Great Britain has its eyes on the prize in the Longines League of Nations™ 2025
Tuesday 28 January 2025
Coming into the Longines League of Nations™ 2025 season ranked fourth with an impressive 12,712 points, Great Britain is ready to build on their recent team Jumping success at the 2024 Paris Olympics and chase back-to-back victories in this year’s series. Fresh off an exhilarating Olympic gold medal win, the British Jumping team will be set to bring their signature determination and skill to the fore as they embark on another thrilling season.
The 2025 campaign kicks off with four highly anticipated qualifiers in Abu Dhabi (UAE), Ocala (USA), Rotterdam (NED) and St. Tropez Gassin (FRA). The season will culminate in the grand finale in Barcelona (ESP). With their sights set on an exceptional performance, Great Britain is determined to finish within the top eight teams and secure their spot in the Final.
A Rich Legacy of British Excellence
The British Jumping team boasts a storied history, including three Olympic golds (Helsinki 1952, London 2012 and the unforgettable triumph at the Paris Olympics 2024); gold at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Aachen (GER) in 1978, and bronzes in Stockholm (SWE) in 1990 and Rome (ITA) in 1998.
FEI World Championships have seen them winning bronze medals in Herning (DEN) in 2022 as well as in Dublin (IRL) in 1982 , with a silver at Aachen in 1986. Alongside their 14 European Championship team medals, there is no disputing Britain’s consistent excellence, and that their qualification sets the stage for another remarkable Longines League of Nations™ campaign, putting serious pressure on other nations.
Leadership and Strategy
At the helm of the British team is the experienced and inspiring Chef d'équipe, Di Lampard. As a former competitor at the FEI World Equestrian Games™, FEI Jumping European Championship, and Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™, Lampard brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her focus on team structure, management, and coaching has been instrumental in guiding the team to success. Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Lampard shares her insights and expectations:
“As a team, we expect to perform even better this year, thanks to having that bit more time to prepare and the opportunity to build on lessons learned in the previous season. Our aim is to finish within the top eight teams and qualify for the final in Barcelona.”
Lessons That Shape the Ride Ahead
Reflecting on the Longines League of Nations™ 2024 season, Lampard acknowledges the importance of strategic planning and adaptability. “We need to have the strongest teams available for the LLN series. The other nations have been very competitive so far, so we need to match that standard if we’re going to secure a place in the Final,” Lampard says.
“Hopefully, we can plan and train with a larger squad of athletes and horses, balancing their individual goals with the responsibilities for Longines League of Nations™ team selection.
“This year is a new season and a chance for everyone to make a statement.” Di Lampard (GBR)
Exciting Changes for 2025
2025 sees the team having greater flexibility in selecting athletes and horses. Lampard is enthusiastic about the opportunities this brings:
“There will hopefully be some new combinations that are selected. Some athletes will be looking to use the series as a chance to prove themselves for selection for the FEI Jumping European Championship this summer, while the more experienced ones will be trying out new or younger horses. Last year held an element of the unknown because the series was new, but now we know what to expect and can be better prepared – time will tell.”
Strength Behind the Strides
Maintaining the health and wellbeing of both human and equine athletes is a top priority for the British team. Through the British Equestrian World Class Programme, supported by UK Sport and The National Lottery, athletes have access to world-leading doctors, physiotherapists, strength and conditioning coaches, and nutritionists.
Lampard emphasises the importance of comprehensive support, saying “I’m helping them to strategically plan their competition schedules and supporting the grooms – happy grooms mean happy riders, after all. The wellbeing of our horses is of utmost importance, and making sure they’re feeling fresh is key to helping them perform at their best. I try to encourage the athletes to limit the starts of each horse and build a plan around their individual needs. A World Class Programme vet is usually at the events to check their wellbeing, and each horse will have a dedicated groom travelling with them to see to their every need.”
To Those Who Compete and Those Who Cheer
Lampard extends her best wishes to the competing nations and expresses gratitude to fans worldwide: “Good luck to everyone – let the sport be exciting and the best nations win. To all the British fans supporting us from home, thank you all for getting behind your national athletes. To the fans around the world supporting the Brits at each of the Longines League of Nations™ competitions, please keep it going. The horses, let alone the athletes, raise their game in a good atmosphere.”
As the Longines League of Nations™ 2025 season approaches, Great Britain’s Jumping team is poised for another extraordinary journey. With a legacy of excellence, strategic leadership from Di Lampard, and unwavering support from fans, the nation is ready to make its mark on the global stage once again.
Image: Ben Maher (GBR) and Point Break during the Longines League of Nations™ 2024 in Rotterdam (NED) © FEI/Leanjo de Koster
.jpg "Scott Brash lands the feature Doha Grand Prix and Ben Maher just misses out on Grand Prix victory in The USA as British riders are in winning International form")
.jpeg "John Whitaker powers to victory in the Winter Grand Prix with Sharid at Aintree Equestrian Centre’s Winter Classic II")
