Tuesday, 23 January 2024
With the inaugural season of the Longines League of Nations™ kicking off in February, over the next few weeks, the FEI will take a closer look at the 10 nations that have qualified to compete and be the first to hoist the new trophy at the Final in Barcelona.
Following their victory in the opening round of the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Final in Barcelona in 2023, and reflecting on a magical performance at the UK's Royal International Horse Show, where Great Britain won the home leg of the 2023 Longines FEI Nations Cup™ after a thirteen year dry spell, Great Britain is determined to make their mark in the new Longines League of Nations™ series and clinch coveted podium finishes throughout. The nation is ready to showcase their prowess in the upcoming qualifiers: Abu Dhabi (UAE), Ocala, Florida (USA), St Gallen (SUI), and Rotterdam (NED), with the grand finale set in Barcelona (ESP).
The British Jumping team's rich history includes two Olympic golds (2012 London and 1952 Helsinki), gold at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Aachen in 1978, and a recent bronze medal at the FEI World Championships 2022 in Herning (DEN). Their stellar achievements set the stage for an exciting campaign in the Longines League of Nations™ series this year.
Leading the charge is Di Lampard, the seasoned Chef d'equipe for the British team. Drawing from her extensive experience as a former competitor at the FEI World Equestrian Games™, FEI Jumping European Championship, and Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™, Lampard focuses on team structure, management, and coaching. Anticipating the challenges of the new series, she says, "This new team competition format will provide fresh opportunities to develop our athletes – both human and equine – against some of the best jumping nations in the world, and I look forward to seeing what they can bring to the table."
As Great Britain gears up for the 2024 Longines League of Nations™, we caught up with Lampard to discuss the unique opportunities and challenges this series presents for nations aspiring to equestrian greatness.
“We’ll work to continue that history and the legacy it provides. We have a proven system which we know works for the squads, but the new Longines League of Nations™ enhances the opportunity for younger and less experienced riders, and indeed horses, looking to gain international experience in a team setting. They’ll have the chance to gain their ‘air miles’ and learn about travelling further afield alongside mixing with the very best riders in the world.
The new format of the Longines League of Nations has certainly created a buzz amongst the riders with a number keen to make a good start for good team cohesion. It’ll create a bit of competition for selection for the teams which is always healthy – and even take some of the riders out of their comfort zone.”
“The Longines League of Nations™ is a team competition with global status and therefore provides an achievable goal for riders to represent their country – and earn their flag - and a vital stepping stone towards a Championship team. The series is inspiring and educational for those new to equestrianism, as well as those starting on their competitive journey.
The door to selection on teams is always wide open, and the series is a great opportunity for many riders. For example, it’s ideal for one-horse riders who are just making their way up the international pathway and competing at elite level. We’ll work to showcase the horses and riders involved in the series and tell their stories to inspire others.”
“We always have a team meal – that’s important. There’s always a good sense of camaraderie but getting the team spirit going with the riders is important. It’s such a great learning environment with a mix of experiences, so that meal is important. The experienced riders help support the younger, less experienced, and educate them along the way. Team order is also important. Certain riders like to go in certain positions – it’s lucky for them while we like to make the less experienced riders feel more comfortable in the order.”
Be sure to catch all the action on FEI TV as the series kicks off in Abu Dhabi on 11 February.