USA bringing their A-Game to Longines League of Nations™ 2025

The USA enters the Longines League of Nations™ 2025 series with 13,128 ranking points, determined to claim a title that has eluded them thus far. With an impressive history that includes three Olympic Team Jumping gold medals in Los Angeles (USA) in 1984, Athens (GRE) in 2004 and Beijing (CHN) in 2008, as well as two Team Jumping victories at the FEI Jumping World Championship 1986 in Aachen (GER) and 2018 in Tryon (USA), the USA is a powerhouse in equestrian sport. However, the Longines League of Nations™ trophy has remained just out of reach.

Led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland, a former Olympian with extensive coaching credentials, he has already led the U.S. team to bronze medals at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy (FRA) and Pan American Games 2015 in Toronto (CAN), second place at the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Final 2017 in Barcelona (ESP), silver medals in the Olympic Games 2016 in Rio (BRA), the Olympic Games 2020 in Tokyo (JPN), and last year’s Olympic Games in Paris (FRA), as well as triumphing at the Pan American Games 2023 in Santiago (CHI).

Ridland is looking to add the Longines League of Nations™ 2025 to that impressive resume. 

Guiding the Next Generation: USA’s Development Strategy

The value of the Longines League of Nations™ extends beyond mere podiums, however. The series provides vital experience for up-and-coming athletes, as highlighted by Lizzy Chesson, Managing Director of Jumping for US Equestrian.

"In any sport, competing against the best sharpens your competitive edge and ensures constant improvement. At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the top eight teams all had Longines League of Nations™ experience."

 

“Introducing younger athletes into the Longines League of Nations™ is an excellent way to test them against top sport, while providing valuable exposure.”
 

Robert Ridland  (USA)

But, as ever, the podiums are the ultimate goal: “It's a fine balance between integrating new combinations and ensuring we qualify for the Longines League of Nations™ Final. That’s why Longines League of Nations™ participation works alongside traditional CSIO Nations Cups to develop and test horse-and-athlete combinations throughout the season."

Looking Back and Moving Forward

Reflecting on the previous season, Chesson agrees with fellow nations on the significance of the new structure - "The second round was extremely influential in the Longines League of Nations™ format. It has been an interesting conversation as to how a team and combination best prepares for this format with no drop score in the second round. No matter the event, Longines League of Nations™ is top level competition and all need to be ready for that and the excitement that comes with such an influential format." 

Chesson credits the Longines League of Nations™ with playing a vital role in Team USA’s preparation for the Paris Olympics, where they ultimately secured a team silver medal. “Our podium finish in Ocala was a standout moment, but perhaps the legacy of competing in the Longines League of Nations™ was that it helped strengthen our team by sharpening our competitiveness ahead of selection and providing experience in a format similar to the Olympic Games,” she explains.

Looking ahead to 2025, Chesson emphasises the importance of fielding combinations that can handle the intensity of the series for their ultimate goal of a competitive Final. “Our primary focus will be on qualifying for the Longines League of Nations™ Final in Barcelona while continuing to develop the depth of our CSIO5* combinations,” she adds.

Home Turf Advantage: Ocala Returns for 2025

On that second-place in Ocala, Chesson says “There’s nothing like representing your country in front of an enthusiastic home crowd - it’s an incredible opportunity for exposure and for athletes worldwide to experience U.S. hospitality!” Enthusiastic about the return of Ocala as a qualifier venue for 2025, hopefully throwing the advantage to Team USA.

"Hosting a Longines League of Nations™ qualifier brings the world’s top athletes and horses to the U.S., showcasing our venues and competitions to a global audience,” Chesson says. “Our sport is international, so it’s crucial to have representation at the highest levels across multiple continents. Competing on home soil in front of an American crowd is an incredible experience, and the team at the World Equestrian Center put on a fantastic event in 2024. We are excited to welcome international teams back to the U.S. for another thrilling competition.

A Call to Fellow Nations and Fans

Acknowledging the importance of increasing public engagement in top-level equestrian sport in the U.S., Chesson urges fans to be a cornerstone of our sport:
 
"For us in the U.S., familiarity with top equestrian sport isn’t as accessible on a regular basis, whereas top Jumping sport is a cultural thread in Europe. While we have significant professional and amateur participation within the equestrian community here in the states, highlighting the world-class caliber of top sport is important for us in getting more fans and spectators interested in following and supporting our horses and athletes. The better the competition, the more engagement and visibility we’re able to highlight, and we feel strongly this will lead to more growth across the sport.

Certainly, we want to win, and that’s our goal in every competition, but we also want to encourage and see more and more fans supporting our horses, athletes, and teams. There really is nothing like competing as a team and representing your country in front of an energetic crowd - it is such a thrill and a unique opportunity for exposure, but also for athletes and supporters from around the world to experience the U.S. hospitality, alongside the quality and vision for this leg of the series. We look forward to delivering world-class performances in 2025 and welcoming fans and competitors alike to an exciting new season of the Longines League of Nations™.”

With a combination of experience, rising talent, and a renewed focus, Team USA is ready to take on the Longines League of Nations™ 2025 season with determination and ambition. Their eyes are set on Barcelona, and they are prepared to leave it all in the arena for their country and calling - will this be their year to take the coveted title?