Four-in-hand Driving demands precision, partnership, and nerve, and 2025 showcased all three across a packed calendar of indoor and outdoor competition. From record-breaking performances on the World Cup stage to championship decisions settled under pressure, the season offered defining moments for athletes and teams. Here’s a look back at the key FEI Driving events of 2025, and what lies ahead in 2026.

Record 11th World Cup title for Boyd at Bordeaux

Australia’s Boyd Exell made history in February by securing an unprecedented 11th FEI Driving World Cup™ title. In doing so, the sport’s most decorated athlete unseated defending champion Bram Chardon of the Netherlands, continuing a rivalry that has shaped the series in recent seasons.

Exell led the field after the first day of competition in Bordeaux (FRA), with Bram finishing third behind his father, Ijsbrand Chardon – a former World, European and World Cup champion.

Day two reshuffled the leaderboard and delivered tense moments for fans at the Parc des Expositions during Jumping International de Bordeaux. Both Chardons collected eight penalty points, pushing them out of podium contention.

That opened the door for two new medalists to join Exell at the prize-giving. Belgium’s Dries Degrieck, who had claimed victories earlier in the season at Lyon (FRA) and Stockholm (SWE), surged forward to take second place – his first podium at a World Cup Final.

Koos de Ronde of the Netherlands, the 2013 World Cup champion, secured third place.

Exell credited his navigator, Emma Olsson, and backstepper, Wannes Larsen, for their roles in another FEI Driving World Cup™ victory, while also acknowledging his team of horses, including Bundy, who marked his 100th career win.

“When you have such a great leader as my Bundy…,” an emotional Exell said. “…he’s like a banker – you can rely on him under great pressure.”

“It’s a full team effort,” he added, as the Champagne corks flew.

Bram and the Dutch Team Claim European Crowns

While Bordeaux did not fall their way, Bram and Ijsbrand Chardon returned to the top step of the podium later in the season at the FEI Driving European Championship 2025 in Lähden (GER).

Scores from the dressage and marathon phases carried through the event, leaving the cones phase on the final day to determine the medals. At the outset, Germany’s Christoph Sandmann and his daughter Anna Sandmann held first and second place, with Bram in third and Ijsbrand fourth.

On a looping course designed by Jeroen Houterman, Bram produced a faultless round, while both Sandmanns incurred costly penalties. The result sealed a repeat Team victory for the Netherlands, following their 2023 triumph at Exloo (NED).

Ijsbrand Chardon and teammate Koos de Ronde joined Bram on the podium to accept Team gold. Belgium edged Germany for silver, with the host nation taking bronze.

Bram’s performance also secured his fourth consecutive Individual European title, overtaking Christoph Sandmann, who finished second. Belgium’s Dries Degrieck once again claimed bronze.

Exell Leads World Rankings

As 2025 draws to a close, Boyd Exell sits atop the FEI Driving World Ranking For Four In Hand Horses and leads the FEI Driving World Cup™ standings. Bram Chardon, however, appeared sparingly at the start of the season.

With one final leg to come in Leipzig (GER) later in January, qualification for the Final at Bordeaux (FRA) on 7-8 February remains open. Can one of the Chardons, Dries Degrieck or another contender prevent Exell from securing another title?

What’s in Store for 2026?

Following the World Cup Final in February, attention will shift back outdoors as training resumes and preparations begin for the next major championship season.

One notable trend continues to gain momentum: the growing presence of female athletes at the highest level of Driving. Alongside Anna Sandmann – who reached her first FEI Driving World Cup™ drive-off at Stockholm (SWE) – Germany’s Anna Mareika Meier has also enjoyed a strong year. Their performances are helping to broaden representation at the top end of the sport.

The highlight of the coming season will be the FEI World Championships, held every four years. In August 2026, Aachen (GER) will host the event, with Driving competition beginning with two days of dressage. The marathon follows, before the cones competition determines the Individual and Team medals. Fans can attend in person or follow the action live on FEI TV.