Yet Nations Cups have always had great sporting value for all riders. Competing in a top team event under their nation’s flag has always been every sportsperson’s dream. Love for one’s country is still felt strongly across all sports and contributing to a successful national result is one of the main goals of show jumping.
For the technical point of view, the Nations Cups are fundamental in preparing horses and young riders for the very top events: the Olympics and WEG (in that they are simulations of the major championships).
But the following reasons contributes to the weakening of Division 1 and 2 of the Nations Cups.a) Invitation system: The most important teams cannot participate in all of the Nations Cups, which makes the Division 1 competitions less attractive mediatically
b) Competitions such as Aachen, Calgary, Gijon, Rome are out of the circuit. It not easy to understand for the public and the general media the reason why the biggest and historic events are not part of it.
c) Prize money at the Division 1 (GP and NC) is not especially high compared to other 5* events.d) On top of this, the approval of new series, composed of many events, risks creating a monopoly that makes difficulties to keep NC the most important and attractive shows of the year.
The IJRC believes that the following improvement are necessary in short and medium term:1) More CSIO’s to improve every levels CSIO5*,CSIO4*and CSI3*
.2) Allow the top teams to take part to other shows then the 4 allocated if invited. Best teams should be allowed to take part to the top shows in order to attract the best riders.
3) Support the formula proposed by chefs d'équipe for both Division 1 and 2: 8 teams, 6 events, 4 results that count.
4) Grand Prix with prize money like in the other 5* events.
5) Work with all the different CSIO organisers in order to bring back the NC competition as the best product and highlight of our sport.
