The 2024 Nations Cup year was concluded in Vilamoura (POR). 768 clear rounds were shown at 30 shows around the globe. In the exclusive ranking of the Swiss equestrian magazine «PferdeWoche», Ireland’s Cian O’Connor is the clear winner of the title: «Mr Nations Cup» 2024 with 15 clear rounds. Second place goes to Great Britain’s Ben Maher with eleven clear rounds. Third place with ten clear rounds goes to world number one Henrick von Eckermann (SWE). There are two winners in the country statistics: Ireland and Germany with 75 clear rounds each. Bronze goes to the Netherlands with 44 clear rounds.
There were 768 clear rounds in the Nations Cup this year. The flawless rounds at 30 events counted, including the two rounds at the Olympic Games in Paris that counted for the team. This year, one rider stands out and can celebrate the title of «Mr Nations Cup». With a total of 15 clear rounds, Ireland’s Cian O’Connor succeeds Steve Guerdat (SUI), who won in 2023 with 13 clear rounds.
The 45-year-old O’Connor, who runs the equestrian centre «Karlswood Stables» in Batterstown (IRL), has shone in eleven Nations Cups. He used four horses in his 15 clear rounds. With the nine-year-old French stallion Fancy de Kergane, he managed a total of eleven clear rounds, including three double clear rounds in Roeser (LUX), Prague (CZE) and Falsterbo (SWE). O’Connor also recorded a double clear with the twelve-year-old Belgian gelding K.I Maurice at the CSIO5* in Rome (ITA). In addition, there was one clear round each with the ten-year- old Oldenburg stallion Fermoy and the eleven-year-old Zangersheide gelding Iron Man.
O’Connor was delighted with the award from the sidelines of the CHI Geneva. «I think it's very special because it’s unique to be able to represent your country. We jump every week as individual athletes, but when we can help each other and compete as a team, it creates a very special atmosphere and culture. And the Irish team has done so well that I feel very lucky to have been a part of it for so long. Actually, my first Nations Cup was in Athens in 1999.»
O’Connor said of the Nations Cup in general: «The Nations Cup is probably the biggest challenge for us riders. Two identical rounds at short intervals, two water jumps, two triple combinations. I think the Nations Cup is very important, not only for the development of the horses, but also for the riders. It teaches the riders that Friday afternoon is usually the time and the day to perform – just like at a championship.»
In 2024, 321 riders from 39 countries rode a total of 768 clear rounds in the 30 Nations Cups (Three to Fivestar, Olympic Games). This results in an average of over 25 clear rounds per tournament. In 2023, it was just under 21 with 731 clear rounds at 35 tournaments.
The team from Ireland won the «team ranking» together with Germany, who each had 75 clear round. There were 22 Irish and 27 German riders in action. O’Connor comments: «I think there is a lot of ambition among young Irish riders to compete in Nations Cups competitions. There are also so many good young riders coming up all the time who want to be part of it and represent their country.»
There were 768 clear rounds in the Nations Cup this year. The flawless rounds at 30 events counted, including the two rounds at the Olympic Games in Paris that counted for the team. This year, one rider stands out and can celebrate the title of «Mr Nations Cup». With a total of 15 clear rounds, Ireland’s Cian O’Connor succeeds Steve Guerdat (SUI), who won in 2023 with 13 clear rounds.
The 45-year-old O’Connor, who runs the equestrian centre «Karlswood Stables» in Batterstown (IRL), has shone in eleven Nations Cups. He used four horses in his 15 clear rounds. With the nine-year-old French stallion Fancy de Kergane, he managed a total of eleven clear rounds, including three double clear rounds in Roeser (LUX), Prague (CZE) and Falsterbo (SWE). O’Connor also recorded a double clear with the twelve-year-old Belgian gelding K.I Maurice at the CSIO5* in Rome (ITA). In addition, there was one clear round each with the ten-year- old Oldenburg stallion Fermoy and the eleven-year-old Zangersheide gelding Iron Man.
O’Connor was delighted with the award from the sidelines of the CHI Geneva. «I think it's very special because it’s unique to be able to represent your country. We jump every week as individual athletes, but when we can help each other and compete as a team, it creates a very special atmosphere and culture. And the Irish team has done so well that I feel very lucky to have been a part of it for so long. Actually, my first Nations Cup was in Athens in 1999.»
O’Connor said of the Nations Cup in general: «The Nations Cup is probably the biggest challenge for us riders. Two identical rounds at short intervals, two water jumps, two triple combinations. I think the Nations Cup is very important, not only for the development of the horses, but also for the riders. It teaches the riders that Friday afternoon is usually the time and the day to perform – just like at a championship.»
In 2024, 321 riders from 39 countries rode a total of 768 clear rounds in the 30 Nations Cups (Three to Fivestar, Olympic Games). This results in an average of over 25 clear rounds per tournament. In 2023, it was just under 21 with 731 clear rounds at 35 tournaments.
The team from Ireland won the «team ranking» together with Germany, who each had 75 clear round. There were 22 Irish and 27 German riders in action. O’Connor comments: «I think there is a lot of ambition among young Irish riders to compete in Nations Cups competitions. There are also so many good young riders coming up all the time who want to be part of it and represent their country.»