TikTok, Farrington and MET- Horse News From Around the World Today: 6 October 2026
The latest horse news from around the world today includes a new Grand Prix star for American showjumper Kent Farrington, Belgium’s Thibeau Spits maintaining his position at the top of two FEI jumping rankings, and new research examining how horse riding falls and risks are portrayed on TikTok.
Here are some of the international equestrian stories making the news on Tuesday 6 October 2026.
Kent Farrington and Rexton win first Grand Prix together
World number two Kent Farrington has added another international Grand Prix victory to his record, this time with exciting new ride Rexton.
The American rider won the CSI3* $116,500 Discovery Land Company Grand Prix at Highlands Hudson Valley in New York, marking Farrington’s second consecutive victory in the class but his first Grand Prix win with the nine-year-old Rexton.
Seven combinations progressed to the jump-off, where Farrington and Rexton produced the winning clear in 34.23 seconds. Sloane Coles and Ninja JW van de Moerhoeve finished second in 35.49 seconds, while Jacqueline Ruyle and H Cornetta DK completed an all-American top three.
Rexton, an Oldenburg gelding previously ridden by Germany’s Mylen Kruse, is a relatively new addition to Farrington’s string. The pair only made their competition debut together towards the end of the summer.
Thibeau Spits remains world’s leading jumping combination
Belgium’s Thibeau Spits and Impress-K van’T Kattenheye Z remain at the top of the latest FEI Combination in Jumping Ranking.
The pair, who won individual and team silver at the 2026 FEI Jumping World Championships in Aachen, lead the October standings with 1,557 points.
American combination Kristen Vanderveen and Bull Run’s Jireh sit second on 1,516 points, while Germany’s Daniel Deusser and Otello de Guldenboom are third with 1,421.
Britain is represented inside the top 10 by Amanda Derbyshire and Cornwall BH, who currently sit ninth.
The ranking takes into account validated results from 1 January to 30 September 2026 and measures individual horse-and-rider combinations rather than riders alone.
Thibeau Spits also holds world number one U25 position
It has been a strong start to October for Thibeau Spits, who also remains the world’s number one U25 showjumper for an eighth consecutive month.
The Belgian rider leads the latest FEI Jumping U25 Ranking with 2,485 points following a season that included double silver at the World Championships in Aachen.
The result means Spits currently holds the top position in both the U25 rider standings and, with Impress-K van’T Kattenheye Z, the FEI Combination in Jumping Ranking.
New study examines horse riding falls and risk on TikTok
New research from Malmö University in Sweden has examined the way horse riding falls and equestrian risk are presented to young people on social media.
Researchers analysed more than 60 TikTok videos and over 6,700 comments posted under the hashtag #ridingfails.
The study found that falls were frequently presented in an entertaining or humorous way, with setbacks often portrayed as a normal part of riding and something to overcome on the way to becoming a better rider.
Researchers also noted that serious injuries were rarely visible in the videos, despite comments from users describing injuries including concussion and fractures.
PhD student Klara Boije af Gennäs said greater awareness of the culture developing on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram is important for federations, riding clubs and trainers seeking to promote healthy and safe equestrian environments.
British riders enjoy successful opening week at Autumn MET in Spain
British riders have enjoyed a successful opening week of the 2026 Autumn Mediterranean Equestrian Tour at Oliva Nova in Spain.
Laura Renwick started the tour with two victories, including a win in the 2* Gold 1.45m aboard home-bred eight-year-old NFS Top Gun. She also won a Silver 1.35m speed class with Cottee.
Donald Whitaker and Royal Red Van Het Lindehof headed a British one-two in the Gold 1.45m Final, while Matt Sampson and Genie Du Haut Val won the Gold 1.40m two-phase.
Jamie Wingrove and Belvedere also finished second in the 2* Grand Prix behind Ireland’s Niall Talbot and Charming Dream Z.
What are today’s biggest international horse news stories?
International equestrian news on 6 October includes Kent Farrington securing Rexton’s first Grand Prix victory, Thibeau Spits maintaining his position at the top of the FEI U25 and horse-and-rider combination rankings, British success at the Autumn MET in Spain and new research into how horse riding falls are portrayed on TikTok.
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