AS 2017 begins, Germany’s Daniel Deusser has taken over the lead in the latest Longines FEI world show jumping rankings, followed by fellow German Christian Ahlmann in second and America’s Kent Farrington in third.

The latest show jumping rankings illustrate that Ireland now has eight riders in the top 50, more than any other nation around the globe.

The traditional superpowers America and Germany come in behind Ireland with seven riders for America and five for Germany in the world top 50 list.

The Longines rankings include more than 3,000 show jumping athletes from all over the world.

ALLEN BACK IN TOP 20

Ireland retains its eight riders in the top 50, where Wexford’s Bertram Allen continues to be Ireland’s top rider at his new ranking of 18, up from 21st position.

Offaly’s Darragh Kenny has moved up to 33, while Cian O’Connor jumps up four places to 34.

Tipperary’s Denis Lynch remains at 27, while Cork’s Billy Twomey has moved up six places to 38. His points tally doesn’t yet include his Liverpool Grand Prix result. Shane Sweetnam remains at 41 and Richie Moloney has moved up two places to 48.

Waterford’s Anthony Condon has now joined the top 100, moving 11 places to 97. After making a massive leap of 56 places in the month of October, Derry’s Daniel Coyle has moved once again and is now ranked 83rd.

Meanwhile in dressage, Kildare’s Judy Reynolds and Vancouver K remain at 21, with Germany’s Isabell Werth continuing to hold top place.

Tipperary’s Padraig McCarthy is Ireland’s top-ranked eventing rider at 37 and Galway’s Cathal Daniels has moved up to 40. The brilliant German rider Michael Jung continues to reign at the top of the eventing rankings.

Horse Sport Ireland latest figures show that over 500 Irish riders competing in more than 400 different international shows and events across 32 countries worldwide.