Titled as the next Scott Brash, Ireland’s Bertram Allen not only holds the nerves of steel required to do great things in this great sport, but his work ethic and genuine love for horsemanship is what earned the young 19 year old the One to Watch for the 2015 season. Riding with the legendary Marcus Ehning, Allen has created a winning formula, with well-performing mounts such as Molly Malone V, consistent results through out the season and an world renowned trainer.
Being the youngest to compete in the Individual Final at this year’s World Equestrian Games in Normandy, Allen’s display of poise and precision showed that this young talent is very much here to stay. Bertram and Molly Malone V finished 7th Individually at their World Games debut. Ranked as 17th in the World, Bertram is the youngest in the Longines World Top 50 and took his first Longines World Cup Grand Prix in Verona, Italy in November, making his World Cup debut one to remember.
Runners Up were Brazil’s Marlon Modolo Zanotelli, Belgium’s Pieter Devos and Italy’s Lorenzo de Luca. Marlon Modolo Zanotelli may have lost AD Clouwni but the talented Brazilian rider has shown he can more than make up for it with new mounts such as Extra van Essen, Vera and Malou, as he moves deeper into the World Top 50. Belgium’s Pieter Devos put himself on the international map after winning the $1 Million CN International Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows as well as the Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Shanghai. Years of managing his family’s successful fruit wholesale business along with his international riding career has finally paid off, as he is now ranked 33rd in the World.
Italy’s Lorenzo de Luca has quietly been making his way up the World Rankings. Taking wins here and there, his successes did not go unnoticed however, now the Italian rider finds himself at Stephex Stables. His 2015 season will no doubt reflect the backing of such a powerhouse as Stephex Stables. Stephex Stables endorsed Lorenzo in many ways in 2014, giving him Evita van de Veldbalie to ride at the World Equestrian Games in Normandy as well as acquiring a 50% stake in the mare Zoe II for Lorenzo to continue riding in the 2015 season. He may not be in the World’s Top 50 yet, but make sure to watch this young Italian talent in the new year.