Third time's a charm! Lillie Keenan leapt into the #1 ranking, marking the third time she has appeared on our list. She was an honorable mention in 2009, before jumping all the way to #14 in 2010. Keenan was very strong in Wellington this winter, winning five of the eight classes that she earned ribbons in. Keenan is also coming off a strong finals season, where she won the 2010 WIHS Equitation Classic. Past finals winners are given extra bonus points in our calculations, so between her wins at WEF and Washington, Keenan was a shoo-in for the #1 spot.

She was not, however, alone in her success. Many other riders had very strong showings. Right behind Keenan is #2 Hayley Barnhill, who won the 2010 Medal and Maclay and also cleaned up at WEF. She placed in just six classes (of course showing in fewer classes since she's already won two finals) but was first in four of them and second in the other two. Very, very impressive! She snagged the #29 spot last year, and really blossomed at last fall's finals, and is now established as one of the riders to beat in 2011.

Samantha Schaefer lands in the #3 ranking. Schaefer has been a staple on the Index since 2008, making her debut at #21, followed by rankings of #33 in 2009, and #8 in 2010. With little wiggle room to rise higher, she still managed to do so. Schaefer's winter season was marked by three class wins and several other high placings during the first six weeks of WEF. Like Barnhill and Keenan, Schaefer has also won a final, which helped her rise high in the ranking. Schaefer has been and will continue to be one of the top equitation riders in the country.

Michael Hughes put together several good showings at both Ocala and WEF in earning the #4 ranking. He's also been a steady competitor in the big eqs, earning the #34 ranking in 2008, #15 in 2009, and #9 in 2010. He was also one of the most consistent competitors at the eq finals last fall, finishing 3rd at the USET East, 3rd in the Washington, 2nd in the Maclay and 10th in the Medal. It doesn't matter where Hughes competes, whether at WEF or Ocala- he rises to the top no matter what. He won three classes and placed second in two at WEF, and won two classes and placed second in four at Ocala. That's a great resume, and it obviously hints at great things to come.

Elizabeth Benson is a fresh face to keep an eye on-she was 10th at the USET East last year and she makes her debut on the Index at #5 - quite a feat! She was the most consistent rider at WEF, pinning in sixteen classes over six weeks, and winning four along the way. Benson also went on to win the George Morris Excellence in Equitation class at the end of the circuit. She had a hot winter circuit and made quite a splash, and hopefully her success will continue into the fall finals.

#6 Killian McGrath dominated the HITS Thermal circuit in earning her ranking. She won five classes, was second in four, and placed in fourteen classes overall. She was not only the winningest rider, but the most consistent rider on the circuit for the first six weeks. McGrath, who was #33 in 2010, is still looking for her first medal finals ribbon, but if this winter was any indication- the wait won't be long.

Last year's #1, Chase Boggio, takes the #7 ranking. It would be hard to top his sizzling performances in Ocala 2010, but Boggio went on a nice winning streak in Wellington this year. He won four of the six classes he placed in. Boggio has been a consistent ribboner at all the medal finals over the last three years, and is due for a big break through win in 2011. He's got experience on his side.

Meg O'Mara took over Boggio's 2010 reign as the hottest rider in Ocala. She placed in fourteen classes and won five classes along the way to the top spot in Ocala and the #8 rank on the Index. O'Mara showed some promise in 2010, earning the #22 ranking and finishing tenth in both the North American and the WIHS Equitation Classic. Looks like 2011 is going to be a banner year for her!

#9 goes to Charlotte Jacobs, who won three classes in Wellington. She's remained consistent over the last year, having made her debut on the Index at #12. Rounding out the top ten is Victoria Colvin. She was one of the most consistent riders on the circuit, placing in fourteen classes. She also had a win and several top three placings. Colvin improved immensely upon her honorable mention in 2010 and will be an up-and-comer to watch this show season.

Don't forget about:
Former Index #1 Victoria Birdsall, who is ranked at #24... perhaps winter 2011 was the calm before the storm? She's always a contender. #13 Molly Braswell is a top ten eq rider any day, as evidenced by her reserve championship at Washington and 3rd place finish at the Medal last fall. #11 Taylor Ann Adams - last year's USET West winner - may have some big victories up her sleeve. #12 Elizabeth Kenny was one of the most consistent riders at Ocala last year, and made the jump to the tougher WEF circuit with no trouble, continuing to develop into a great eq rider.

Always dangerous: #14 Allison Fithian, #15 Catherine Tyree, #16 Hasbrouck Donovan, #19 Cayla Richards and #25 Shawn Casady - each has been on the Index before, have won ribbons at big finals and are quite talented. #17 Erica Polle and #18 Hannah Von Heidegger (who won the Mutch class in Thermal) both made a strong debut within the top twenty, and may each have a breakout year.

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2011 looks like it will be an interesting year, it seems pretty wide open, especially based on the circuit champsionships. There are some seasoned veterans poised for big victories- but also many riders who are new to the scene or have been close to the top that are hungry for success. Good luck to everyone!