At the close of a 14-day trade and transfer window, Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ) teams are welcoming new faces and endless talent. After a mid-way stop at the historic American Gold Cup, the 14-day transfer window was officially open. During those two weeks, teams had the opportunity to recruit new talent and trade athletes between existing teams
The only team to make use of a trade was Eye Candy, acquiring Ireland’s Richie Moloney and releasing fellow Irishman Daniel Coyle, ranked 41st in the world, from the team that holds the 2021 season championship title. Coyle was picked up by the Crusaders, but his is not the only new face on the Crusaders. The entire roster has been rebuilt with the likes of Mexico’s Nicolas Pizarro, ranked 44th in the world who returns to MLSJ after riding for the Otomi Warriors in 2021, as well as the MLSJ debut of Tanimara Macari. Crusaders also picked up Luis Biraben (ARG), Tali Dejong (USA) and Rupert Winkelmann (GER).
The current leading team – Helios – made one adjustment by picking up Nicolette Hirt (USA) and releasing Colombia’s Mark Bluman. Currently siting third in the overall standings, Spy Coast Spies gained talent from Jacob Pope (USA) and Brazil’s Rodrigo Lambre.
The Trailblazers made some big moves during the trade window, gaining number-25 in the world Darragh Kenny (IRL), as well as Lillie Keenan (USA) and Mexico’s Patricio Pasquel and Manuel Dufrane. Team Lugano’s roster remained intact, while the Desert International Horse Park Roadrunners are looking to make a big showing on home turf later this season with acquisitions of Erin Davis-Heineking (USA), who makes her return to the Roadrunners along with newcomer Arturo Parada (MEX).
Finally, the ShowPlus Northern Lights added some more Canadian talent to their lineup with Tiffany Foster, ranked 49th in the world, alongside Jim Ifko and Rachel Cornacchia.
The second half of the season begins at Mexico’s Otomí Club Hípico in San Miguel de Allende this week before continuing to Club Hípico La Silla in Monterrey in November. Culminating in California, year-end title and more than $500,000 in bonus money will be presented at the MLSJ Final taking place at the Desert International Horse Park in Palm Springs, CA, in December.
“We are delighted to see new talent joining teams and a wider spread interest from riders. The Major League Show Jumping tour is growing in a way that makes us very excited for the second half of this season and beyond,” said Keean White, co-founder of Major League Show Jumping. “The trades that were made are working to further elevate the competition and promise a very thrilling return to MLSJ action at Otomí Club Hípico this week.”