Top 5 Takeaways from the Longines League of Nations Final in Barcelona

This prestigious event brought together the best horse and rider combinations from around the globe, offering spectators and enthusiasts alike a feast of equestrian excellence. In this article, we'll dive deep into the key moments, standout performances, and future implications of this exciting competition.

1. Germany Emerges Victorious: A Return to Dominance

Germany's triumph at the LLN Final in Barcelona marks a significant moment in their recent show jumping history. This was Germany’s fifth five-star Nations Cup win of the season, solidifying their position as the team to beat.

This victory is particularly noteworthy given Germany's recent struggles in major championships. After a disappointing performance at the World Equestrian Games in Herning and missing out on medals in Tokyo, this win signals a potential return to their historically dominant form.

With this momentum, Germany positions itself as a favorite for upcoming championships. The team's ability to field multiple strong combinations gives them a strategic advantage in team competitions.

2. Rising Stars and Consistent Performers: Individual Brilliance Shines

Several horse-and-rider combinations caught the eye during the competition, showcasing both emerging talent and established excellence. A total of four combinations stayed double clear in the Longines League of Nations Final.

Armando Trapote and Tornado VS

The Spanish duo delivered a performance for the ages on home soil. With a double clear on Sunday, but also with a podium finish in the Grand Prix on Friday, Armando Trapote & Tornado VS elevated their status as a combination to watch in future top-level competitions.

Daniel Coyle and Legacy

After a heartbreaking end to their Olympic campaign in Tokyo, this pair bounced back in spectacular fashion by delivering crucial clear rounds for the Irish team. Their showcase of resilience and ability to perform under pressure reaffirmed their position as one of the sport's top combinations.

Maikel van der Vleuten and Beauville Z

Continuing their consistent form from the Olympics, this Dutch pair proved their mettle once again. They led a strong Dutch to a second-place finish in the LLNN Final and demonstrated once again why they’re considered one of the most reliable combinations in the sport.

Richard Vogel & United Touch S

This combination has been making waves in the sport for the past couple of years, but have once again proven why they are such an exceptional pair. With a superb double clear, Vogel & United Touch S confirmed the German victory in the LLN Final.

3. The Netherlands' Near Miss: A Sign of Things to Come

The Dutch team's second-place finish, while disappointing for a nation with such a rich equestrian history, offers several positive takeaways. They were well up to the competition with incredibly strong teams like Germany and Sweden. While the Dutch did not manage to claim a five-star Nations Cup victory this year, they finished the year on a high note with this silver medal. 

There was a clear rise of some Dutch younger riders like Kim Emmen and Lars Kersten stepping up and holding their own against some of the sport’s most experienced combinations. The Netherlands' investment in younger riders through programs like the EEF series is beginning to pay dividends. With a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talent, they're well-positioned for success in the coming years.

4. Sweden's Aging Team: End of an Era?

Sweden advanced to the Longines League of Nations Final with one of the strongest-rated teams in history. With the same team members that helped Sweden hold simultaneous World, European and Olympic Gold medals, they finished third behind Germany and the Netherlands. Heading the team, of course, were Henrik von Eckermann and the highest-rated horse in the world, King Edward. While this is without a doubt a team that will go down in history, one can’t argue that at 16 and 18 years old, H&M Indiana and Catch Me Not S won't be able to fulfill their team duties forever.

Sweden now faces the task of integrating new talent while maintaining their competitive edge. The coming seasons will be crucial in determining if they can sustain their recent dominance in the sport.

5. Looking Ahead to the Winter Season: Excitement Builds

The end of the Barcelona LLN Final means we have concluded the season of team jumping and the attention now turns to the winter circuit, with a particular focus on the World Cup circuit. In the next couple of weeks, we will be looking forward to the Major League of Show Jumping Circuit, while also seeing the Global Champions Tour Finals & Play Offs. All eyes are on the CHI in Geneva in December, where we historically see the top-rated horses and riders gather to finish the year.