The Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final began in 2001 with a simple but brilliant idea: once a year, only the ten best riders in the world should face each other in one decisive class.
No big field. No outsiders. Just the strongest, most consistent athletes of the season.
From its very first edition, the Top 10 Final became one of the most respected titles in show jumping. Winning this trophy is not only a victory—it is a place in history.
Champions of the Past
Many of the greatest riders of our era have held this title:
- Kevin Staut – Stylish, fast, calculating
- Beezie Madden – The first woman to win the Top 10 Final
- Marcus Ehning – The master of soft riding
- Christian Ahlmann – Precision and rhythm
- Steve Guerdat – The Swiss hero of Geneva
- Scott Brash – Olympic champion & global superstar
- Ben Maher – One of the most complete riders ever
Some riders have taken the title more than once, proving that this competition is not just about talent—it requires consistency, nerves of steel, and a horse at the peak of its form.
Legendary Horses
Great champions are never alone. The history of the Top 10 Final is also the history of unforgettable horses:
- Explosion W – a burst of power under Ben Maher
- Hello Sanctos – the quiet genius of Scott Brash
- Nino des Buissonnets – Olympic gold with Steve Guerdat
- Hickstead – Eric Lamaze’s fearless partner
- Cornet Obolensky & his dynasty – fathers and sons ruling the sport
These horses carved their names into the sport not just by clearing fences, but by winning when the world was watching.
Why Geneva’s Arena is Unique?
CHI Geneva has one of the largest indoor arenas in the world.
This affects everything: stride lengths, time allowed, turns, and how the course designer challenges the riders.
The arena is wide, open, and fast — which makes mistakes more costly and pressure even higher.
Why this Title Matters?
Olympic medals come every four years.
World Cup Finals gather many riders.
But the Top 10 Final is different:
Ten of the best. No excuses.
When a rider wins here, everyone knows it wasn’t luck.
To Be Continued…
In the next part, I will share stories from behind the scenes of Geneva, interviews, preparation of horses, and how riders control pressure in the most intense night of the year.
Written by Hakan Kaya – Equine Story
Where horses and humans share one story.
