From the Equitas News Desk
By Charlotte, Equitas News Desk - Version 2 of Around The World with Equitas in article format.
This week’s round-up of women making headlines across the global equestrian industry highlights achievements from California to Nigeria, with new technology, rising youth, and historic performances on the world stage.
In California, Canadian show-jumper Ali Ramsay closed her summer with a remarkable double at HITS Del Mar. She guided Bonita vh Keizershof Z to victory in the CSI2* $31,020 Winning Round before adding a third-place finish in the $90,000 CSI2* Grand Prix aboard Conrado 12. Ramsay praised the technical course and spoke of the determination her mare showed on her return from injury.
Over in France, Britain’s dressage stars once again proved their strength at the European Dressage Championships. The team of Carl Hester, Becky Moody and Charlotte (Lottie) Fry secured silver behind Germany, with Fry and Moody producing stylish freestyles that kept pressure on the favourites. In the Grand Prix Special, Belgium’s Justin Verboomen claimed historic gold, while Denmark’s Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and Germany’s Isabell Werth completed the podium.
The U.S. also saw innovation this week as Garmin unveiled Blaze, a tail-mounted equine wellness sensor designed to monitor vital signs. Eventer Julie Wolfert demonstrated how the device could help riders identify potential health issues and improve training decisions.
On the global stage, the latest FEI rankings confirmed the dominance of women across several disciplines. Britain’s Olympic champion Charlotte Fry leads world dressage, with Werth and Dufour close behind. France’s Virginie Atger topped endurance, while Swiss youth Tallulah Lynn Nater took the number one spot in the FEI Dressage World Youth rankings.
In India, amateur rider Niharika Singhania made headlines by tying for first in the 1.40m show-jumping class at the National Equestrian Premier League in Bangalore with her horse Sir Lancelot. She described the result as proof that amateurs can compete alongside professionals.
Across the United States, women dominated the USEF Vaulting Nationals. Kimberly Palmer led the way with a 3* victory, while Yumi Idehara and Audrey Garrahan took the 2* pas-de-deux, Emi Yang won the 2* Silver individual, and Francesca Foster secured the 1* Bronze female division.
Opportunities for young riders expanded in the Middle East, where eight Omani girls aged 12–16 completed a two-week training camp in Morocco. Working under coach Fanida Chahboun, they trained in show-jumping, dressage and vaulting, and organisers suggested they may soon be seen on international stages.
Back in North America, Erynn Ballard of Canada claimed victory in the MacAllister CSI3* Welcome Stake at Traverse City, Michigan, aboard Kandide Chavannaise. Her win capped an all-female podium, highlighting the strength of women at the top of the sport.
In Nigeria, cultural heritage took centre stage at the Ojude Oba festival, where 11-year-old Kuku Hamidah Anjolaoluwa rode as the youngest female participant. She spoke about carrying traditions forward and inspiring more girls to ride.
Finally, attention turns to Germany, where the European Driving and Para-Driving Championships are underway. Defending para-driving champion Tracy Bowman (USA) will look to retain her title, with Germany’s Anna Mareike Meier and Anna Sandmann, along with Australia’s Jodie McKeone, among the names to watch in combined driving.
From elite victories in California to cultural milestones in Nigeria, women continue to lead, innovate and inspire across the equestrian world.
Welcome to Around the World with Equitas. I’m Charlotte, reporting on the latest stories shaping women’s roles in the global equestrian industry. Each week, we’ll bring you the news that matters – from international arenas and national championships to cultural festivals and grassroots breakthroughs. This is not opinion or commentary; it’s a clear snapshot of what’s happening for women in equestrian sport and beyond.
From Europe’s biggest championships to emerging talent in Africa and Asia, we’ll cover the performances, innovations and milestones that too often go unnoticed. Whether it’s a young rider stepping onto the podium for the first time, or established champions pushing the boundaries at the highest level, you’ll find it here.
Equitas was founded to ensure women’s stories are seen, heard and valued.
Around the World is our commitment to capturing those stories every week – building a picture of progress, resilience and ambition across every discipline. This is your bulletin of truth from the global stage of women in equestrianism
