With the inaugural season of the Longines League of Nations™ kicking off on Feb 11, over the next few days we will continue to take a closer look at the 10 nations that have qualified to compete and be the first to hoist the new trophy at the Final in Barcelona.
Considered by many as one of the most successful equestrian nations, Germany consistently delivers thrilling performances and remains a force to be reckoned with.
“By introducing the Longines League of Nations™, the National Federations and our teams have the chance to compete in a truly worldwide series. This is an exciting opportunity and we are looking forward to the League beginning,” says the German Federation’s general secretary, Soenke Lauterbach on their inclusion in the League.
Germany's stellar track record certainly supports the enthusiasm of their international fans. As well as being the current winners of the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Final 2023, they also took team Jumping golds no fewer than 3 times at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ and FEI Jumping World Championship - standing shoulder-to-shoulder with only France in holding this prestigious accolade. Adding to their glory, Germany are the only nation to become eight-time Team Olympic Champions, something they will be mindful of as Paris 2024 approaches this year.
Chef d’equipe and the German national coach since 2009 - not to mention a former German and Olympic champion - Otto Becker shares insights into what the Longines League of Nations™ means for Germany and the global jumping community.
As an established powerhouse in various sports, how do you anticipate the Longines League of Nations™ contributing to Germany maintaining its reputation as a leading nation in equestrian sports?
“It is an achievement already to be part of the Longines League of Nations™, and we feel that all ten nations enjoy and appreciate this privilege. Having said that, it is hard work, day-in and day-out for our riders, grooms and trainers to be successful and stay high on the rankings. Our teams will all do their best to perform well and shine on the Longines League of Nations™ stage - competition has become very, very tight over the years, so it is not taken for granted to be successful during the series. But – parallel to the Olympic Games – we consider the Longines League of Nations™ as the most prestigious series of 2024”.
The series puts our sport under a global spotlight. How do you plan to use this exposure to encourage and support the development of young German talents, ensuring a pipeline of skilled athletes for the future?
“Young athletes need orientation and goals to strive for. To dream of being part of a . . . national team is such a goal, especially when the nation performs well and secures national pride. Providing young athletes opportunities throughout their career is key to developing their skills consistently and thoroughly. This begins at youth level and continues throughout their whole career.”
Germany excels in multiple equestrian disciplines with many Jumping athletes having a diverse and versatile foundation. How do you feel this multidisciplinary expertise helps to give you an edge in the Longines League of Nations™?
“One core element of the famous German Principles of Riding is this diverse foundation. Our riders do not only learn Dressage or Jumping; the aim is that riders learn and understand that this is all connected and you cannot do one proficiently without the other. You become a better Jumping athlete when you can ride Dressage – and when you understand why, this helps your horse and yourself to jump better.
So, this core element has always been one of our strengths and continues to show its value. Additionally, the entire management of the horse must be very well thought-out and we feel strongly about optimising this. True horsemanship is an essential element for true excellence.”
Source: FEI (Georgie Roberts)