November 2024: Sophie Hinners broke the pattern. A female rider won the World Cup Grand Prix in Verona for the first time and her performance marked a turning point, crowned by a top five dominated by women, with Jennifer Hochstaedter in fourth place and Petronella Andersson in fifth.
Over the years, several female athletes left their mark in the history of the competition. The first was Italy’s Beatrice Patrese, daughter of the famous F1 driver Riccardo Patrese. She was fifth in 2005 riding Loro Piana Fanix de Roll. The following year, in 2006, another Italian female rider took her chance: Jonella Ligresti was fourth.
Among the absolute protagonists there is the German champion Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, who has achieved three prestigious World Cup placings in Verona: third in 2006, second in 2010 and fifth in 2012.
Swedish Malin Baryard-Johnsson was third in 2012 and fourth in 2014, Swiss Janika Sprunger was fifth in 2017 and, again for Germany, Kendra Claricia Brinkop was placed second in 2021.
This year, fifteen female riders from eleven different countries will compete in Jumping Verona.
Giulia Martinengo Marquet, Chiara Pezzoli and Michol Del Signore will be riding for Italy.
Australian Edwina Tops-Alexander, one of the most iconic figures in the equestrian circuit, who has represented her country in five Olympic Games, will also be competing in Verona.
All eyes will be set on Marie Eder Ferrero, who turned 18 on 18 October. The Monegasque athlete of Italian origin is the youngest competitor. Fresh from an outstanding fourth place at the European Junior Championships in Riesenbeck, she is ready to take her chance among the big names in show jumping.
The stage is set: will the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ podium be wearing pink once again? We’ll just have to wait and see.
