Whitaker back in world top 10
Marcus Fuchus (right) remains in a commanding position at the head of the FEI Gandini World Jumping Riders Rankings, despite being sidelined for most of December with an injury.
The Swiss rider is current on 3135pts, approximately 500pts ahead of second placed Ludger Beerbaum, and is expected to return to the saddle in time for Zurich CSI at the end of January.
Marcus Ehning is in third place on 2339pts, while fellow German rider Otto Becker has moved up to fourth from sixth place following a second place in the World Cup at CSI-W Geneva, plus good performances in La Coruña, Spain and Munich, Germany.
Michael Whitaker has returned to the Top Ten with 1750 points to take ninth place, ahead of Malin Baryard. However, Robert Smith has lost his top 10 position, slipping down the rankings to 12th.
Good performances by Nick Skelton has helped him make good progress moving up 11 places from 47th to 36th, while Andrew Davies retains his 50th place.
Other British riders inside the top 100 include Richard Davenport, who is snapping at Andrew’s heels just outside the top 50, John Whitaker, William Funnell, Robert Whitaker and Tim Stockdale.
Top 10 riders
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1, Markus Fuchs (SUI) 3135
2, Ludger Beerbaum (GER) 2647
3, Marcus Ehning (GER) 2339
4, Otto Becker (GER) 2206
5, Lars Nieberg (GER) 2109
6, Jos Lansink (BEL) 2069
7, Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) 2049
8, Beezie Madden-Patton (USA) 1965
9, Michael Whitaker (GBR) 1750
10, Malin Baryard (SWE) 1696
To view the complete rankings visit: www.horsesport.org
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.