Great Britain is qualified for this year's League of Nations season after finishing fourth last year with 12,712 points after winning the gold medal at the Olympics.
Ben Maher on Point Break (Photofrom the FEI)This year's League series includes four qualifiers, in Abu Dhabi, Ocala, Rotterdam and St. Tropez Gassin.
The season will culminate in the grand finale in Barcelona, and Great Britain is determined to finish within the top eight teams to secure its spot in the Final.
The British team has a good history, including three Olympic golds, in Helsinki in 1952, in London in 2012 and at the Paris Olympics in 2024, as well as gold at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen in 1978, and bronzes in Stockholm in 1990 and Rome in 1998.
At World Championships, Britain has won bronze medals in Herning, Denmark in 2022 as well as in Dublin in 1982 , with a silver at Aachen in 1986 along with 14 European Championship team medals.
Leading the British team is the experienced chef d'équipe, Di Lampard, who is a former competitor at the World Equestrian Games, European Championship, and Nations Cup.
Her focus on team structure, management, and coaching has been instrumental in guiding the team to success.
“AS A TEAM, we expect to perform even better this year, thanks to having that bit more time to prepare and the opportunity to build on lessons learned in the previous season," said Lombard. "Our aim is to finish within the top eight teams and qualify for the final in Barcelona.”
“We need to have the strongest teams available for the League series," she said. "The other nations have been very competitive so far, so we need to match that standard if we’re going to secure a place in the Final.
“Hopefully, we can plan and train with a larger squad of athletes and horses, balancing their individual goals with the responsibilities for League of Nations team selection.
“This year is a new season and a chance for everyone to make a statement.” she said.
“There will hopefully be some new combinations that are selected," said Lombard. "Some riders will be looking to use the series as a chance to prove themselves for selection for the European Championship this summer, while the more experienced ones will be trying out new or younger horses. Last year held an element of the unknown because the series was new, but now we know what to expect and can be better prepared. Time will tell.”
Maintaining the health and well-being of both humans and horses is a top priority for the British team.
Through the British Equestrian World Class Program, supported by UK Sport and The National Lottery, athletes have access to world-leading doctors, physiotherapists, strength and conditioning coaches, and nutritionists.
"I’m helping them to strategically plan their competition schedules and supporting the grooms – happy grooms mean happy riders, after all," said Lombard. "The well-being of our horses is of utmost importance, and making sure they’re feeling fresh is key to helping them perform at their best. I try to encourage the riders to limit the starts of each horse and build a plan around their individual needs. A World Class Program vet is usually at the events to check their well-being, and each horse will have a dedicated groom traveling with them to see to their every need.”
“Good luck to everyone," she said. "Let the sport be exciting and the best nations win. To all the British fans supporting us from home, thank you all for getting behind your national athletes. To the fans around the world supporting the Brits at each of the League of Nations competitions, please keep it going. The horses, let alone the riders, raise their game in a good atmosphere.”