“Teamwork”: Governing Body of FEI Driving World Honors Top 5 Equestrian Icons

Among the three equestrian sports, driving is the most adrenaline-fuelled as per several fan opinions. Driving, being the oldest sport in this realm, is the most sought-after event in the 21st century. Due to the efforts of the Duke of Edinburgh, driving came under the prestigious umbrella of FEI back in 1970. Fast forward to now, after a fun-filled 2023 of several Championships, it’s time to wind up the year with the topmost rank holders.

Series such as the FEI World Cup, Nations Cup, and minor youth championships help in calculating the World’s Rankings. Athletes, horses, and teams who outdo themselves in the game arena get the accolades they deserve. Now, as the New Year rolled in, 5 athletes top the list with their equine teams.

Equestrian icons shine on the global stage

In 2020, FEI introduced a ranking system that would track the performances of the athletes throughout the year. Every year, the FEI Driving World Ranking list commences on January 1, and the points accumulated till 31st December of the previous year, get January carried over to the new. In the same vein, FEI has the newest star list of the rank-holding athletes. According to their Instagram post, the caption reads, “As we bid farewell to an exhilarating year of FEI Driving, let’s take a moment to celebrate the incredible achievements of the top 5 Four-In-Hand teams. These teams have showcased unparalleled skill, teamwork…” No wonder the list beaming on the post features the names that have dominated the past year.

The second slide has the names. Standing on top is the Australian equestrian Boyd Exell with 300 points. On second, there is IJsbrand Chardon of the Netherlands with 209 points. His son Bram Chardon, stands in third with 204. Following, Michael Brauchel of Germany in fourth with 169 and Glenn Geerts of Belgium with 163. Though the stellar roster has left an indelible mark in the world of Driving, there’s Aussie Boyd Exell, the victor ludorum.

Boyd Exell breaks his record

At the beginning of 2023, when the FEI Driving World Cup kicked off in Bordeaux, fans pinned their hopes on their favorite teams. Boyd Exell, along with his four majestic animals, clinched his 10th World Cup title, the first man to touch the double-digit mark.

READ MORE: Equestrian Governing Body FEI Unveils World’s Top 10 Dressage Riders in Latest Post

The Chardon father-son duo didn’t disappoint the Netherlands nor the family, thus standing in second and third. But Exell’s artistry came to the fore when the world noticed him handling the reins intricately. The entire Exell team, including navigator Emma Olsson and Hugh Scott-Barrett gracing the bottom step, had covered the path smoothly. Though it’s always a tough game between Exell and the Chardons, let’s see who goes where in 2024.

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