How Ben Ebeling Became First North American Equestrian To Qualify For Dressage World: Reliving Legend’s Journey

The  FEI Dressage World Cup is back with its annual event to present the athletes and enthusiasts with the most prestigious individual competition in the international dressage calendar. Starting almost half a century ago, the event has introduced the finest of Dressage athletes to the industry. Today as it takes precedence yet again, the tour has fetched North America’s first equestrian lead for the season.

The FEI hosts various Dressage events across the world and throughout the year to fetch the ultimate champion. For the 2023-24 season, Riyadh will welcome the showdown from April 16-20, 2024. As the equestrians mark their races for the final stage, Ben Ebeling sits on top with an excelling beginning to the season.

A stellar beginning

The Dressage World Cup requires an equestrian to participate in at least two Grand Prix Freestyle to qualify for the finals. Ben Ebeling won two with the series beginning last year. One in Devon in September and the next in Myakka City in October. He topped Indeed for a winning score of 77.32% to Gwen Stefani and Rihanna’s medley in the first qualifier.

“She speaks for herself, we have developed a great partnership and we have spent a lot of time together, trying and failing—and failing is really part of the journey to get to successes like these,” he said. The winning momentum continued into October as the duo rose to clinch more.

Second one in the bag for the equestrian

Following their adventures at Devon, Ebeling and Indeed flew to Myakka for more points and a rise to the top. The duo trained by Ben’s father and Olympian, Jan Ebeling, garnered 75.330% for the win. With two in the bag, the equestrian had 40 points inching closer to getting his hands on the final spot. Though the next stop yielded a 10th spot earning 9 points, the duo was back with a bang for the new year.

A perfect start to the New Year

On Jan 4th, Thermal, California hosted the next stop of the North American League qualifiers. Entering the event, the equestrian stood atop the standings with 49 points. Kevin Kohmann followed next with 37. The duo’s win at the event would provide him 20 more to equal the score at 60 not only to maintain a comfortable lead but also to get the ticket to the finals. Scoring 72.240%, the duo earned the points and prize at stake.

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“I’m so proud of my girl Indy- she has shown up time after time to hopefully secure both of our first FEI World Cup outing in April. My dancing girl is on fire, i’m honored to be her dance partner,” he penned on Instagram. The finals will be 18 of the finest equestrians competing for the ultimate title.