Riyadh, December 14, 2024 – Saudi Arabia has witnessed a significant milestone in the world of equestrian sports, with three riders now ranked among the top 100 showjumpers globally. This achievement, as confirmed in the latest rankings released by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) on December 3, highlights the country's rising prominence in the global equestrian community.
Leading the charge is Abdullah Al-Sharbatly, a seasoned Olympic rider and a key figure in Saudi Arabia’s equestrian success. Al-Sharbatly has earned global recognition for his remarkable performances, most recently securing victory in the Grand Prix Four-Star Class during the opening week of the Jump Saudi equestrian championship. His stellar performance not only reaffirmed his exceptional skill but also solidified his standing in the international equestrian circuit. As of the latest FEI rankings, Al-Sharbatly occupies an impressive 56th place globally with a total of 1,805 points.
Close on his heels is Khalid Al-Mobty, who continues to build his reputation as one of Saudi Arabia’s rising stars in showjumping. Al-Mobty is ranked 57th in the world, with 1,804 points, a mere point behind Al-Sharbatly. Al-Mobty’s success has been hard-earned, particularly with his recent second-place finish in the prestigious Grand Prix Class at Jump Saudi. This competition, featuring top-tier riders and equestrians from across the globe, proved to be a fierce battleground, and Al-Mobty’s performance underscores his competitiveness on the world stage.
The third Saudi rider in the top 100 is Abdulrahman Al-Rajhi, who occupies 66th place in the global rankings with 1,707 points. Al-Rajhi’s position further enhances Saudi Arabia's presence in the international equestrian scene, marking a new chapter of excellence for the country in this sport.
The growth of showjumping in Saudi Arabia has been nothing short of remarkable in recent years. This surge in success can be attributed to the concerted efforts of the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation (SAEF), which has not only organized and hosted a series of prestigious national and international championships but also placed a strong emphasis on nurturing young talent. These events, including competitions specifically designed for junior riders, have given aspiring equestrians invaluable opportunities to compete at the highest level, often alongside the world’s most decorated riders.
The increasing participation and success of Saudi riders on the global stage are a testament to the country’s commitment to developing equestrian sports and providing the necessary infrastructure and support for athletes to thrive. Through these initiatives, Saudi Arabia has become a key player in the global equestrian arena, poised for even greater achievements in the future.
As Saudi riders continue to excel and make their mark internationally, the nation’s equestrian community is poised to grow even stronger, solidifying its place among the world’s top equestrian nations.