Highlights from the Longines League of Nations in Ocala, part two

Eight teams returned for the second round of the Longines League of Nations at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, with Sweden and Great Britain being left to watch from the side-lines. In the second round only three riders competed for each team – with all scores counting – which really had an impact on the end result.

All photos © Jenny Abrahamsson for World of Showjumping.

When the sun came down over the World Equestrian Center, it was time to start the second round – here Germany's David Will and My Prins van Dorperheide.

The Swiss team watching their first rider Steve Guerdat and Is-Minka make their last preparations.

First out in the second round were Brazil's Yuri Mansur and QH Alfons Santo Antonio. After four faults in the first round, Yuri looked quite disappointed when he recorded one time fault the second time around. Here being supported by his team mate Cassio Rivetti.

Steve Guerdat's Is-Minka seemed quite pleased with herself after delivering a double clear.

David Will's expression said it all... He was unable to repeat his clear from the first round and recorded eight faults.

It was a nervous home crowd watching their first rider Laura Kraut entering the arena.

Kraut and Baloutinue lived up to the expectations and delivered the only double clear for team USA.

Pius Schwizer and Just Special VK – second out for the Swiss team – watching the rider ahead of them.

And the two delivered a clear round, leaving Schwizer's groom Mélusine Guiblin-Miché in happy tears.

The handsome Delux van T & L on his way to the arena.

Maikel van der Vleuten and Beauville Z N.O.P. delivered one of six double clears of the evening.

Thomas Fuchs and Steve Guerdat supporting Martin Fuchs in the warm-up.

The double clears continued when Ireland's Daniel Coyle and his fantastic Legacy repeated their result from the first round.

Kent Farrington and Landon could unfortunately not repeat their clear from the first round for the American team, finishing on eight faults.

When Brazil's last rider Rodrigo Pessoa and Major Tom left the arena, the team had collected a total score of 26 faults. That meant they climbed from sitting 8th to finish 6th.

All smiles for Sean Vard and Pius Schwizer as Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei delivered a double clear to help the Swiss team to the second place, after sitting 7th ahead of round two.

Thumbs up for Richard Vogel and United Touch S after the two delivered Germany's only clear in the second round.

Kevin Staut's Beau de Laubry Z left the arena alone, after the two had a misunderstanding and parted ways. With all scores counting in the second round, this left France 8th on the final result list.

Belgium racked up 29 faults in round two to finish on a total score of 33, and dropped down to 7th on the result list. Here Nicola Philippaerts and Katanga v/h Dingeshof, best on the Belgian team.

A double clear from Harrie Smolders and Uricas v/d Kattevennen left the Dutch team on a total of 12 faults, good enough for a 4th place.

It was a nervous wait for the other teams when Cian O'Connor went in as last rider for Ireland with the possibility to decide the outcome of the Nations Cup.

When O'Connor and Maurice left the arena with one time penalty it was clear that Ireland had won. The Swiss finished second and USA third.

It was a happy O'Connor thanking Maurice.

The Irish team could start their celebrations even though the US team still had one rider left to go. An unlucky four faults for Mclain Ward and Callas put the US behind the Swiss on the result list, with a rail separating the two teams.