Mighty Moody rides to FEI World Cup victory

After a rootin’ tootin’ Grand Prix Freestyle final, Becky Moody became rodeo queen in Fort Worth, Texas, riding to her first Zen Elite FEI World Cup title with her home-bred Jagerbomb.  

Following an inspiring opening round at the FEI World Cup Finals in Fort Worth's Dickies Arena, the stage was set for an almighty hoedown showdown as 16 combinations stepped up for the Grand Prix Freestyle finale. 

After topping the Grand Prix with 76.761%, Becky Moody progressed into the final round as favourite – and whilst technically her first rodeo at a World Cup Final – the Yorkshire lady carried the pressure as if she’d been in that position 100 times before. Drawn last to go, Becky and Jagerbomb entered the arena with the scores on the board to beat and the standard set. As the crowd whooped and hollered throughout, the pair delivered without doubt the test of a lifetime, showing their outstanding partnership and high-quality work. A strong technical performance earned nines for both one and two tempi changes, presented on challenging curved lines; alongside the most impressive of entrance and concluding halts, which earned four marks of 9.5 and one 10. The artistic points speak for themselves, with no fewer than ten marks of 10 across the collectives for harmony, choreography and music. Set to enthusiastic cheers, Tony Hobden’s Equidance showcase of music by the Beatles went down a treat for both crowd and judges. Perhaps worth more than the beauty of both top technical and artistic execution, was the picture of happiness and harmony shown throughout by Bomb – always working with his ears forward, a soft connection and buoyant enthusiasm.  

The judges panel of Magnus Ringmark (E – SWE), Alice Schwab (H – AUT), Christof Umbach (C – LUX), William Warren (M – USA) and Francis Verbeek van Roy (B – NED) rewarded a final percentage of 88.330% - a new personal best score and enough to deliver the title.  

In picking up the FEI World Cup, Becky becomes the third British rider to lift the trophy; whilst also giving Great Britain back-to-back wins after Lottie Fry and Glamourdale’s success in 2025.  

Speaking about her history making moment, Becky said: “Today, right from the get-go, [Jagerbomb] was just so focused and so with me. The beauty of the Freestyle is that you are able to showcase your horse’s strengths, and he finds the changes on the curved lines very easy, and because he is good in the balance, he can go from one [movement] to another without a struggle.” 

“I’ve never ridden in an arena like that,” she continued reflecting on the atmosphere. “It’s just insane to be part of such a cool competition. The crowd here was absolutely something else. To be sat here with these [riders] is just fantastic. I think all of our horses are complete and utter diamonds.” 

Second placed belonged to the popular home combination of Christian Simonson and Indian Rock, who also earned a personal best score of 83.810%. At just 23-years-old Christian has done himself and his country proud making a World Cup debut with all the pressure of riding in front of a home crowd. The pair delivered a superb test, with highlights in the pirouettes and half passes, presented to a compilation of American songs – combined with music from the Rocky movies – in homage to his horse’s nickname.  

“We wanted to show the hero’s journey in the choreography,” Simonson said. “And we just really wanted to show how powerful ‘Rocky’ is, of course. It’s based on the [music from the] Rocky movies and the story as well.” 

Sandra Sysojeva and Maxima Bella earned 80.770% to complete the podium, recording a wonderful result for Poland. The combination have been a popular pairing since their emergence onto the scene in 2024, with the then nine-year-old mare dazzling dressage fans with her outstanding piaffe and passage – a showcase of expression and elegance.  

“I’m really proud of [my horse],” Sysojeva said. “She’s still young and really getting a lot of experience at shows like this. And I’m proud to be here…It’s my first time in the U.S., and I’m excited about this show.” 

The 2026 FEI World Cup Final provided a perfect chance for combinations new to the biggest of stages to shine; and the dressage presented in both rounds shows just how much there is to look forward to in the future.  

Congratulations go to Becky and Bomb, as well as their wonderful groom Kim Masson, co-owner Jo Cooper and the entire team at Moody Dressage.  

Results – top ten  

Grand Prix Freestyle 
1. Becky Moody and Jagerbomb, 88.330% (GBR) 
2. Christian Simonson and Indian Rock, 83.810% (USA)  
3. Sandra Sysojeva and Maxima Bella, 80.770% (POL) 
4. Patrick Kittel and Touchdown, 80.260% (SWE) 
5. Raphael Netz and DSP Dieudonne,79.245% (GER) 
6. Julio Mendoza Loor and Jewel’s Goldstrike, 78.645% (ECU)  
7. Alexa Fairchild and Fairplay, 78.005% (BEL) 
8. Moritz Treffinger and Fiderdance, 77.360% (GER) 
9. Kevin Kohmann and Duenensee, 76.730% (USA)  
10. Benjamin Ebeling and Bellena, 74.965% (USA) 

FULL RESULTS