The CSIO5* 1.60m Barrière Nations Cup at Jumping International de La Baule 2025 was a 10 out of 10 from start to finish. The atmosphere at the François André stadium was as always second to none, filled to the brim with enthusiastic fans from both home and abroad and all of them were kept at the edge of their seats or at the tips of their toes to the very last horse-and-rider combination entered the ring.
As always, it was an unpredictable affair. When Brazil delivered three clear rounds in a row in round two – from Luciana Diniz on Vertigo du Desert (Mylord Carthago x Robin Z), Pedro Veniss on Nimrod de Muze Imperio Egipcio (Nabab de Reve x Tinka’s Boy) and Stephan de Freitas Barcha on Chevaux Primavera Imperio Egipcio (Calvaro F.C. x Paroli 4) – keeping on their score of eight, with anchor-man Rodrigo Pessoa not even having to return for round two, they made sure both Ireland and Belgium up in front of them knew there was a minimum of room for error.
Here we look back at some of the action in this incredibly exciting Nations Cup as we say 'Merci, La Baule' for making us love our job!
All photos © Jenny Abrahamsson for World of Showjumping. No reproduction of any of the content in this article will be accepted without a written permission, all rights reserved © World of Showjumping.com. If copyright violations occur, a penalty fee will apply.
Talking tactics... Qonquest de Rigo giving L&L Upgrade a piece of advice.
The only highlight for Team France was their leading lady rider Nina Mallevaey who jumped clear in round two, after having had a mistake on the open water in round one with Dynastie de Beaufour.
Hence, they were left to do some painful calculations.
Team Ireland watches on in excitement.
Bertram Allen got Ireland off to the best possible start in round two with a double clear, riding the powerhouse Qonquest de Rigo.
A big hug from Alex Duffy for Bertram's groom Lovisa Munter.
Belgium was answering back at Ireland with Nicola Philippaerts and Katanga vh Dingeshof again jumping clear. Here Rodrigo Pessoa gives Philippaerts a pat on the shoulder for a job well done.
Pedro Veniss and Nimrod de Muze Imperio Egipcio jumped one of three clears in round two for Brazil, helping them finish 3rd.
The Irish kept the heat on as Seamus Hughes Kennedy and ESI Rocky delivered the third double clear of the class, piling pressure on to Pieter Devos as next in the ring. And unfortunately for Belgium, Casual DV clipped 6b adding four faults to their score – with the tension building ahead of the third rotation of riders.
A big smile from Switzerland's Adrian Schmid who jumped clear in round two aboard Chicharito 11. The Swiss eventually finished 6th.
It was neither Switzerland's day, nor Germany's. The Germans ended 7th behind the Swiss in 6th.
The only German celebrations were of Richard Vogel and Cloudio who jumped clear in round two.
Double clear for Brazil: Stephan de Freitas Barcha and Chevaux Primavera Imperio Egipcio.
Not even a good piece of advice from Bosty could save the day for France. They ended 8th.
Meanwhile, the Irish kept on delivering those clear rounds. 20-year-old Tom Wachman knew that a clear from him and Tabasco de Toxandria Z would either hand Ireland the win, or secure a jump-off against Belgium depending on what the latter would do among their two last horse-and-rider combinations. Here Michael Blake is ready with a treat for Tabasco de Toxandria Z.
Next to go, Belgium’s Abdel Said did not let the heat get to him and posted his second clear of the class – leaving anchor-rider Gilles Thomas to sort out whether there would be a jump-off for the win. Meanwhile, Ireland’s fourth man Cian O’Connor was given the privilege of watching the action unfold from the Kiss&Cry after his teammates’ performances.
You can always count on Steve! Double clear for Team Switzerland with Albführen’s Iashin Sitte.
No pressure here... With the Irish on a score of zero, and Belgium with the possibility to match them if he would jump clear, Belgian anchor-rider Gilles Thomas was left with the ungrateful task of deciding whether there would be a jump-off for the win against Ireland or not. His whole team made sure to be present as the last vertical was jumped before entering the ring.
Caption this. Gilles Thomas and Ermitage Kalone get ready for round two.
While the Irish get ready to watch Gilles Thomas and Ermitage Kalone.
You could hear a pin drop at the François André stadium as Gilles Thomas got underway with his stunning stallion. However, Ermitage Kalone surprisingly hit the front pole on the CWD oxer at no. 2 – and with another four faults added to their team tally, Belgium had to settle for second behind Ireland. Here Bertram Allen and Alex Duffy start celebrating the Irish win.
Team Ireland getting together to celebrate their win while Gilles Thomas can be seen on the screen finishing his round.
Hugs...
...all around!
Team photos taken.
Brazil's Yuri Mansur and Nelson Pessoa.
Brazil bounced back and jumped from 5th to 3rd.
Once the High-Performance Jumping Director for Ireland, now back to being a fierce competitor: Rodrigo Pessoa.
Swiss kiss from Albführen’s Iashin Sitte.
Hello Folie, the most charming mare around, checks in with David Honnet after a clear in round two for Great Britain.
If only those were eatable...
Seamus Hughes Kennedy taking a good look at the trophy.
Off he goes...
“We had a good week!” Michael Blake smiled after the win. “I flew the Atlantic from Vancouver, and this worked out for us – so I have had worse weeks! I would like to thank everyone in La Baule, it’s a super show! I’m so thankful to Barrière for sponsoring the Nations Cup; La Baule is such a wonderful and traditional show, it’s absolutely amazing and we are so delighted to be here!”
The audience in La Baule is one of a kind...
... and make this show absolutely unique.
Congrats lads!
Then