The NetJets U.S. Jumping Team finished 10th in the Longines League of Nations in Rotterdam and tied for seventh overall in the cumulative league standings, qualifying them for the Longines League of Nations Final in Barcelona, Spain, in September. France won on a final score of zero faults, while Sweden took second and Great Britain finished third. The U.S. team was led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland and Team Leader Lizzy Chesson.
“Today was one of those days where you really saw incredible sport with very little room for error. I can’t remember a time when only a four-fault score didn’t qualify you for the second round,” said Ridland. “All of our team horses jumped very well, and it was a very competitive class today. So while we had wanted to finish higher in the standings, I’m still pleased with how our horses jumped, especially Callie and Garant and Jessie and Don delivering the ever-important clear rounds for the team.”
Stiff Competition in Rotterdam
Heading into CHIO Rotterdam, the U.S. sat fourth overall in the league standings. Laura Kraut (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) and Baloutinue (Balou du Rouet x Utika) were the first combination out for the team. Baloutinue is a 2010 Hanoverian gelding owned by St. Bride’s Farm and cared for by Margo Thomas. Unfortunately, they tapped the back rail of the oxer at fence five for four faults. The track, designed by Quintin Maertens (NED), saw faults in early rounds, putting the pressure on the remaining team members.
As the second combination, Callie Schott (Wellington, Fla.) and Garant (Warrant x C’est La Vie) jumped an excellent clear round. Garant is a 2011 KWPN gelding owned by Southern Arches, LLC cared for by Valdo Lara. The pair was bold, stopping the timers in 71.25 seconds for a needed zero-fault score.
Jessica Springsteen (Los Angeles, Calif.) and Don Juan van de Donkhoeve were precise in their round. Don Juan van de Donkehoeve is a 2009 Belgian Warmblood (Bamako de Muze x Diva van de Donkhoeve) gelding owned by Stone Hill Farms and cared for by Josie Eliasson. They produced a second-consecutive clear round for the team and crossing through the finish timers in 71.35 seconds.
With eight incredibly competitive teams sitting on zero-total faults, teams’ final standings were down to the last rider rotation. McLain Ward (Brewster, N.Y.) and Callas served as anchors for the team. Callas is a 2008 Holsteiner (Casall x Noblesse I) mare owned by Beechwood Stables LLC and cared for by Virginie Casterman. They had an unfortunate four faults at the A element of the final one-stride. The U.S. finished on a first round total of four with a cumulative time of 212.01. Despite only having four faults, the U.S. and Germany did not return as one of the top eight teams for the second round.
Olympic Observation Event
Kraut, Schott, Springsteen, and Ward are on the U.S. Jumping Team Short List for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. CHIO Rotterdam is an observation event where the horse-and-rider combinations’ performances can be evaluated ahead of team selection. The Longines Grand Prix of Rotterdam CSIO5* will start at 2:30 p.m. GMT+2/8:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, June 23, to conclude CHIO Rotterdam competition. Following the observation events, the final team selection will be announced by July 7, 2024.
To read more about the U.S. Jumping Team Short List for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, click here.
Thanks to Cosequin for our coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics. It includes rider interviews, competition reports, horse spotlights, photos, videos and more.