The latest horse news from around the world today includes a winning start to the Highlands Cup for Canadian showjumper Erynn Ballard, changes in the FEI world rankings across several equestrian disciplines and championship action at the Horse of the Year Show in Britain.

From international showjumping in North America to dressage, eventing and driving, here are the equestrian stories making headlines on Friday 9 October 2026.

Erynn Ballard claims three victories at Highlands Cup in New York

Canadian Olympian Erynn Ballard has enjoyed an impressive start to the second week of the Highlands Autumn Invitational in Amenia, New York, recording three victories across the opening days of competition.

Ballard began with victory in Wednesday’s $20,000 Tasu Fruit Chips 1.40m Speed class aboard Snelleneddy Castanoo before adding two more wins on Thursday.

Riding Genius de Rance, she topped the opening five-star 1.40m Two-Phase competition, while Greta de la Dinais carried her to victory in the $20,000 Champagne Telmont 1.40m Classic.

All three horses are owned by Ilan Ferder.

The Highlands Cup forms part of the Major League Show Jumping circuit, with the five-star team competition scheduled for Saturday and the feature Grand Prix taking place on Sunday.

Richard Vogel strengthens lead in latest FEI jumping world rankings

Germany’s Richard Vogel has extended his advantage at the top of the Longines FEI Jumping World Rankings, remaining ahead of American rider Kent Farrington.

Vogel moved into the world number one position following Germany’s team gold medal at the FEI World Championships in Aachen and has continued collecting valuable ranking points.

Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam has climbed from fifth to third following a successful September, which included a five-star Grand Prix victory in Canada and a runner-up finish in the opening North American League World Cup qualifier.

Britain’s Scott Brash has moved down one place to fourth, while newly crowned individual world champion Steve Guerdat of Switzerland sits fifth.

Canadian rider Chris Pratt has also made a significant move, climbing 37 places to enter the world’s top 100 at number 88.

Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour retains world dressage number one position

Denmark’s Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour remains at the top of the FEI Dressage World Rankings, with Mount St John Freestyle also retaining the leading position in the horse rankings.

The Danish combination has not competed internationally since claiming two individual silver medals and team bronze at the World Championships in Aachen in August.

Belgium’s Justin Verboomen remains second in the athlete rankings, while Germany’s Isabell Werth has moved into third place, overtaking Britain’s Charlotte Fry.

Werth’s rise follows victories in both the Grand Prix and Freestyle at the CDI4* in Vienna aboard Viva Gold OLD.

Britain’s Becky Moody remains fifth in the world standings.

Tim Price leads eventing rankings as British riders make significant gains

New Zealand’s Tim Price continues to lead the FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings, although the gap to American Boyd Martin has narrowed.

Price holds the top position with 534 points, just six ahead of Martin on 528.

Fellow American Will Coleman has climbed to third on 500 points, following a season that included fourth place at the World Championships in Aachen and seventh at Burghley.

British riders have also made gains in the latest standings. Tom McEwen has moved up to fourth, while Tom Jackson has climbed from 11th to fifth.

Ros Canter sits seventh, with Gemma Stevens eighth and Katie Magee ninth following Britain’s recent success at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup Final in Boekelo.

Belgium’s Dries Degrieck overtakes Boyd Exell in world driving rankings

Belgian driver Dries Degrieck has taken over the world number one position in the FEI Four-in-Hand Driving Rankings, moving ahead of Australia’s Boyd Exell.

Degrieck won the FEI Driving World Cup Final in Bordeaux earlier this year before claiming individual silver and team bronze at the World Championships in Aachen.

Dutch driver Bram Chardon is third, with his father Ijsbrand Chardon fourth.

There has also been a change at the top of the Singles rankings, where France’s Fabrice Martin has moved ahead of Switzerland’s Stefan Ulrich.

Horse of the Year Show continues with championship victories and international jumping

The 2026 Horse of the Year Show continues at the NEC Birmingham, with national championships and international showjumping providing plenty of action.

Aberdeenshire rider Samantha Wiseman enjoyed a memorable victory aboard A.S His Lordship in the Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Championship, winning on her HOYS debut.

Only three of the 23 starters reached the jump-off, with Wiseman finishing ahead of Seamus Taylor and Billy Wolsey, while Douglas Duffin and Omex Star HBF took third.

Further championship action is scheduled across the weekend, with HOYS concluding on Sunday 11 October.

What are today’s biggest international horse news stories?

International equestrian news on 9 October includes Erynn Ballard’s three victories at the Highlands Cup in New York, Richard Vogel extending his lead in the world jumping rankings and Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour retaining the top dressage position.

New Zealand’s Tim Price continues to lead the eventing standings, while Belgium’s Dries Degrieck has moved to world number one in Four-in-Hand driving.

In Britain, Horse of the Year Show continues with national championship results and international showjumping.

Follow our horse news from around the world for more international equestrian news, results, horse health, welfare and industry developments.