Sophie Hinners Makes History as the First Woman to Win at Verona’s World Cup Leg

At Fieracavalli Verona, Sophie Hinners has made her mark as one of the “iron ladies,” becoming the first woman to claim victory in the Italian stage of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™. This 26-year-old German rider, representing the all-female Iron Dames Team, founded by French billionaire Deborah Mayer, defeated an elite field and sealed her place in history.

With only a 0.32-second lead over British Olympic team gold medalist and world number three, Ben Maher, Hinners demonstrated both skill and composure in a fiercely competitive jump-off. The final round saw a majority of women among the top five competitors, underscoring the rise of female riders at the highest levels of equestrian sport.

The Iron Dames Team, founded in 2018 by Mayer, aims to promote female participation in elite sports where men and women compete as equals—a unique tradition in equestrian sport. Under the guidance of Italian coach Stefano Nogara, the team has achieved numerous victories. Hinners’ win at the World Cup comes on the heels of the Iron Dames’ recent success at the Global Champions Tour, as they now prepare for next week’s Playoffs in Riyadh.

“I am part of a truly special project, and I’m proud to be the first woman to win here in Verona,” Hinners shared. She rode to victory on Iron Dames My Prins, a powerful 12-year-old Belgian stallion. Known for his strength and challenging ride, Hinners describes the stallion as “easy,” thanks to the “perfect understanding” they share—a connection she sees as a hallmark of the female approach to riding.

The course, crafted by renowned designer Uliano Vezzani, tested each of the five finalists, including the seasoned Ben Maher. Maher reflected on his performance, saying, “I’m pleased with my second place and happy to stand next to Sophie, a much younger rider who’s already an extraordinary athlete.”

Fieracavalli, a long-time advocate for women in equestrianism, fittingly concludes its 126th edition by crowning its first female champion in Verona’s 23-year World Cup history.

For more, visit www.fieracavalli.it.

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