Skip to content

US captures $100,000 FEI Nations Cup in Langley

Team USA came away with the victory in front of an enthusastic crowd at Thunderbird
web1_170602-FEI-nations-cup3
Team Canada’s Christopher Surbey, aboard Chalacorada, navigated the course during the FEI Nations Cup held Friday at Thunderbird Show Park. Troy Landreville Langley Times

Team USA was not going to be denied at the FEI Nations Cup event today (June 2) in Langley.

The Americans edged out second place Canada in aggregate points to win the international show jumping competition at Thunderbird Show Park.

Teams of riders and horses from the U.S., Mexico (which is sending two squads), Ireland, and Canada vied for top spot during this elite competition.

What makes the Nations Cup special is that show jumping (a.k.a. horse jumping) is typically an individual competition — however, the Nations Cup is a rare opportunity to see it as a team competition and cheer on Team Canada.

It is a team event, where countries choose four riders to represent them. There is only one qualifying event in each country and Canada’s is held at Thunderbird.

The teams came together to compete for their country’s chance to compete at the international equestrian championship in Barcelona, Spain this October.

The great news for team Canada is, with their fine showing at Thunderbird, they have qualified to compete in Barcelona.

Team Canada included 10-time Canadian Olympian Ian Millar as well as 2016 Rio Olympian Tiffany Foster.

web1_170602-LAT-FEI-nations-cup1
Team USA celebrated their FEI Nations Cup victory by spraying each other with champagne. Troy Landreville Langley Times
web1_170602-LAT-FEI-nations-cup4
Team Canada’s Tiffany Foster and her horse cleared a fence during the FEI Nations Cup at Langley’s Thunderbird Show Park on Friday. Troy Landreville Langley Times