FEI World Cup™ Series – the making of history

The FEI Dressage World Cup™ – a series that makes history. A series that connects the world. A series that inspires!

It all began with Dr Reiner Klimke. whose legendary partnership with Ahlerich culminated in winning two gold medals at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The unforgettable moment unfolded during the award ceremony, with the Olympic stadium packed to capacity. Klimke, top hat in one hand, the other holding the reins, led Ahlerich through a mesmerizing display of flying changes to the sound of the Olympic anthem, marking the birth of the Grand Prix Freestyle and with that the FEI Dressage World Cup™.

Joep Bartels, the spouse of future Olympic dressage rider Tineke Bartels, sat among the Olympic spectators, captivated by Ahlerich’s playful dance to intricate music. He was inspired by the notion of a dressage test featuring personalized choreography set to individual music choices. Despite initial scepticism from more traditional dressage circles, concerned about the potential shift towards a more showy style akin to ‘circus riding’, Bartels' vision for freestyle dressage prevailed. This marked the inception of the FEI Dressage World Cup™, a prestigious global series showcasing top-tier dressage. Bartels served as the FEI World Cup™ Director until 2004, guiding its growth and success.

Initially, the Grand Prix and the Freestyle, were counted together for the final standings. However, as of 2002, only the Freestyle performance has determined the outcome in FEI World Cup™ competitions, while the Grand Prix serves solely as a qualification round. This change was, too, initially met with scepticism.

Over time, the freestyle has solidified its place in international dressage, becoming a beloved event worldwide. Its significance grew significantly through the FEI Dressage World Cup™ series, leading to its inclusion in Olympic competitions since 1996, where it now stands as the sole basis for awarding individual medals.

Isabell Werth, entering her 25th Final at the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final this week in Riyadh, encapsulates the journey: "Initially met with mixed reactions, the World Cup™ Series has evolved into the pinnacle of the indoor season. It's played a key role in making dressage a year-round spectacle. At World Cup™ events, the arenas are consistently packed, creating an electrifying atmosphere!"

The FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final has become a platform for rising stars in the championship arena, with eight out of this year's 17 finalists making their debut in a FEI World Cup™ Final. Ronan Murphy, the FEI Dressage Director, highlights the event's significance: "The FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final is a showcase of the highest caliber, uniting elite athletes and horses from across the globe. There are indeed a significant number of debutants among the competitors at this 37th edition. This shows that our sport is in very good shape, with new talent emerging every year to challenge the more experienced athletes. This dynamic is one of the main reasons why the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final is such a special event for the international equestrian community. I am looking forward to several days of world-class competition in Riyadh."

For decades, the FEI Dressage World Cup™ has generated worldwide excitement. Riders across the globe have the opportunity to qualify through four leagues, with 18 starting spots reserved for the final each year. The initial nine FEI World Cup™ Finals were hosted in Europe until the inaugural Final event in the USA, held in Los Angeles in 1995. The 2024 FEI World Cup™ Final has already marked a historic milestone even before its commencement: it will be the first time that international World Cup™ finalists gather in the Middle Eastern city of Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. This represents a significant stride in elevating the global importance and enthusiasm for dressage.