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Scott Brash is crowned world number one: ‘Success comes from the time you invest in your horses’

Jennifer Donald Jennifer Donald

    • British showjumper Scott Brash has become the number one ranked rider in the world, according to the latest edition of the Longines Rankings for showjumping.

    The double Olympic gold medallist had been hovering in second place behind US rider Kent Farrington in recent months. But a historic run of grand prix successes throughout January has helped propel the 40-year-old to the top spot in the world rankings for the third time in his illustrious career.

    “I’m incredibly proud to be world number one again,” said Scott Brash. 

    “More than anything, it’s a reflection of the extraordinary team around me – the people who work tirelessly every single day, caring for our horses with such love and dedication. They are the ones who make sure the horses are as happy and healthy as they can possibly be, allowing us to do what we do and who keep everything moving forward.”

    Scott Brash leads Kent Farrington and Ben Maher in the world rankings

    Scott leads the global standings with 3,459 points, ahead of Kent Farrington in second with 3,415 points. Scott’s Olympic team-mate Ben Maher moves up to third position.

    “For me, reaching number one is never about just a few recent results,” said Scott, who racked up an outstanding fifth grand prix success in as many weeks in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday (31 January). He even landed two grands prix in one day, twice.

    “It’s something that is built quietly and patiently over many years.”

    “This feels so special”: Scott pays tribute to “remarkable” horses

    “With horses, success comes from the time you invest in them, the trust you develop, and knowing it’s a long-term journey,” Scott said. “That’s why it feels so special to stand here with such remarkable horses, all of whom feel at the very top of their game.”

    In December, Scott topped the prestigious Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final with Hello Chadora Lady and followed up with a historic hat-trick of five-star grands prix – two with Hello Jefferson and one with Hello Mango. He also triumphed in a brace of CSI3* grands prix riding H&H‘s showjumping horse of the year 2025, Hello Folie, and Hello Chadora Lady, all of whom are owned by his great supporters Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham.

    “This is also a moment to say thank you to my owners, who have supported me for so many years with trust and belief, and to our partners, whose support makes so much possible,” said Scott, who held the world number one position on two separate occasions between 2013 and 2015.

    “My focus now remains simple – to keep the horses as fit, healthy and happy as they can be. Everything else follows from that.”

    Read more about Scott Brash’s latest grand prix triumph in this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, in shops Thursday, 5 February.

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    Jennifer Donald
    Jennifer Donald

    H&H showjumping editor
    Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.
    Jennifer Donald

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