Highlights from the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of Mexico

Last week, it was time for the Mexican leg of the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ 2023 as CSIO5* San Miguel de Allende hosted the first of three events in the North and Central America and Caribbean League. While the Americans won the Nations Cup, the Mexicans came strong in force too – taking the second place after a jump-off between the two teams. For Eugenio Garza Perez and Contago, it was a great weekend; not only did the two deliver a fantastic Nations Cup performance, but they also took the runner-up position in the Grand Prix.

In this photo special, we look back at some of the many highlights from the Nations Cup.

All photos © Mackenzie Clark.

Laura Kraut had another fantastic weekend in Mexico; with Baloutinue, the American 57-year-old jumped three clear rounds in the Nations Cup and secured the win in the jump-off against Mexico, while with Bisquetta she won Friday's 1.50m and finished 6th in the Grand Prix.

Team-work! A happy Federico Fernandez gives his groom a good hug after a clear from Romeo in round one of the Nations Cup.

The Canadians finished third, twelve faults behind America and Mexico. With a clear in round two from both Tiffany Foster and Erynn Ballard, the two ladies were all smiles.

Kent Farrington and Landon were pathfinders for the American team, and did a great job with a score of four faults in round one and a much needed clear in round two.

Bliss Heers and Antidote de Mars collected four faults in round one and eight faults in round two for the US team.

Jessica Springsteen and Don Juan van de Donkhoeve posted a clear in round one, and had four faults in round two, helping the US team to victory.

Anchor-rider Laura Kraut had no problem to deliver, and jumped three clear rounds with Baloutinue. "I couldn't be happier with him. He's probably a horse of a lifetime," Kraut said.

Jessica Springsteen in full focus ahead of the Nations Cup.

Nick Skelton took a seat to take it all in.

Beezie Madden out walking the course.

The Canadians led by living legend Ian Millar, Chef d'Equipe of the team.

Eugenio Garza Perez celebrates a clear round with Contago for Team Mexico.

A happy Nicolas Pizarro after jumping a clear in the second round for Team Mexico with his wonderful Pia Contra.

Federico Fernandez and Romeo helped Mexico finish second with a clear in round one, and four faults in round two.

Nicolas Pizarro greets Manuel Gonzalez Dufrane and Hortensia van de Leeuwerk, after a clear second round from the latter for Team Mexico.

Good boy! A clear in the second round from Kent Farrington and Landon helped the American team to the win.

Tiffany Foster and Hamilton were pathfinders for the Canadian team, and finished on a score of four faults in round one and with a clear in round two.

Kisses for Kino!

Erynn Ballard and Gakhir flying for Canada. A clear from the two in the second round, helped the Canadians finish third.

Canada's Mario Deslauriers and Bardolina had four faults in the first round, and the drop-score in the second with twelve faults.

It's safe to say Canadian Chef d'Equipe Ian Millar knows the name of the game.

Agustin Covarrubias celebrating a clear with Nelson du Petit Vivier in round one, to help Chile finish fourth.

Samuel Parot and Chrystal Blue jumped a clear in round two for Chile.

"When Laura went in for the second round, I said, 'We need two clear rounds out of you, starting now!' That wasn't counting her first one," American Chef d'Equipe Robert Ridland said about the pressure of the competition.