The first half of the 2026 international show jumping season confirms many trends from recent years — but also brings some surprises. A current analysis of the Hippomundo database shows that the USA maintain their leading position in total prize money, while Lebanon tops the ranking for average prize money per rider for the first time.
Which nations dominate international show jumping in the first half of 2026 — and how do overall strength and efficiency differ?
This analysis is based on international competition results from the Hippomundo database up to midseason 2026. All international prize money won by riders of a nation is taken into account. In addition, Hippomundo calculates the average prize money per active international rider to compare sporting efficiency independently of a nation’s size. This combination of prize money, rider numbers and averages is available exclusively through the Hippomundo database and allows an objective comparison of international show jumping nations.
Results:
Total prize money: The USA defend their top spot
As already reported in our article at the start of the year for 2025, the United States are also at the top at midseason 2026. With just under 11 million euros in prize money they hold first place ahead of Germany, which follows closely with around 10.6 million euros.
France remains in third place, while Belgium confirms its position among the leading nations.
Particularly noteworthy is the United Kingdom. After Britain overtook Ireland in 2025, it has extended that lead and established itself in fifth place.
| Rank | Country | Prize money |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vereinigte Staaten | 10.956.102 € |
| 2 | Deutschland | 10.628.324 € |
| 3 | Frankreich | 8.429.436 € |
| 4 | Belgien | 7.011.007 € |
| 5 | Vereinigtes Königreich | 6.740.723 € |
Average prize money: New nations at the top
The ranking by average prize money per rider is even more exciting.
While Israel, Colombia and Ireland dominated the ranking in recent years, Lebanon surprisingly leads at midseason 2026 with an average of 37,738 euros per rider.
Luxembourg also impresses with an exceptionally high average of over 30,000 euros per rider.
Colombia, meanwhile, remains remarkably consistent and has been among the most efficient nations in international show jumping for several years.
The United States and Ireland again manage the balancing act between a large number of active riders and very high averages.
| Rank | Country | Average per rider |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Libanon | 37.738 € |
| 2 | Luxemburg | 30.276 € |
| 3 | Kolumbien | 25.039 € |
| 4 | Liechtenstein | 23.687 € |
| 5 | Israel | 23.111 € |
What does this mean?
- The USA remain the most successful nation by total prize money in 2026.
- Germany confirms its exceptional depth with over 1,100 international riders.
- Lebanon takes the top spot in average prize money per rider for the first time.
- Colombia continues to be one of the most consistently efficient nations worldwide.
- The United States and Ireland are once again among the few countries that rank at the very top both in overall performance and efficiency.
The two rankings tell different stories.
Total prize money primarily reflects a nation’s size and concentration of performance. Germany and France benefit here from an enormously broad base of internationally active riders.
Average prize money per rider, by contrast, shows how successful the individual athletes of a nation are on average. That countries like Lebanon or Luxembourg occupy top positions here underscores that a small number of internationally successful riders can be enough to produce exceptionally high averages.
The USA remain particularly remarkable. They combine a large number of internationally successful riders with an average of over 20,000 euros per athlete. Among the major show jumping nations, no other country currently achieves a comparable combination of breadth and efficiency.
Outlook for the second half of the season
Since this analysis only covers the first half of 2026, the rankings are likely to change by the end of the year. With major events such as the Nations Cups in the second half of the season and the World Championships in Aachen, many high-value competitions are still to come.
If current trends continue, there is much to suggest that the United States can retain their top position. At the same time, the fight for the other places among Germany, France, Belgium and the United Kingdom is likely to remain open until the end of the season.
FAQ
Which nation has won the most prize money so far in 2026? The United States lead the midseason 2026 ranking with just under 11 million euros in international prize money.
Why do total prize money and average prize money differ? Total prize money shows a nation’s overall strength. Average prize money per rider, on the other hand, reveals how successful a nation’s individual international riders are on average.
Why do small nations like Lebanon or Luxembourg top the average ranking? These countries have few internationally active riders whose results are exceptionally successful. This raises the average prize money per rider significantly.
Where do the data come from? All analyses are based on international competition results from the Hippomundo database, one of the most comprehensive data sources for international show jumping and breeding worldwide.
Conclusion
The midyear 2026 analysis confirms known balances of power while also revealing new developments. While the United States defend their lead in total prize money, the average ranking shows that sporting efficiency does not necessarily depend on the size of a nation. The combination of both metrics therefore provides a much more comprehensive picture of international competitive strength than any single ranking on its own.
