Jan Tops, a name inextricably linked to the world of equestrian sports, wins this year's Hippomundo Award 2024.
After an impressive career as a rider, Jan Tops has developed into a successful entrepreneur in equestrian sports. Not only as owner and investor in the breeding of top horses but also as founder of the Tops Intentional Arena, an organization that realizes world-class events.
This award honors his courage and perseverance, especially for the challenges he overcame in realizing the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) alongside the FEI Jumping international competitions. His determination and vision have changed not only the structure of the sport, but also the way it is experienced worldwide.
With the Longines Global Champions Tour, Tops introduced a new standard that has pushed the boundaries of show jumping. Professionalism, innovation and international visibility are now core values of the sport of show jumping. Thanks to the LGCT, more sponsorship opportunities, lucrative television rights and commercial opportunities have emerged.
Tops brought a fresh, modern look and showed that equestrian sports is not only a tradition-rich discipline, but also a platform with future potential and global allure. In doing so, he made show jumping more attractive to both sponsors and a younger audience.
Jan Tops:
It is an honor for me to receive the Hippomundo Award 2025. This recognition is not only a great appreciation for my efforts in equestrian sports, but also for everyone who has contributed to the growth and development of this wonderful discipline.
Together with my team, we are always trying to take the sport to the next level - from the Longines Global Champions Tour to the events at Longines Tops International Arena. I am proud of what we have achieved together and grateful for the support of riders, owners, sponsors and everyone else who has been involved in this adventure.
My thanks also go to Hippomundo for highlighting special contributions to our industry. This award is a motivation to continue to innovate and make equestrian sports more accessible and attractive to a wide audience.
The Hippomundo Awards annually celebrates that one person or organization that has made an undeniable and special contribution to the growth and development of our wonderful equestrian sport over the past year - or throughout their career. At Hippomundo, we believe in the strength of our community, which is driven by diversity and passion. For that reason, everyone within the horse industry was given the opportunity to submit nominations. This year, seven impressive nominees were selected, with Jan Tops as the well-deserved winner.
Congratulations to Jan Tops - visionary and pioneer in the sport of show jumping !
