Things are shifting at the top of the world rankings.

Just days before the start of the World Championships in Aachen, there is a shake-up at the top of the discipline: Belgian rider Justin Verboomen has yielded the world number one spot to Denmark's Cathrine Laudrup Dufour.

Ranked 31st last month, Cathrine Laudrup Dufour has achieved a fantastic feat by reclaiming the top spot in international dressage. She commented today: "It is a tremendous honor to head into the World Championships in Aachen as the world number one. Freestyle has delivered exceptional performances throughout the year and is in peak form to provide a spectacular sporting moment in the legendary Aachen arena. I am incredibly proud to represent my country and look forward to competing against other nations alongside the Danish team. Freestyle competed in her first World Equestrian Games in Tryon in 2018, I took part in mine in Denmark in 2022, and this year, we are going together. I am deeply grateful for the incredible opportunity to compete in another championship with my wonderful 'Free'."

The top-ranked riders from last month have each dropped one spot: Justin Verboomen is now 2nd, Charlotte Fry 3rd, Isabell Werth 4th, Becky Moody 5th, Carl Hester 6th, Marieke van der Putten 7th, Sandra Sysojeva 8th, and Larissa Pauluis 9th.

Notable moves include Semmieke Rothenberger jumping from 229th to 32nd place, Adrienne Lyle returning directly to 51st position, and Stefan Lehfellner entering the rankings at 91st thanks to his victories at the Achleiten CDI3* with L'Espoir de Massa.

crédit photo : FEI/KIm C Lundin