May 7, 2025 
They say when it rains, it pours, and this month, it’s certainly pouring U.S. World No. 1s on multiple FEI Rankings Lists. For the first time ever, three U.S. riders occupy the top spots in their respective disciplines thanks to two recent ascensions.
In May, Kent Farrington took over the No. 1 spot on the Longines Rankings in show jumping, while Boyd Martin scaled the heights of the FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings. Finally, U.S. rider Fiona Howard still holds her position as the world’s top athlete in the FEI Para Dressage World Individual Rankings.
Olympic silver medalist Farrington is back on top after unseating Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann after a record-setting 32 months as the World No. 1. Farrington, for his part, previously wore the white armband in 2018.
“I’m excited to return to world number one—Henrik’s three-year reign has been incredibly impressive; it sets a high bar and deserves to be celebrated,” said the American rider, who also holds the title for the most prize money won so far in 2025 with over €917,400 in earnings (Jumpr).
“This is an honor not only for me, but also for my team and everyone who helps support me in this sport. Reflecting on 2018, when I last held the world number one, I had an incredible group of horses. Today I’m very proud to be back with a totally different, but equally talented group.
“I’ve been riding most of my current horses since they were seven years old or younger, and I really enjoy the process of developing them,” he continued. “It’s a rewarding journey and I’m excited to see where we can go from here.”
Martin, meanwhile, is setting impressive records of his own. Not only is this the first time the three-time Pan American gold medalist has taken over the World No. 1 spot in his 25-year career, it’s also the first time an American rider has held the position in more than two decades (Kim Severson last took the title in 2004).
“It’s a goal I’ve been chasing for decades now. Many of my idols, who are champions in the sport and riders I’ve always tried to emulate, have accomplished this honor at some point in their careers,” said Martin, who’s amassed more than 71 starts at the CCI5*-level throughout his career and a total of 56 international wins.
What’s more, the Pennsylvania-based rider boasts 48 clear cross-country rounds, with an impressive 73% completion rate at the CCI5* level. His top 10 finishes with all three of his horses at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event last month helped to push Martin over the top.
“It’s really a humbling moment, and even though it’s my name on the list, I would not have been able to do it without the incredible horses and owners, as well as my dedicated team working day in and out in the stable. Lastly, to share this with my wife and kids, who have been with me on this journey every single day from the very beginning, is really special,” Martin added.
Howard, for her part, is still cresting the wave that began after her breakout 2024 season. In addition to her triple gold medals at the Paris Olympic Games, the British-born, 2021 Northeastern College grad has helped the U.S. Para Dressage Team earn multiple victories so far in CPEDI3* competition in the United States this year.
