEI Asian Championships. Read more here and here
5. The Prodigy & The Patriarch:
The 2025 London Puissance became an instant classic when rising star Rachel Proudley shared the spotlight with the legendary John Whitaker. It was a passing-of-the-torch moment that defined the year’s end. Read more here
6. The Pretty Woman Dominance:
Dutch rider Willem Greve and his aptly named mare Pretty Woman staged a late-year blitz across Europe. They didn't just win; they dominated back-to-back World Cup legs in both Germany (Stuttgart) and Spain (A Coruña), making them the most feared duo of the winter circuit. Read more here
7. Africa’s Olympic Countdown:
It’s official: Senegal is prepping for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. In 2025, the equestrian world shifted its focus toward Africa for the first time in Olympic history, marking a massive geographic milestone. Read more here
8. Laura Kraut’s Flawless Dublin Victory:
In an unusual and gruelling 2025 Rolex Grand Prix at the RDS Dublin Horse Show, Laura Kraut and Bisquetta delivered the only clear round of the entire competition. She described winning in the RDS Main Arena as a "bucket list" moment. Read more here
9. Kent Farrington’s Grand Milestone:
Rolex Testimonee Kent Farrington won the 2025 Rolex Grand Prix of CHI Geneva on Greya. The victory was poetic, falling exactly on the 25th anniversary of the Rolex and CHI Geneva partnership. Read more here
10. Egypt’s Wadi El Forosya Revival:
International showjumping made a triumphant return to the historic Wadi El Forosya in Old Cairo in October. The Police Sports Federation venue brought the sport back to its Cairo roots. See more here and here and here
11. The LA28 Qualification Shift:
The new qualification system for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics was unveiled in 2025, introducing a more rigorous "regional merit" system that rewards consistency in leagues like the Arab League and the Longines League of Nations. Read more here
12. Abdel’s Czechmate in Prague:
In one of the most tactical victories of the year, Abdel Saïd delivered a masterclass Czechmate (a term coined by HORSE TIMES) to secure the LGCT Grand Prix in Prague. His consistency throughout 2025 has been nothing short of stellar. Read more here
13. Trevor Breen: Hard Work & Porridge:
In an exclusive interview, Trevor Breen revealed the secret to success: heart, hard work, and the humble porridge that fuels him through the long show seasons. It’s a grounded reminder that elite sport starts with the basics. Read more here
14. Lazzat of Wathnan Unstoppable Win:
The standout horse of the season, Lazzat - ridden by James Doyle and trained by Jerome Reynier, galloped into the history books with a dominant victory that left commentators speechless after winning the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes on the final day of Royal Ascot. Read more here
15. Scott Brash’s Reins of Resilience:
In one of the most heart-stopping moments of the 2025 FEI Jumping European Championships in A Coruna, Scott Brash proved why he is a master of the sport. While approaching the "terrible triple" combination, Brash momentarily lost his reins. Showing the world that elite horsemanship is about balance and trust, the sensational 10-year-old mare Hello Folie didn't hesitate; she took the leap of faith and jumped clear through the element, helping the combination secure individual silver and leading the British team to team silver. It was a miraculous display of the "feisty and forward" mare’s incredible scope and fighting spirit. Read more here
16. Abdeslam Bennani Smires, a Champion’s Strength:
In a deeply moving display of courage, Moroccan rider Abdeslam Bennani Smires claimed the National Showjumping Championship title just two weeks after the loss of his father. His victory was more than a sporting achievement; it was a powerful tribute to his family and a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Read more here
17. Stephan Barcha’s Aachen Grit:
Brazil’s Stephan Barcha defined equestrian toughness at CHIO Aachen. After suffering a nasty fall during the Nations Cup, he bounced back the very next day to win a speed class before securing an incredible 4th place in the Rolex Grand Prix, proving that true champions always get back in the saddle. Read more here
18. Donald Whitaker’s Dream Debut:
Despite the Whitaker name, Donald Whitaker only made his CHI Geneva debut in 2025. He didn't just participate; he won the Rolex Grand Prix Qualifier, proving he is more than ready to carry the family mantle. Read more here
19. Will Simpson’s Rule:
Olympic medallist Will Simpson shared his philosophy: "Get a good horse and stay out of its way." To introduce his article to our readers, Simpson donned a funky apron and fired up the grill for a short video, reminding us all that even the most serious competitors know how to have a bit of fun. Read more here
20. Khaled Almobty’s Riyadh Redemption:
Saudi Arabia’s Khaled Almobty sent the home crowd into a frenzy by winning the first of Riyadh’s FEI Jumping World Cup shows. His win served as a powerful statement for the strength of the Arab League as it moves into the 2026 season. Read more here
--ENDS--