The United States team emerged victorious in the $770,000 Longines League of Nations Ocala CSIO5*-LLN on home soil at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. The team consisted of Lillie Keenan, Laura Kraut, Aaron Vale, and McLain Ward, who secured the win with a total of four faults, beating out Germany who settled for second place with five faults. Belgium completed the podium with 13 faults, while Ireland placed fourth. The U.S. team’s victory was especially sweet after finishing third in last year’s event.
The competition featured 10 teams in the opening round, with the top eight returning for the second round. The pressure was immense as each team had no drop score, and every fault counted. The U.S. team held the lead with a perfect score of zero faults at the halfway stage, with Germany close behind. The final round saw a battle between the U.S. and Germany, with Ward delivering a clear round on Ilex to clinch the win for the United States. The victory was celebrated by the team and chef d’equipe Robert Ridland.
The Longines League of Nations 2025 series continues with Ireland and Germany leading the overall standings. The competition will move to Rotterdam and Gassin – St. Tropez before the final in Barcelona in October. The U.S. team’s win on home soil was a special moment for the riders, who appreciated the opportunity to compete against the world’s best in front of a packed WEC Grand arena crowd.
