August 20, 2026 
Great Britain’s Scott Brash has taken over the top spot in the individual rankings at the 2026 FEI World Championships after the second team and individual competition on Hello Mango. But with a single penalty point separating the top 10, his lead hangs by the narrowest of margins—and a bevy of female talent is knocking at the door.
Germany’s Sophie Hinners leads the charge, sitting in second on 0.84 penalties to Brash’s 0.80. Joining her in the ranks are USA’s Laura Kraut and Baloutinue (seventh), Italy’s Giulia Martinengo Marquet and Dela Del’isle (eighth), and USA’s Lillie Keenan and Fasther (ninth). Meanwhile, Steve Guerdat (SUI) and Daniel Deusser (GER) have moved up to a tie for third on 0.86, as overnight leaders Julien Epaillard (FRA) and Harrie Smolders (NED) dropped out of the top 10. Ben Maher (GBR) and Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) also climbed, now tied for fifth.
But those four leading women riders are chasing history. Only twice has a female rider won individual gold at the World Championships—Gail Greenough in 1986 (aboard Mr. T) and Simone Blum in 2018 (aboard DSP Alice). Is 2026 the year we see a third?
Hinners, 28, isn’t looking past Friday.
“Yes, I’m doing well right now. But I would say that for now, the team result is paramount. The highs and lows are so close together in our sport. That’s why I’ll try to think from round to round first,” said the German rider.
“It was of course a really great experience yesterday to be zero, to be so good. Zero again today. But I also know that things can change again very quickly tomorrow, how quickly one or two mistakes happen. So to be honest, I’m even less concerned about the final or any individual results. First of all, see that tomorrow we [are] able to deliver again and do well in for the team.”
Kraut, 60, echoes that sentiment.
“I’ve been in this sport for so long, you know how many things can go wrong,” she said. “So, you’re trying to not focus on that and trying to focus on just how to make it go correctly. But, it is horses and it’s jumping and its sport—anything can happen.”
One thing that is certain is their collective belief in their horses.
“Iron Dames Sinclair jumped absolutely amazing, I think from the first jump on,” said Hinners. “He was super and he was really focused and with me and was really listening to me. He was beautiful to ride.”
“Baloutinue, he’s just the horse of a lifetime,” said Kraut. “He was my reserve [horse for these Games] and he’s come in and just been unbelievable. I couldn’t have asked more of him today. He is perfect.”
“[Fasther] really fought for me,” added Keenan. “He really reminded me of how incredibly special he is in every single way. His personality, plus his ability. He does things that the laws of physics would say are impossible. I’m just really, really lucky to have him.”
Show jumping at Aachen 2026 continues Friday with the Team Final and round 2 of the Second Individual Qualifier.
