The Top 10 concept, a 5* level CDI class to which Top 10 FEI ranked dressage riders are invited, has moved to Frankfurt after the CDI Stockholm failed to find a sponsor for 2025.
Founded in Stockholm
The Sweden International Horse Show in Stockholm first launched this format in 2017, sponsored by Saab. In 2022 Lovsta Stutteri took over, but chose no longer to support the concept in 2025.
The Top 10 class did not truly include only top 10 riders, but the attempt was made.
Circle of Excellence
Germany's number one Isabel Werth picked up the phone and rallied a group of wealthy dressage aficionados, calling themselves the "Circle of Excellence", to relaunch the Top 10, this time in Frankfurt on 19 - 21 December 2025. They vouched for 300,000 euro in prize money.
The benefactors are Bankhaus Metzler, Almased, Liselott-Schindling-Stiftung, Anrecht Investment, Paul Schockemöhle, Family Pistner, Ralph Uwe Westhoff, Madeleine Winter-Schulze, François Kasselmann, Dreame.de, and Abus Equestrian.
Invitation Only
Not 10 but 12 riders will be invited and the show, which includes a Grand Prix and Kur to Music.
The move to Frankfurt was rather surprisingly, initially, as the entire autumn rumours were rife that the CDI Frankfurt would not take place, allegedly due to finance issues, rumours fuelled by the cancellation of the CDI Donaueschingen, hosted by the same organizer as Frankfurt, Schafhof Connects.
However, all systems are go for the 2025 CDI Frankfurt and the event is popular as it also hosts the Nurnberger Burgpokal Final and Louisdor Cup Final.
Line-up
Although not officially confirmed on the Frankfurt website, a line-up of riders for the "Top 12" has been reported on Dressursport Kim.
Justin Verboomen (BEL - #1), Isabell Werth (GER - #2), and Cathrine Dufour (DEN - #3) are reported to have confirmed their entry for this show. They will be joined by Frederic Wandres (GER - #7), Katharina Hemmer (GER - #8), Sandra Sysojeva (POL - #10), Patrik Kittel (SWE - #11), Corentin Pottier (FRA - #12), Maria von Essen (SWE - #13), Larissa Pauluis (BEL - #14) , Semmieke Rothenberger (GER - # 17), and Dinja van Liere (NED - #18).
The numbers 4, 5. and 6 of the world - Brits Becky Moody, Charlotte Fry, and Carl Hester - are strikingly absent from the line-up, as well as the German based nr 9, Isabell Freese (NOR - Total Hope). Also Bianca Nowag (GER - #16) is higher ranked than Semmieke Rothenberger but not on the list.
for the British riders the CDI Frankfurt clashes with the CDI-W London which takes place at the same time. Becky Moody told Eurodressage, "I am the dressage ambassador for the show (London), so I will definitely be doing London. Just just sad it clashes with the top 10/12!"
Photo © Lukasz Kowalski
Related Links
2025 CDI Stockholm Drops to 4* Status, "Top 10" Concept Cancelled
2025 CDI Donaueschingen Cancelled