The International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC), in partnership with the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), has launched a major new initiative to recognize the world’s best rider according to the Rolex Rankings.

Starting at the 2009 Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final in Paris, the leading rider will wear a green and gold armband featuring the words "Number 1, The Rolex Rankings" at FEI Jumping events throughout 2010.

The Rolex Rankings are updated every week and officially released at the start of each calendar month. The Number 1 ranked rider will wear the Green & Gold for as long as they remain in the top position, handing it over to another rider only when they are knocked off the Number 1 spot.

FEI Bureau Member Christian Paillot said, "There are many famous items of clothing which recognize sporting excellence including the Yellow jersey in the Tour de France and the Green Jacket at The Masters. The sport of jumping now has its own."

Marcus Ehning, the first rider to receive the Green & Gold from IJRC President Rodrigo Pessoa, said, "It is a great privilege to be the first holder of the new Green & Gold armband, and I hope to wear it for many months to come. The Rolex Rankings are the only true guide to a rider’s current form, and the Green & Gold is a great way for equestrian fans to quickly identify the leading rider when they compete in competitions throughout the world."

The World Jumping Riders Rankings were originally launched by the FEI in 2000 and became the Rolex Rankings in 2007. Points are awarded to riders who compete in FEI events throughout the year, and they are the only rankings which provide up to date rider standings on a monthly basis.

Ranking points are awarded to riders who compete in both team and individual events throughout the year, with the number of points dependent on the level of the competition and prize money available. The top-rated events for individual riders include the Rolex FEI World Cup Final, the final competition of the European Championships and a number of five-star competitions. Top-rated team events include the FEI Nations Cup Top League competitions, the team competitions at the Olympic Games, the FEI World Equestrian Games and FEI European Championships.

The latest Rolex Rankings published on December 2, 2009 are available here.